I've found a S&W 581 w/ significant holster wear that has a lanyard loop on the grip . I'm considering to buy but I'm curious as to who/why this configuration. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and expertise.
Could also be a foreign or South American contract piece. Many South American PD's ordered all kinds of S&W revolvers. I've seen 686's chambered for .38 Special, so a 581 would not be out of line.
In Europe and South America lanyards for revolvers were extremely popular. A bunch of Taurus 82's with lanyard loops just got imported.