681

[Patriot04]

Well I finally did it. After 4 years I sent my 681 into S&W to be refurbished and a Combat Pistol job. After talking to FedEx for over 30 minutes last Saruday forshipping regs., which their Rep. was grossly misinformed, I took it to my local Gunsmith and had him handle it for me. Now I hope it comes back soon.
I want to thank my beautiful wife for making it happen, as well has my wonderful mother-in-law. They deserve all the kudos on this one.

 

[diamond_c]

Love to see some pics when it returns! What work does a combat pistol job include?

 

[Patriot04]

Glass Bead Finish,Tuned Action, Trigger Stop, Chamfer Charge Holes
Test Fire for Function

 

[ENGINE18]

Sounds good!

 

[SAFireman]

pictures.....pictures!

Gotta have some photos of it when it gets back....I have a 681 that glass bead blasted and it looks great....I bet yours comes back better than new. Can't wait to hear how it shoots.

 

[Patriot04]

When it comes back I will get some picts up.

 

[4864]

Sounds like you will have a sweet 681 very soon. Yes!! Photos please Sir.

 

[Patriot04]

Got my letter.

I got my letter from Smith today. I called them and approved the work to be done. They said about a 4 week turn around. Getting the Combat package and a little fluff and buff. Be glad to have her back. My wife is wonderfull, she gave me the fluff and buff for my B-day.

 

[tgwillard]

I love my 681 and after giving it a good polish after purchasing it used and adding new grips, I could not ask for a better functioning revolver.

 

[SAFireman]

Bet it looks something like this...

Here is mine....I did the work, and I couldn't ask for a better shooter

I bought a spare barrel that is set to get cut to 3"....I can hardly wait to see what it feels like with the 3" barrel

Here is some eye candy for ya.....that 4 weeks will go by in no time.

 

[sw44spl]

hey SAFIREMAN that looks great.I have a 581 nickel it is a great shooter.

 

[SAFireman]

581

hey SAFIREMAN that looks great.I have a 581 nickel it is a great shooter.

I have a 581 prospect right now....If the seller and I can come to terms, I may make a electroless nickel 581....well see what she looks like when/if it I end up with it. If the metal is decent, I may go high polish deep blue...like the older 27's....can't wait for the next project....

 

[bronco45]

SA Fireman: That 681 is a Buff lookin 357. How distinct is that front sight ? My old eyes would have trouble without some sort of insert.

Beautiful grips love the gun.

 

[SAFireman]

front sight

SA Fireman: That 681 is a Buff lookin 357. How distinct is that front sight ? My old eyes would have trouble without some sort of insert.

Beautiful grips love the gun.

The front sight is stainless, just like the rest of the gun...when I got it, it had fluorescent red paint on the grooves of the front sight making it easier to see. When and if my new barrel gets finished, it will have whatever I can find at the right height that will slide into the dovetail that is cut. Right now, I am thinking hi-vis red night sight, but we'll see what heights are available and go from there.

 

[Patriot04]

Right now I'm trying to find some unique grips for her. I'm afraid to tell you what I picked mine up for, but then again I haunt the Pawn Shops here and have a pretty good relationship with the Gun guy(s), just not always the money.

 

[RidgwayCO]

When I sent my M681-3 off to David Clements to be rechambered in .44 Special, I also had him bead blast it (lots of scratches and stray marks on it). I really like the way it looks now, sort of like titanium...

 

[SAFireman]

Whaaaaaattt???

When I sent my M681-3 off to David Clements to be rechambered in .44 Special, I also had him bead blast it (lots of scratches and stray marks on it). I really like the way it looks now, sort of like titanium...

You did what to that 681 ??? Where did ya get a 5 shot cylinder? I have never seen that before.....I want to know more...what was the cost of the conversion? What is it now a 621?

What did he do to the front sight? Is that black oxide gel treatment?

 

[Dobbs]

Me too...ditto to everything Fireman said.

 

[RidgwayCO]

Thank you for your interest!

The conversion required a 5-shot cylinder and hand purchased directly from S&W. I'm not sure if they sell them anymore, but you can ask them! I sent all the parts to David Clements and he did the work. The new front sight is a custom job by David in blued steel. The cost of everything (M681-3, cylinder, hand, and David's work) came to a little less than $1k if I remember correctly.

When I first read of this conversion, the person called it his "M691", and I liked the idea a lot. I really should update the photo, however, as it's now wearing a set of Crimson Trace Hoghunter laser grips. These, in my mind, are the perfect accompaniment to the fixed sights.

 

[jt1]

Very nicely done. I always enjoy a unique custom.

John