581 price check

[Usmc5811]

While traveling back from my sisters today I stopped in a small town grocery/ hunting store and hanging in the rack was a 581 no dash 4" barrel no marks other than a turn line with original grips. The price tag had $679. I got the owner to get it out (he is a good friend of mine) and it was a beauty. He gave me the history on it and then told me I could have it for $600. So more knowledgable people jump in is this a decent price? I have a 586-3 but this was the first time seeing the 581. I think it is a fair deal but like I said I haven't really looked for/ come across one before. I was really surprised there were no holster marks on it. So tell me should I call him and tell him to hold it for me?

 

[Macinaw]

Before all the "craziness" at my LGS they had this 581 listed for $550. I was able to buy it for $350. In this market I would have bought it for what they were asking.

 

[old bear]

So tell me should I call him and tell him to hold it for me?

Do it now, quickly quickly !!!

 

[Usmc5811]

How many were made, are they as prevalent as the 586's ? Were there different barrel lengths? I can't seem to find much info about it.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Another forgotten S&W...... great gun brought out as the police world shifted to high cap 9mms. Made from 1980-88.

Had one a few years back...... but traded it on another Smith... a 4" 28 as it was too nice to carry. Wish I still had it..........

All 581s were 4" designed/intended for Police duty use.....

$600 seems high to me but then again they all seem to high lately...
my first 686 4" cost me about $300 OTD in 1985/6.........

Just checked my book I bought 2 4" 586s in 2007 both close to anib one for $350 the other for $379: bought a anib 6" 586 in 2009 for $551 figured at the time (first BO panic)I over paid $100 but hadn't seen a 6" 586 in years................I must be getting old...

Given that you don't see them very often..... I'm with old Bear..... grab it while you can .......

 

[ralph7]

Reviews of this post in 2016 will have folks shaking their heads as to what took you so long.

 

[KLYDE]

$600 is a bargain for the gun you described. If you don't want it PM me and I'll buy it. Already have a 581 and 681 but will surely buy another. A big plus is that it will compliment your 586. You don't seem to see nice blue 586/1's as much as the stainless guns.

 

[b_san]

IMO $500 to 550 max, 581/681s don't have much demand and can be found cheap.

 

[BCDWYO]

$600 is very reasonable IMO.

 

[4506517]

Buy buy buy!

I think that is a very reasonable price given the condition.

In my opinion, 581s are hard enough to find, let alone in that type of condition.

 

[ohiobuckeye]

The 581 is not exactly plentiful, most were heavily used, and a NIB condition 581 is not easy to come by. A beat up shooter can be found in the $450-500 range and I would consider a new condition 581 a steal at $600.

 

[Coaltminer]

Mine is like yours, was $489 plus ship and transfer, well worth it. Came out of New York State 2 years ago. I wouldn't waste time thinking about it.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I was issued one of these in the mid '80s. Now gone. Great shooting revolver. One of the few .357 revolvers I would consider buying today if I had the opportunity. I concur that $600 is a fair price in the condition you describe.
It would be interesting to know how many 581/681 series were made...

 

[Usmc5811]

We'll you guys twisted my arm, I will be calling tomorrow to put a sold tag on it. I tried calling yesterday but the owners aren't in on the weekends and because of the area his cell phone won't work. So guess I will be chomping at the bit to call first thing in the morning. Then I will have to wait until next Thursday to get it, it is a 2 hour drive from my house. And I won't be in the area until then. Will let you know tomorrow if it is indeed mine. I hope so it is really nice compared to some I have seen on the net trying to find more info.

 

[TAROMAN]

IMO $500 to 550 max, 581/681s don't have much demand and can be found cheap.

Really?
Nice ones, not beat up by cop use?
Please show me where to get them.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Me too,,,,,,,,Love to find a nice 90-95% shooter grade.......

 

[Usmc5811]

The only marks on it were a slight turn line. It belonged to a retired school teacher and doesn't look to be fired much at all.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The only marks on it were a slight turn line. It belonged to a retired school teacher and doesn't look to be fired much at all.

Right.......... heard that one before....... only carried it to Church on Sundays.

 

[Triathloncoach]

If you want the gun it's certainly a fair price. I wouldn't struggle too much wondering if one can be had for a little less. Even if one could be found for $25-$50 less, it's just as likely $50 more, the one on the wall is convenient, you can inspect it and a friend is selling it. If you can afford it than its a no brainer purchase. Have fun!

 

[sodacan]

Not a rare gun, but fairly uncommon. They don't come up for sale that often. IMHO, one of the most beautiful revolvers S&W ever made. I prefer my .357 K's and N's, but I wouldn't sell my 581 for $600.00. Good luck.