Found this nice model 581, .357 Magnum at a local shop yesterday. Looks like it never saw much, if any, holster use.
Jut noticed from the photo that the grips seem a little oversized but I plan on getting some nice target style grips anyway. It shoots way better than I can. Sort of reminds of my Model 10 S&W issued to me in 1966 with the State Police. However, the frame is definitely beefier and these can allegedly handle many, many hot .357 Magnum load with no ill effects as compared to the standard "K" frame guns.
I really like the fixed sights on this gun. I do remember cutting my finger on a Model 19 rear adjustable sight when on duty and wrestling with a bad guy many years ago. Shot this gun with both 158 grain .357 Magnum and 158 grain .38 Special rounds yesterday. They both hit at almost the same point of impact at 7 yards which is good enough for me. I read somewhere that these sights are regulated for 158 grain loads.
These 581's were subject to a recall due to some minor cylinder binding with hot ammo. However, I checked and mine has been updated by the factory. (There is an "M" stamped just above the model number in the yoke.)
Not sure about the green insert in the front sight. All the ones I have seen have been red. It does look like a factory installation however. (Any info on that green insert front sight deal would be appreciated.)
Called S&W and they advised the gun was made in 1983.
I could really play the "old guy" role here and say "No more plastic guns for me". However, at my age I do find that my 6 oz. P32 is usually in my front pocket when I go out.
(PS: I found this name of the gun "S&W Model 581 "Distinguished Service Magnum", on several web sites. Sort of cool, I thought. Also found this, MODEL 581 (DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MAGNUM) .357 Mag. cal., L-Frame, fixed sights, 4 in. full lug barrel, 6 shot, blue or nickel finish, 38 oz. Disc. 1992.)
Trooper Joe
Jut noticed from the photo that the grips seem a little oversized but I plan on getting some nice target style grips anyway. It shoots way better than I can. Sort of reminds of my Model 10 S&W issued to me in 1966 with the State Police. However, the frame is definitely beefier and these can allegedly handle many, many hot .357 Magnum load with no ill effects as compared to the standard "K" frame guns.
I really like the fixed sights on this gun. I do remember cutting my finger on a Model 19 rear adjustable sight when on duty and wrestling with a bad guy many years ago. Shot this gun with both 158 grain .357 Magnum and 158 grain .38 Special rounds yesterday. They both hit at almost the same point of impact at 7 yards which is good enough for me. I read somewhere that these sights are regulated for 158 grain loads.
These 581's were subject to a recall due to some minor cylinder binding with hot ammo. However, I checked and mine has been updated by the factory. (There is an "M" stamped just above the model number in the yoke.)
Not sure about the green insert in the front sight. All the ones I have seen have been red. It does look like a factory installation however. (Any info on that green insert front sight deal would be appreciated.)
Called S&W and they advised the gun was made in 1983.
I could really play the "old guy" role here and say "No more plastic guns for me". However, at my age I do find that my 6 oz. P32 is usually in my front pocket when I go out.
(PS: I found this name of the gun "S&W Model 581 "Distinguished Service Magnum", on several web sites. Sort of cool, I thought. Also found this, MODEL 581 (DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MAGNUM) .357 Mag. cal., L-Frame, fixed sights, 4 in. full lug barrel, 6 shot, blue or nickel finish, 38 oz. Disc. 1992.)
Trooper Joe
