581Production

[Coaltminer]

I bought a 581 from Gunbroker. I'd like to know if anyone can give me an approximate number of guns produced. If you're curious, it's blue, made in '82, serial starts with AAP. Thank ya!

 

[Jack Flash]

Can't help with number produced, but I believe they are not rare.

Per the SCS&W, the M581 was "Produced circa 1981-1988." The same source gives the date for production of serial number AAPxxxx as somewhere in the timeframe October - December 1982.

 

[Coaltminer]

I know they're not rare, but I very seldom see one for sale here in WV. I've only seen one here in 25 years and it was well used with Hogue grips. I'm glad to to have found an original in good shape. Thanks for replying.

 

[18DAI]

I've seen production numbers on the 581's stainless cousin, the 681, of 68,000. IIRC one of the places I saw this number was the SCSW 3rd.

The 581 was made in fewer numbers than the 681, as LE overwhelminly went with stainless. So theres a place to start.

While perhaps not rare, the 581 is certainly scarce. Congrats on aquiring one! The 581 is at the top of my buy on sight list. Regards 18DAI

 

[Jack Flash]

I've never seen one in a gun shop myself. I would really like to since I intend to buy one some day. You see them come up for sale on-line occaisionally. Not too long ago, an on-line dealer had some that had been property of a prison. They looked like they had a lot of holster wear, and also looked pretty "knocked around" so I passed. IIRC, the price was very reasonable. They were probably ok shooters. I have an M586 in excellent plus condition that I may swap for an M581 if I ever see one.

Congrats on finding one. Sorry if my post wasn't all that informative. Also, I missed in your first post that you already knew it was made in '82. I guess I get the "Department of Redundancy Department" award today.

 

[Coaltminer]

Thanks, people. I appreciate your time. I don't like buying on line, but sometimes you can't find specific models locally, even if you wait years!

 

[nipster]

I've never seen one in a gun shop myself.

The only one I ever saw in a gun shop I bought on the spot for $400. Was in about perfect condition with the right grips and all but no box.

 

[Coaltminer]

I paid $489 plus shipping and transfer fees and don't think that's too bad. Some get better deals, but it ain't me!

 

[mag318]

I agree, you just don't see 581s often. I found this one in a small Illinois shop and immediately bought it. Turned out to be a great shooter even with it's fixed sights. It's dead on with 158grn loads in either 38 Special or 357 Magnum. I hope someday to run across a blued one.

 

[steamloco76]

I was in my LGS last year about an hour after an older S&W collector sold this AAA serial prefix 581 to the owner. Smoke came off my wallet because I whipped it out so fast. So far it is the only blued 581 I've seen in my neck of Penn's Woods.
According to the SC of S&W official 581 production began with the AAD prefixes though "Some have been observed with the AAA serial prefix". I really should get this one factory lettered.

 

[2hawk]

What's going on in here?

10 posts, one photo? I guess that speaks to the scarcity....

I've got a couple, one that I sent back for a beauty treatment and one that regularly goes to the range.

Great guns, and under appreciated imho.