Picked up a very nice 581

[Kernel Crittenden]

Let's see if this works....

Thanks. The ship date is November 22, 1983.

The number 5810014031 is a code as well. "581" is the model (a Model 29 would be "029"). "00" is the dash number, no-dash in this case ("10" would be a dash one). "1" is code for blue steel (stainless is "9"). "40" is a 4-inch barrel. "31" I'm not sure, but I don't think it applies to any physical feature of the gun itself. It might be a code for the inspector, since the same series of numbers repeat on both similar and dissimilar guns.

 

[MCQUADE]

I had was 15 years old when this one shipped...

 

[jtcarm]

Nice catch.

681s are beginning to catch my eye.

 

[jtcarm]

Thanks. The ship date is November 22, 1983.

The number 5810014031 is a code as well. "581" is the model (a Model 29 would be "029"). "00" is the dash number, no-dash in this case ("10" would be a dash one). "1" is code for blue steel (stainless is "9"). "40" is a 4-inch barrel. "31" I'm not sure, but I don't think it applies to any physical feature of the gun itself. It might be a code for the inspector, since the same series of numbers repeat on both similar and dissimilar guns.

A wealth if info as usual, KC. Thanks!

 

[jrod]

Congrats! I had a 681 in the 80s. I really miss it!
581s & 681s are the coolest L Frames!
I wish S & W would bring them back!
You definitely scored!!

 

[Dan Christopher]

That looks to have been shot very little. There's almost no turn line on the cylinder.

A very nice find, McQuade!

 

[MCQUADE]

Congrats! I had a 681 in the 80s. I really miss it!
581s & 681s are the coolest L Frames!
I wish S & W would bring them back!
You definitely scored!!

The L-frames with gutter sights are my favorite guns for social work. I picked up a beater 681 awhile back that is a tack driver! She rides with me in the truck....