Early 581

[Coastie762]

I found an early production model 581 last weekend at a gun show. Unfortunately no box, however the gun does not appear to have been fired much if at all outside the factory. Absolutely no finish wear outside of a light turn line.

Serial number (AAD31XX) dates it to early production, the location of the S&W trademark on the sideplate would confirm it. Stocks are original, right panel is stamped with the serial number. No "M" stamp.

In my neck of the woods fixed sighted L frames seem to be very rare birds. I've only come across one other, a NYSP stamped 681 five years ago. I'd be curious about production numbers for the 581 as I know they were not produced as long as the 681s and would think they did not sell as well as the stainless guns.

Here are some photos of the 581 and it's stainless sibling.

 

[Erocksmash]

Wow nice find sir.... I've got a brother sister pair of a 68-1 (unfired) and a 581 myself. Somebody will be along shortly to give you the numbers... I've sent the 581 off for refinishing as it sat in a nightstand drawer for years, before my acquisition thus developing rust issues... I've read that they are extremely accurate with 158gr projectiles..

 

[Old_Cop]

Coastie, darn right they are rare birds in this area too.

 

[bananaman]

Congratulations on your new purchase! Your Smiths look very good! I traded into a 4", 586 no dash. No box. That does not stop me from enjoying it any less! Bob

 

[nate-dogg]

I'm curious on production numbers too. I've never seen a 581 or 681 for sale locally at gun shows or gun shops. My step dad bought a 681 at a pawn shop and I've been trying to get him to sell it to me but he won't budge.

 

[quaduser]

Just got my M581 off GB... serial # AAC95XX so it's a bit younger than yours. Not too many bidders which made me happy. I don't think these beauties are on a lot of radars... yet. Yeah, it has replacement targets but I like them better than Magnas and would have replaced them anyway...

 

[Coastie762]

Quaduser, nice gun! Just curious, as I see you have the box for your 581 what is the "Spec Ord" date on the label?

My 3rd edition copy of the SCSW noted that although earlier numbers were seen regular production started at "approximately AAD 2120". It also lists 1981 as the date for that serial number. I don't know if this info changed when the 4th edition was published.

 

[quaduser]

My fourth edition of SCSW states "Although examples are found with the AAA serial number prefix, early 1st production begins about s/n AAA2006 - AAA4867."

My box has no date.

 

[Coastie762]

Thanks for the info! I guess I'll have to spring for the fourth edition after all...

 

[krsmith58]

Just got my M581 off GB... serial # AAC95XX so it's a bit younger than yours. Not too many bidders which made me happy. I don't think these beauties are on a lot of radars... yet. Yeah, it has replacement targets but I like them better than Magnas and would have replaced them anyway...

Mr. quaduser , i think the targets make the 581 even better looking . very nice . may have to find some for my 581/681 . yours looks great , kenny , texas

 

[moralem]

Out of curiosity, what are these going for?