Model 681 help please

[armed_oms]

Hello everyone. First post here. I am trying to help a relative sell a Model 681 .357 revolver with a 4" barrel that he no longer wants to have.
I have not seen the gun yet, so this may be a bit premature, but I do have the original blue cardboard box. It's a little tattered, but the label is in good shape and it has all the original paperwork included as well as a cleaning brush that I think came form the factory.
The label lists the finish as "S" and the stock as "SB". The serial umber is ACL97**.
Can anyone tell me when this gun was manufactured and the approximate value? I know that value is based on condition. My understanding is that this gun was fired very little and has sat in storage for the last 20 years or so.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[bamabiker]

ACL should be in 1983.
If in very good condition with the box I'd guess $400 to $450 around here. Maybe a little higher.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum. The ACL prefix puts the gun as an early-mid 1983 ship date. S is stainless finish and SB is a square butt frame, which are consistent with a model 681. If it has the original stocks and box contents I would estimate its value at about $450-475, and you would probably find willing buyers if you post it in the For Sale section here. Others may differ on the price. Hope this is helpful.

 

[palmetto99]

The 681 ranges from 1980 to 1992. The ranges for engineering changes are:
681 1980 thu 1985
681-1 1986 thru 1987
681-2 1987
681-3 1988 thru 1992

Value? With original box, I would say $450 as a starting point.

There were some special 7-shot runs in 1996 and 2001

Hope this is helpful.

I have a 581 (blued version) and like it alot.

 

[armed_oms]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful. I should be getting the gun in a couple of days. I will post some pics and probably list it in the classified section.

 

[wnr700]

Locally, there is a moderatly worn 681 ( no dash/no M ) available for $575.

Seems a bit rich to me...

 

[xaztec]

There was one that sold on GB for $700.00.

 

[18DAI]

Before you sell the 681, you really should take it out and shoot it.

I was never an L-frame fan. I did like the look of the 681.

I stumbled into a deal on one several years back and bought it. Originally to trade for something I liked more. Then I shot it.

Fabulous revolver. Tack driving accuracy. Makes hot 357 loads feel like wadcutters. My favorite L-frame revolver. I'll never part with mine.

If you shoot it I'll wager that you will feel the same. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.

 

[PMRet]

I agree with others who have said $450-$500 range in excellent condition with original grips and box/papers.

For comparison purposes, one just sold here in the classifieds recently. Listed as VG+ condition, original grips plus a set of pachs and 2 speedloaders, no box/papers, $450 shipped.

For further comparison, there are 2 listed on an auction site right now, both with Hogues and without box/papers, $450 and $575, no bids.

 

[armed_oms]

Update

Thanks to everyone for allthe great advice and the warm welcome. I just picked up the gun late last night. It looks to be in excellent + condition. About 20 years ago it was given to a police dept. armorer who cleaned it, oiled it up and then it was placed in a safe until yesterday, when it went into mine. I wiped off the layer of oil and also removed the side plate. The interior looks pristine. The exterior looks nearly perfect. Mechanically, the lock up on all cylinders is bank vault tight...I thought only Pyhtons were that way! Timing seems perfect. It has the original wood grips which are in very good + condition. As soon as I get home from work this afternoon, it is photo time and I will post them here for opinions, if you don't mind, before putting it on the chopping block. I am not at all familiar with Smiths. I am a Colt Snake guy (sorry), so any input is greatly appreciated!!

 

[deanodog]

681s are excellent guns. I traded one away and missed it so I bought another one. I think both of them had the best triggers of any revolver I have owned and that is quite a few. I have no plans on getting rid of this one. I pollshed it up a little and I hope it is a keeper but going on my past record of buy/trade/sell routine who knows.

 

[armed_oms]

This gun has now been posted for sale in the classifieds section. Lots of photos. Really thought about keeping it, but the safe is pretty full and there is a local gun show tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for their input.