S&W 581,681??

S

seb5

New member
Does anyone know much about the 581/681? I know what it is but am wondering if they are worth much of anything. I've found a 581 no dash that's about 98% with as good a trigger as I've ever seen on a factory S&W. I believe it is still factory. Anyway, do the big fixed sites revolvers ever hit POA at 25 or is that too far? I've never cared for fixed site revolvers unless they are snubbies or S/A's. Thanks. BTW it is 289.00 out the door. Too much?
 
Should have no problem with .357 at 100yds, depending on the shooter. If it were near me, I would buy it in a heartbeat. :) Shoot several fixed sight guns at 8" steel plates at 50 to 75 yds, and at 12" plates at 100yds. Do I hit every shot? No :D
 
A model 581 with no dash would put manufacture between 1981-1986. The specimen you're looking at, with 98% blue (perhaps with a bit of wear near the muzzle) is worth about $300. 85% blue would be worth about $250.
Stainless Steel 681's run in the same price range.

Sounds like a good deal.

FWIW:
With fixed sight guns, find the brand/weight/power combination your gun shoots best with at 25 yards. That is, the one closest to point of aim and groups consistently. Then you can work your way out to 50 and then 100 yards as you learn how much "hold over" you need.
 
If you're looking for a target pistol, competition pistol, the fixed sight guns are not for you. That isn't to say they aren't necessarily accurate, as they can be quite accurate. But a fixed sight gun is a defense gun and for that purpose, they're awesome! I own a number of them, including this 681

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I LOVE the gun! But it ain't a target gun! And I don't ask it to perform as such. Got other blasters for that.

Buy that 581 and enjoy it... you won't regret it! They are magnificent home/RV/camp defense guns and even carry ok with the no-snag profile. Then add a nice 586 or 686 for your distance work and target/competition shooting.
 
I found an example of the same weapon (581 no dash / 98%) last Fall...$295 out the door. Superb trigger. Great balance. No sights to snag. More accurate than I am. Has replaced both my Speed Six and S&W 65 as my favorite handling service revolver.

Buy it. You won't regret it.
 
I love my 581 no snag,quick handling will digest any ammo i put in it. i purchased mine in 1989 from leo friend of mine when thay changed over to auto's.
 
581

The no dass if you buy the gun you may have to have the firing pin bushing and hammer nose up dated. Their was a problem back in the 80s with locking up after the gun was fired and Smith did an up date to them. On the frame when you open the cylinder under the seral number or the model number ther should be and "M" stamped there. If not it should be up dated. I would not slow down about buying it I'd own it. It is an easy fix.
 
The fix mentioned above is free (including shipping.) It should be done if the gun will ever be more than a range gun. You just contact S&W and they give you instructions on how to get it to them. FWIW, Here's my reciently purchased, $325 ,minty, no dash( unmodified as of yet)
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I appreciate the info and replies. It just caught my eye. It's definitely not a need, just a want. I'd shoot it, clean it, and hang it in my safe probably. I just love the danged things. It it really hard to justify carrying most revolvers fo me. I mean, my issued Glock 23 is every bit as easy to carry as my 3" 13, or 696 with lots more bullets. I just enjoy round guns a lot more than square ones. That's not to say that I don't carry them either, just that it does'nt make much sense.
 
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