**A very rare S&W** 1999 Model 681-3 7-Shot - Only 25 made

[gr7070]

The labels on the 25 guns are marked on the label in the "Features" spot NON-STD

I presume that's the label on the boxes? I don't see how this is significantly different than any other 7-shot 681.

Granted, I have a biased view as I don't see how most modern, mass-produced S&Ws have any collector value.

Interested to see how far off I am.

 

[murphydog]

A 7-shot 681 may have not been in production at that time, so a special order from a favored customer may have indeed been a "special order". Still haven't read if these are different from a standard 681 "Plus"...

 

[joedegs]

How Many??

The way I read the letter it says, "This shipment was for 25 units of this model and they were billed at the wholesale price of $249.00 each". The letter does not say there was only 25 units built, just that 25 units were shipped. I think there might have been more than 25 units built.

The letter does state, on January 28, 1999 S&W shipped 25 models. Fugate's listing- BHS8073. Keystone's listing- BJA0174. Who's to say that Mr. Sherburne didn't order more down the road. Since for a Police Department, new officers may have wanted what theirs peers had??

I guess the owner of BJA0174 will need to get his revolver lettered and share the information.

 

[llowry61]

Sounds like you have 2 of the 3 factors that determine value. Condition is there, rarity is there, sounds like the market interest is what would be in question now. I would bet it is a pretty narrow market based the responses. As others have said, I would not consider the prices of the listings by the other seller as market value. Good luck with the journey to research and potentially add it to your collection.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Well, when they were new, you could get one for about $50 a hole.

I'd be comfortable at $100 a hole..

 

[THE PILGRIM]

So - how many total 7 hole 681s did Smith make?

 

[Dieseltech56]

That GB listing shows a beautiful gun but I'm shocked how low the winning bid was. It seems like dang near any nice old S&W in a box will fetch $1200 from keystone arms

 

[SmithNut]

Should have kept mine longer....

There were several Performance Center 3" versions made RSR had two or three variations, one with a Black T cylinder and Green T frame.

The two above were from Lew Horton.

 

[ladder13]

Interesting thread. Where does one find a 7 shot cylinder?

 

[smith17]

Let me reword that then. Read the letter really carefully to make sure you understand exactly what it's claiming... Is it stating only 25 were made, or were 25 shipped out... That's all I'm saying!

I read it pretty carefully and think I understand exactly what it is claiming.


What I read is:


Letter says, " this shipment was for 25 units of this model".
Claim in body of ad says " only 25 made".


Different claims and meaning. Righteousness of letter to me seems legitimate.
Ed

 

[HamHands]

I read it pretty carefully and think I understand exactly what it is claiming.


What I read is:


Letter says, " this shipment was for 25 units of this model".
Claim in body of ad says " only 25 made".


Different claims and meaning. Righteousness of letter to me seems legitimate.
Ed

Well then you are squared away with doing business with Fugotti then should you ever decide to do so... My original post was there for anyone that would/might like some first hand insight/experience. Take it for what it's worth... Or not, I really don't care...

 

[jh9]

Interesting thread. Where does one find a 7 shot cylinder?

Brownells or midway has them occasionally. None in stock now but I got one about a year ago for $120.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I see nothing complicated or pricey about sending my 681 back to Smith and getting a 7 shot cylinder fitted. For that matter I would think I could just swap out the 7 shot cylinder from my 686+.
I agree that Fugate has some NICE stuff that he charges top dollar for-and he stays in bid'ness so good for him. David Carroll also has nice stuff as does Lee. I also remember John Fugate posting some beautiful pictures here a while and and there was quite a bit of gushing. He's got NICE stuff and I've bought from him and was not disappointed in either price or quality.

 

[bigggbbruce]

So - how many total 7 hole 681s did Smith make?

Well I do know this, for the price of a 7 shot 681. I'd be happy with a 6 shot.

 

[ladder13]

I see nothing complicated or pricey about sending my 681 back to Smith and getting a 7 shot cylinder fitted. For that matter I would think I could just swap out the 7 shot cylinder from my 686+.
I agree that Fugate has some NICE stuff that he charges top dollar for-and he stays in bid'ness so good for him. David Carroll also has nice stuff as does Lee. I also remember John Fugate posting some beautiful pictures here a while and and there was quite a bit of gushing. He's got NICE stuff and I've bought from him and was not disappointed in either price or quality.

Gary, I emailed them yesterday after reading the OP. They said they would not swap out the cylinders.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Looks like I am going to end up with one of these 25 681's, possibly today and if so I will post some photos including the label.
Will check in with Roy again to try and get more details on this run of 25.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Picked up one of the 681-3's today - Photos added

OK now we have a specimen in hand for all of us to evaluate.

There are several stamps on the left side of the grip frame - Maybe these will provide more information?

 

[bigggbbruce]

Nice gun.. Gotta say I'd be on that for $700 all day long..

Oh and I found this.. go to post 12..New information (not corrections) for SCSW4

 

[Dieseltech56]

You would think that would warrant a dash 4 engineering change. The 686-4 had already been out 5 years.

 

[rwt1405]

Nice gun.. Gotta say I'd be on that for $700 all day long..

Oh and I found this.. go to post 12..New information (not corrections) for SCSW4

Now THAT makes things a bit more interesting!