Got a 681 in trade...

[Cuda]

Traded a Philippine 1911 for this...681-1.



I like it; haven't had a chance to get it to the range yet...

I'm wondering, though--I know there's a bunch of Australian trade ins on the market right now; every one I;ve seen was pretty beat up, this one is in very good shape (not much of a turn line, not many scratches/blemishes anywhere...I'd say 90%+). The previous owner said it was either a former Paris Police or a Canadian Wildlife Service pistol...any easy way to find out if it is one of those (doesn't matter much to me, just curious)...serial number is AUV07XX...

And a quick photo with my other two stainless .357's; a 686-1 and a 65-3.

 

[03clyde]

I wish CAI had found a better place for the import markings.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

The answer should be in the marking. I have made an enlargement of the front of the barrel. It is not super sharp. Can you read it?

 

[Cuda]

Yep; CAI, Georgia, VT...I know that's who imported it...but I guess I don't know where you're going from there; are you saying I should contact the importer and ask where it came from?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

AUV07XX...

Likely, September 1986. The CAI marking definitely means it's come back from foreign ownership. Marking like that are required by law on re-imports. CAI might tell you, but their customer service is legendary for it's obtuseness.

 

[loeman]

Congratulations Cuda! I'd make that trade too. Looks like you got a really nice one. I've had my 681 for about a year and it has become my favorite revolver among many. My two 686s are now taking a back seat. If something happened to it I'd be looking for a replacement. If yours is like most 681s it will have a super trigger and remarkable accuracy.

 

[Cuda]

Thank you much.

I figured that CAI would be a black hole; so...guess I'll have to decide which sounds better.

 

[Sailfish 40]

i bet the former owner gave it some tlc. cleaned it up and added those stocks.

 

[bananaman]

You ended up with a Smith that will gain in value. I doubt that the 1911 would. ( I do have a 9mm RIA Tactical great gun for price) I have a 686, & 586, both are a joy to shoot. I don't think that you will ever regret it. If you do, there are plenty more to be had. (1911) Enjoy it! Bob