Smith and Wesson model 681

[jasons22]

I am looking at a Smith and Wesson Model 681 currently for 435 shipped. Sell claims to have only fired 100 rounds through it. It is stainless. Is this a good deal? Is it double and single action?

[L.E.]

Originally Posted by jasons22

I am looking at a Smith and Wesson Model 681 currently for 435 shipped. Sell claims to have only fired 100 rounds through it. It is stainless. Is this a good deal? Is it double and single action?

The 581's and 681's were an early fixed sight version of the 586/686's. Virtually all S&W revolvers are double-action (including this one).
L.

[pendennis]

The L frames with fixed sights are really high quality revolvers. They're absolutely utilitarian; nothing the shooter doesn't need. If you do shooting out further than 25 yards, you may want adjustable sights. However, that's a personal preference.

[MoonMullins]

The S&W 681 is one of my all time favorite models and getting a nice and affordable pre-lock Smith is getting hard these days.
I had to settle on an old 686....same thing with adjustable sights.
-Mike

[18DAI]

Good deal on a great sixgun. There were only 68,000 681's made, IIRC.

My favorite L-frame. Its evident there won't be anymore as nice as the 681, at least from S&W anyway.

Buy it, shoot it, love it! Good luck! Regards 18DAI

[La Grenouille]

Originally Posted by MoonMullins

The S&W 681 is one of my all time favorite models and getting a nice and affordable pre-lock Smith is getting hard these days.
I had to settle on an old 686....same thing with adjustable sights.
-Mike

Well if you don't want it, send it to me!

[BHP9]

I have a 4" 581 and the thing is accurate and looks nice.

Bottom Right.

[elkhunt]

It's a great buy.

[Rapidray]

That is a great price. I bought mine and paid $600 but it was old new stock. The last one the owner had. It reminds me of the muscle cars from the 70's. Built like a tank and will shot magnums all day long. I almost feel bad shooting 38 spls thru it as there is hardly no recoil. Here is mine.

[conhntr]

A 6" 581 is on my list. Always like the looks and heavy-dutiness!

[Rapidray]

the 581/681 was never made in a 6 inch barrel. They were only made in the 4 inch. But that would have made for an interesting revolver. Now the 586/686 yes it was made with a 6 inch also a 8 3/8.

[conhntr]

Dang i want a 6" fixed sight 7 shot pre lock p&r no mim s&w. Is that too much to ask?

[L.E.]

Originally Posted by conhntr

Dang i want a 6" fixed sight 7 shot pre lock p&r no mim s&w. Is that too much to ask?

Yes.
(they weren't 7 shot, nor were they pinned & recessed, either)
L.

[18DAI]

Well, with enough money anything is possible.

If you could find a nice 681, I'm quite sure any custom shop would make you a 6 inch barrel and fit a 7-shot cylinder to it.

Check over on the S&W forum. A fella there bulged the 4 inch full lug barrel on his VERY rare 14-6. He sent the barrel off to some custom shop and they made him an identical match grade barrel - sans roll marks of course.

Or you could just buy a 6 inch 686 barrel off Gunbroker and have a local shop machine off the front sight and dovetail a new one. Good luck!

Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI

[BillD]

I prefer a nice highly visible rear sight myself.