581 Question?

[Macinaw]

Its a 581 no dash ser. # AJZ33XX

It doesn't have the recall "M" does this mean it wasn't recalled?

And could someone please tell me the year of manufacture. Thank You!

 

[stantheman86]

Very nice, I have 2 581's and I love them both.

I don't have my SC of S&W with me, but surely someone else will date the gun.

Neither of my 581's have the M stamp, it doesn't mean they weren't affected by the recall, just that the owner or PD never sent them back for the update. Odds are the gun will work just fine, it's just that some 586-686-681-581 revolvers locked up with .357's when the primer flowed around the bushing. Your gun might not even be affected, but I believe S&W still does the free update if you send it in.

 

[442js]

If it doesn't have the M stamped on the yoke, then the recall wasn't done. The gun is still eligible to get the recall done, but it isn't necessary in many cases. If you want the recall done, you can contact S&W and they can get you started with the procedure to send the gun into them.

 

[JCS&W]

You have a nice M581. 442js is correct on the M stamp, and according to SCSW your M581 was shipped between Aug and Nov 1985.

 

[Macinaw]

This is my first non stainless Smith.

On the top strap and top of the barrel the blue finish is a matte or dull finish. Is this normal for this type of revolver? Thank You!

 

[fyimo]

Nice looking 581 and in most cases the recall work wasn't really needed so you should shoot it for wa while to see if the problem exists. The primers flowed back causing the revolver to lock up and made it hard to open.

 

[Cpt. Obvious]

Mac, yeah the matte top is normal, reducing glare and such rather than something bright and polished.

Enjoy the 581, I gots one and love it!

 

[bananaman]

Nice 581!!! I have a no dash 586, from 1983. Recall was not done on it. I like it in it's present state. If I ever have a problem, then it goes back! Great shooting guns too! Enjoy your 581. Bob

 

[Rapidray]

You will like it!

They are great revolvers!

 

[Macinaw]

This 581 is also my first no IL Smith. It is almost 30 years old. I was checking the cylinder for play and found none. No side to side movement and no front to back movement. All of my "modern" Smiths have much more movement of the cylinder. Am I missing something about older Smiths? Are they really that much better quality? Thank You! Mac

 

[JCS&W]

Macinaw, I am afraid you have hit the slippery slope lined with older S&W's. Yes, they are that much better, and just wait until you get one that is pinned and recessed, then one with a "S" prefix on the serial number, then a flat latch, then......well you get the idea. By the way, never, ever look at a nickel Smith!