S&w 681?

[rjrivero]

I ran across a used 681 6" 357 Mag. It's a pre-dash. The 'M' stamp is present, signifying it was modified at the factory for a recall. I don't know what the recall issue was.

Its kinda rough. The grip shows some wear, and the cylinder has some scuff from holster duty, I'm sure.

The question is, what is a good price on these L frames. No Box, no papers. Gun only.

[Max]

681 was exactly like the 686 but used a ramp rear sight instead of the traditional sight. I'm betting if it's rough that it should be in the 400 or lower range.

[StrawHat]

I won't address the value issue as what is a good price here may not be good where you are.

The recall was a problem some of the early L frames had with certain ammuntion. The firing pin bushing and firing pin would somehow allow the primer to flow back and tie up the revovler. Since amny L frames were sold to Police Officers, it was deemed "not a good thing to have happen" and S&W corrected the issue if requested. Also, if you contact them, they will still install the new and improved stuff in an unmodified revolver. I have two 686 no dash revolvers. One has the M, the other doesn't. Neither have given me the tie up problem.

[Hammerdown]

I ran across a used 681 6" 357 Mag. It's a pre-dash. The 'M' stamp is present, signifying it was modified at the factory for a recall. I don't know what the recall issue was.

Its kinda rough. The grip shows some wear, and the cylinder has some scuff from holster duty, I'm sure.

The question is, what is a good price on these L frames. No Box, no papers. Gun only.

Hello Rjrivero
The recall was reflected from the Older Carbon steel cousin the 586. The Issue was these were some of the first Magnum revolvers that had non recessed cylinder like had been used in the past, and when cycling the gun the primers would actually rub on the recoil shield and cause it to lock up at times. I had a 4" Nickel 586 and a 4" Stainless model 681 and neither had the modification. I got around the issue by Over sinking the primers when hand loading for both. Both shot excellent but the 681 shot Point of aim and was perhaps the most accurate .357 revolver I had ever picked up.

Regards, Hammerdown






The Model 586


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/hammerdown-7/e09b3138.jpg



The Model 681

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/hammerdown-7/DSCF6121.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/hammerdown-7/DSCF6118.jpg

[rjrivero]

After seeing these photos, and closely looking over the one at the gun shop, I decided to pass on it. The trigger was worked over with a grinder, the grips were beat up and cracked. It just wasn't worth the money they wanted for it. Thanks for the advice.

RJ

[Hammerdown]

After seeing these photos, and closely looking over the one at the gun shop, I decided to pass on it. The trigger was worked over with a grinder, the grips were beat up and cracked. It just wasn't worth the money they wanted for it. Thanks for the advice.

RJ


Hello Rj
Glad i could be of Help. The Best S&W's I have ever found where ones I was not Looking for...:) Hammerdown