New S&W 681 (to me)

[4D5]

Picked this up this Saturday at one of the pawn shops I frequent. It had only been out a week so the negotiating wasn't as easy if it had been there a while. But I've bought from them before so I did pretty well anyway. I though I'd better buy it now rather than wait for better negotiation opportunities because it might be gone later (happened to me once).

It had a few cosmetic issues on a part of the cylinder and one side of the barrel but I got those cleaned up with Birchwood Casey lead remove and polish cloth.
There were a few rough spots on the right recoil shield edge that cleaned up with a little stone work. The action is ok but probably could use a little work.

I got it cleaned up and got to take it out for a quick trip and ran 50 rounds through it. Shot nice but the grips have to go. I'm either going with hogue or Ahernds for better purchase and control.

No box or papers. I checked its DOB and it somewhere between 1980-1986.

S&W model 681 no dash and no "M" stamp
Stainless steel
4" bbl
357mag

 

[st regis]

One of the best guns ever....I still have my 1987 issued 681. Definately a keeper you have there.

 

[palmetto99]

I got my 581 back from S&W Friday (it now has the "M") and ran a few .38 rounds through it for a test. All was well. I agree about the grips. All my K/L frames have Hogue monogrips.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Don't be so fast getting rid of those grips-Try them with a Tyler and see how she feels-That's how I have mine set up and it fits like a glove.

 

[JEM]

Does S&W charge to up grade and modify the 681 I still have my service pistol its not modified.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Great revolver. I use a pair of smooth wood grips with a Tyler Grips Adapter on mine. Shoots great.
Jimmy

 

[bamabiker]

JEM, I believe S&W will do the mod free and pay for shipping. Contact them.

 

[palmetto99]

S&W will perfrom the work and pay for the shipping both ways. It took about twelve days round trip for my 581. BTW, I also use aTyler T-grip for one of my K's (mod. 15-2) and it works very well. But, I have better luck finding Hogue grips and I like to save the factory stocks that are in good shape.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Great guns. You can't go wrong with Spegel Boot Grips...

 

[Wee Hooker]

I've got one in 38 spl that's become my "all purpose" range gun. Absolutely love my 681 and wouldn't trade it for the world.

 

[stantheman86]

Grips!

I love the Pachmayr grip adaptor, they can still be found on E-Gunparts.

This is my 581, the grips on it are OK but I have the stock square butt Magnas and a Pachmayr grip adaptor on a 64-3 and I love it. I may do the same with this 581, except with a set of PC Magnas since I like the feel of these better. The Pachmayr grip adaptors, for me, give better grip because they're rubber and not aluminum like Tylers. Plus, I think the Pachmayr adaptors are more "period" for an 80's-90's cop gun than a Tyler but I'm sure there are older cops right now who have a T-Grip on a S&W or Colt wheelgun.