My sad (ok, not really) 581 story

[2hawk]

About this time last year I came across a 581 on an auction site, a service gun by the looks of it. Got it, and although it was "cosmetically challenged", it was a great shooter. Good action, and shot to point of aim. I have another 581 and a 681 as well, and this on just seemed to be better, performance wise. But, it was pretty ugly. Enough so that I had asked the seller if he knew of anyone making concrete holsters, because what he had described as holster wear looked more like pavement rash ;/

Anyhow, I decided that I would send all three guns back to S&W for a complete mechanical checkout, you know, timing, endshake and lockup, and to change the floating hand. They got there, and when talking to the service guy I made the mistake of asking about a refinish. Honestly, I thought they'd say it was a poor candidate because of the condition, but after some consultation on their end they said they could do a re-finish, no problem. I knew the value of the gun is not going to be worth what I had into it if I went with the re-blue, but I just liked the gun, and wanted it to look at least presentable.

So, fast forward to now. I still have all three guns, and my other 581 and 681 go to the range on a regular basis. But, here's my problem. S&W actually did such a nice job on the gun that I can't bring myself to shoot it. I know that's ridiculous, but since I already have a good shooting 581 (the first one I had, and it did come back from the factory a better shooter), it just seems unnecessary to take it out.

So, what to do. I've thought about just hanging onto it until my grandson gets old enough, but he's going to be 7 this year, and that seems like a long time to keep it in the safe. I think I need to let go for something I'll shoot, but I'm still considering the options.

I'm sure you all will have an opinion or two, so let's hear 'em.

Oh, and the obligatory pics (sorry, no before photos):

Oh well, there are worse problems to have

 

[586nickel]

Wow, that's a beauty! Pics are amazing!

TOUGH decision -- shoot or no shoot. I say shoot the other one, especially now that is shoots better, and admire this one.

Don't let it go - I think you would regret it. From the sound of it, you are emotionally attached to this one. Make it an awesome grandson gift when the time comes.

 

[murphydog]

The usual dilemma is a debate over shooting one really nice gun (refinished or not). You have two 581s and one shooter, you lucky guy, so save this one.

 

[2hawk]

I don't know about emotionally attached, this would be the first gun I would get rid of if I had to, just because I don't want/need to shoot it.

But, if I can stop drooling over other potential acquisitions and just put it up, you're right, it would be an awesome coming-of-age present for the kid.

 

[bigmoose]

That refinish job came out beautifully. I wouldn't call your predicament a "sad story" at all. You are lucky to have another to shoot. If this one stays in the safe to be admired for its beauty and quality, then so be it. It will certainly make a nice heirloom. Otherwise, you can parlay the revolver in to another gun that you may have had an interest in, but didn't want to spend the money on. Lots of ways to go about this. Sometimes this kind of challenge is what makes gun collecting fun.

 

[.357magger]

You have NO problem Sir.

Keep it pristine is what I say, especially since you have another 581. Not making these anymore and I don't want to start a food fight or anything, but I think you're wrong about not "getting your money back" on that one. It's THAT good looking that if you had that on a table at your local show...someone would snap it up and pretty quickly.

Just my .02 on that but is sure is a purdy one and it's just as easy to buy a pretty pistol as it is to buy a clunker.

Thanks for the sharing the pics...NICE L frame.

 

[2hawk]

moose, you're right. I was thinking that it was a sad state of affairs to have a gun that shot well and then wind up not wanting to shoot it, but I guess what I did was unexpectedly create an heirloom. And, I've got an heir, so that'll work

ETA post title changed to reduce whining noise- you guys are making me feel like I didn't make a mistake, thanks all-

 

[C/O]

That is a beautiful gun. I suggest you go with your idea of saving it for your grandson. When he gets old enough he will love it.

 

[jimmyj]

If you don't shoot and enjoy it, the next owner will.

 

[old bear]

That is a beaut!, but it along with all Smiths it was designed and engineered to be shot, so shoot it. I would also suggest that you take good care of it, but you already know that.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

Nice 581, you need a polished Tyler-T to set it off.

 

[cptdco]

That's a beautiful refinish. I'm particulary impressed with how sharp the roll marks still are; the S&W logo on the side looks like it had never been polished in preperation for a re-bluing. I have a 27-2 I have considered sending back for rebluing...if I was sure it would come out as nice as yours, I think I'd do it. Shoot or no shoot? I have a 581 I bought a few years ago that was unfired (I believe) in the original box and I shoot the heck out of it. Take care of a gun and does it really change much in appearance? I have a Colt 1911 government model from 1951 I recently picked up that was one of a bunch of unfired examples that surfaced. I had a choice: leave it unfired or shoot it every week for the rest of my life. I went with Plan B and every time I shoot it I enjoy doing so, and enjoy the fact that its just such a beautiful gun. And would the grandson prefer a gun you stored in the safe for years or one you (and he) had actually put rounds down-range with? And lastly, I believe that if there is a financial advantage to leaving it unfired, somebody else will reap that small advantage after you're dead and buried. Either way, enjoy it.

 

[Rimbaud]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but is that nickel or blued?

 

[2hawk]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but is that nickel or blued?

Factory re-blue. Hard to take photos of, it's like a mirror. Got a bunch of pics with my mug all over the gun

 

[frbeall]

Man, that's one nice finish. I wouldn't shoot it. Nice present for your grandchild to get. You almost have me ready to send my 581 off, but mine's original and in great shape.

 

[2hawk]

Looks good to me...

Man, that's one nice finish. I wouldn't shoot it. Nice present for your grandchild to get. You almost have me ready to send my 581 off, but mine's original and in great shape.

You've got a solid looking firearm there, I wouldn't worry about it.
Here's my shooter 581:

 

[deanodog]

That is a beauty. And they said you couldn't make a silk purse from a sow's ear. It looks like you have did it.

 

[stantheman86]

Those guns look great!

I also have a pair of 581's, but I'm too cheap to have them re-done and I use them as shooters anyway.

 

[Cold_DeadHands]

I say sell one of the "shooters" and keep the the refinished one & put it to some use. No sense in paying to get it rebuild/refinished and then not using it.

 

[skywag]

You refinished it and destroyed its collectors value. Better just pack it up and send it to me.