686 barrel on a 681?

[keithhagan]

I like the idea of a fixed sight L frame, but wish they came in a 3". (I know about the performance center ones, but they're uncommon and overpriced for a handgun meant to be used)

Is having a 686 3" barrel fit to a 681 a completely goofy idea?

I imagine a new, lower, pin-in sight would be called for (though I would prefer a completely integral sight as on the 681 barrel). Think it's possible to get low enough?

I know I could have the 4" 681 barrel cut down, but I've never been satisfied with the end result of cut barrels, personally.

 

[S&W627]

I don't believe you could get the front sight low enough with a 686 barrel on the 681 frame. Of course, with enough money and a good pistolsmith anything is possible.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I had a M681 and I foolishly sold it but at least I did buy a M686 with the money.

My small local gun club was running revolver competitions and the rules were a 6 round limit. At the time I didn't have the money to just buy the gun I needed.

I wonder why S&W discontinued the M681 and M682?

 

[stansdds]

Front sight height with such a swap is likely going to be a problem.

 

[glenwolde]

After looking at some pictures it looks to me like it would work. One would have to mill the front sight base off, clean it up, and fit a new front sight. I think I might have them dovetail it though.

Not really a big deal I don't think. But I don't have them in front of me to measure everything.

 

[Engine49guy]

Sounds like alot of work and $.
Why not just sell the 686 and buy a Model 65 Ladysmith with ejector rod shroud.

 

[keithhagan]

Sounds like alot of work and $.

Cool.

Why not just sell the 686[?]

don't have a 686.

Why not just...buy a Model 65 Ladysmith with ejector rod shroud[?]

don't want a K frame.

 

[Nedroe]

All You Need is a Hacksaw......

to start anyway.




A lathe, a mill, a hand grinder, a belt sander, & a bead blaster all come in handy too. It aint rocket surgery.
Enjoy.

Ned

 

[Muley Gil]

I had a M681 and I foolishly sold it but at least I did buy a M686 with the money.

My small local gun club was running revolver competitions and the rules were a 6 round limit. At the time I didn't have the money to just buy the gun I needed.

I wonder why S&W discontinued the M681 and M682?

Fixed sighted revolvers were marketed towards police and security sales. The wonder nines, Glocks, etc. started taking over the market.

 

[keithhagan]

to start anyway.




A lathe, a mill, a hand grinder, a belt sander, & a bead blaster all come in handy too. It aint rocket surgery.
Enjoy.

Ned

No offense, but I don't care for the results of hacking it off.

It looks like you did an ok job, but it never looks quite right. Also, see paragraph 4 of OP.

 

[80sgyrene]

Another take on a chopped 681

581 to 3.5

 

[BAM-BAM]

Sweeet 581 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thou I'd prefer a stock cylinder release.

 

[sodacan]

The position of the barrel rollmarks after the cut is a deal breaker for me.

 

[Catwrangler]

Greetings all- since this site Is dedicated to S&W's I"d like to propose a solution that keeps this 681 from being defiled, gives the OP a non K frame 3" And .357 at the same time.
RUGER makes/made a Gp100 that fits the bill.
My reasoning is despite regular gunshow attendance from 81 to up until 2 yrs. Ago due to the flea markets they've become, I have never seen a 581 or 681 in the wild.
Either learn to live with it sell it OR sell it and embarck on another course. Even a compact semi 9 or .45.
I await the ING to start.
My .02. OUT!

 

[sodacan]

Greetings all- since this site Is dedicated to S&W's I"d like to propose a solution that keeps this 681 from being defiled, gives the OP a non K frame 3" And .357 at the same time.
RUGER makes/made a Gp100 that fits the bill.
My reasoning is despite regular gunshow attendance from 81 to up until 2 yrs. Ago due to the flea markets they've become, I have never seen a 581 or 681 in the wild.
Either learn to live with it sell it OR sell it and embarck on another course. Even a compact semi 9 or .45.
I await the ING to start.
My .02. OUT!

Plus one on that. Why would anyone want to mess around with the natural beauty of a 581 or 681.

 

[keithhagan]

Greetings all- since this site Is dedicated to S&W's I"d like to propose a solution that keeps this 681 from being defiled, gives the OP a non K frame 3" And .357 at the same time.
RUGER makes/made a Gp100 that fits the bill.
My reasoning is despite regular gunshow attendance from 81 to up until 2 yrs. Ago due to the flea markets they've become, I have never seen a 581 or 681 in the wild.
Either learn to live with it sell it OR sell it and embarck on another course. Even a compact semi 9 or .45.
I await the ING to start.
My .02. OUT!

Plus one on that. Why would anyone want to mess around with the natural beauty of a 581 or 681.

You two seem not to realize that you are responding to a post in the S&W-Smithing section of the site.

 

[ladder13]

Had my 681 hacked up, and added a 7 shot cylinder.

 

[Catwrangler]

Keith, Not trying to start a ****ING contest. Post # 5 gives the best gunsmithing solution and allows the retention of the orig. Barrel so the revolver could be re-converted to it's original form if desired in the future.

 

[CH4]

The off center roll marks is a no go for me. They need to be centered or removed. Otherwise, it looks unfinished - like bubba’s junior high shop project.

 

[Lewel]

681

I have a 681 & a 581 bobbed to 3 inches.
I like the L frame & the shorter barrel let's it slide in a coat pocket