S&W 681 - AR15.COM

Posted: 7/26/2013 1:17:02 PM EDT

So I came across a 681 for sale locally for $500. I have been looking for a Sp101 3" as a backpacking gun, but a 4" 681 does look pretty tempting. I cannot find any information about them as far as weight goes or reliability. I know its a fixed sight version of the 686 which people compare to the GP100. What is the groups thoughts on the 681?

I don't have a photo, but here is a modified and refinished version. If I picked it up I am debating something similar. Refinish and better grips.

Posted: 7/26/2013 1:40:23 PM EDT

[#1]

Me likes. It's probably a bit heavier than the 3" SP101. Ruger's website shows the 3" SP101 at 26 ounces. Steven Camp says it weighs in at 29 ounces. So I think it's heavier than even they are saying. But a 4" 686 is like a 40 ounce weapon. Or close to it.

Either one would probably work well though. I'm guessing the SP101 is just smaller. How much I don't really know.

Posted: 7/26/2013 1:43:51 PM EDT

[#2]

I'm guessing the sp101 is quite a bit smaller since its just a bit bigger than a J-frame and the 681 is an L-frame. I just have never seen one before and was instantly interested in it.

Posted: 7/26/2013 1:53:41 PM EDT

[#3]

Test it for push off. If you get light strikes you can always put a regular hammer back on.

Eta: and then buy the hell out of it

Posted: 7/26/2013 3:53:43 PM EDT

[#4]

Make sure that if this is a No Dash 681, it has the 'M' stamped into the crane.

AFAIK, the 581/681 were ~36oz +/- with the issue Magna Grips on them.

To my mind they were introduced about 15 years too late, because by the end of the 1980's the Wondernine's were taking over.

Posted: 7/26/2013 7:51:12 PM EDT

[#5]

I think you could find a no-lock 686 for that money or less. I got my no-dash for #399 OTD.

Posted: 7/27/2013 2:21:04 AM EDT

[#6]

I'm modding my 681 as we speak. I'll try to get some pics up.

I think they (and the 581) are very underrated.

Posted: 7/27/2013 4:33:24 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:

I think they (and the 581) are very underrated.

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The 'L' frames are wonderful .357's.

Posted: 7/27/2013 6:07:20 AM EDT

[#8]

I know some here will consider this blasphemy........
Roughed out-

Started life as a standard 681, 4" bbl, square butt. Still need to get a dovetail cut for a front sight and tweak the contours of the shroud, muzzle and butt.

Posted: 7/27/2013 9:19:53 AM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
I think you could find a no-lock 686 for that money or less. I got my no-dash for #399 OTD.

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Good luck with that. Maybe in a few months, but L fames are creeping up in price on the used market and the only ones I've seen locally for under 500 were pretty rough.

Posted: 7/27/2013 5:14:14 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know some here will consider this blasphemy........
Roughed out-
<a href="http://s311.photobucket.com/user/Tonecod/media/SampWmod681007_zps527a3921.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk462/Tonecod/SampWmod681007_zps527a3921.jpg</a>

Started life as a standard 681, 4" bbl, square butt. Still need to get a dovetail cut for a front sight and tweak the contours of the shroud, muzzle and butt.

View Quote

I like that. You've done a good job on it. I would leave the hammer as is, don't bob it. Make sure that you post a finished pic.

Posted: 7/28/2013 4:41:50 AM EDT

[#11]

Thanks and the hammer will be remaining stock. Will get pics up of finished gun but it will be awhile, I'm doing everything by hand.

Posted: 7/28/2013 10:19:19 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
I think you could find a no-lock 686 for that money or less. I got my no-dash for #399 OTD.

View Quote

I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I hear things like this.

Posted: 7/28/2013 6:47:32 PM EDT

[#13]

Now the question is would you trade a 19-4 4" with a few marks on the finish, original box, papers, and grips for one?

Posted: 7/29/2013 3:34:34 AM EDT

[#14]

I certainly would, but I'm no fan of K frame .357s. The only K-357 I like is a 2.5 inch 19.

Posted: 7/29/2013 5:21:42 AM EDT

[#15]

I love 681's.

I have two that are frequent shooters

ETA- Much like VanillaGorilla above my only K-Frame .357 love is for 3" Mod-65 Ladysmith's.

Posted: 7/29/2013 5:37:40 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
I love 681's.

I have two that are frequent shooters

ETA- Much like VanillaGorilla above my only K-Frame .357 love is for 3" Mod-65 Ladysmith's.

View Quote

I would love to find one of those, just because...

It is hard enough trying to find a VG/Exc Model 14 at a price that both my checkbook and wife will not cry over.

Posted: 7/29/2013 8:53:04 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

I would love to find one of those, just because...

It is hard enough trying to find a VG/Exc Model 14 at a price that both my checkbook and wife will not cry over.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I love 681's.

I have two that are frequent shooters

ETA- Much like VanillaGorilla above my only K-Frame .357 love is for 3" Mod-65 Ladysmith's.

I would love to find one of those, just because...

It is hard enough trying to find a VG/Exc Model 14 at a price that both my checkbook and wife will not cry over.

I was lucky and got a cosmetically challenged example out of AK about 4yrs ago and she has been tuned, re-beadblasted, and now sports Spegel Cocobolo's

Posted: 7/29/2013 9:42:17 AM EDT

[#18]

I won't bore you with a long story. 581 no dash with 20 rounds down the pipe. The other 80 rounds in the box. 200 bucks. I have fired another 500 or so rounds through it...shoots great and I carry it sometimes.

I know - great deal...they are out there.

Posted: 7/29/2013 1:04:03 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:

I was lucky and got a cosmetically challenged example out of AK about 4yrs ago and she has been tuned, re-beadblasted, and now sports Spegel Cocobolo's

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I love 681's.

I have two that are frequent shooters

ETA- Much like VanillaGorilla above my only K-Frame .357 love is for 3" Mod-65 Ladysmith's.

I would love to find one of those, just because...

It is hard enough trying to find a VG/Exc Model 14 at a price that both my checkbook and wife will not cry over.

I was lucky and got a cosmetically challenged example out of AK about 4yrs ago and she has been tuned, re-beadblasted, and now sports Spegel Cocobolo's

Grrrrrr.

J/K

Nice find.

Posted: 8/1/2013 4:35:51 PM EDT

[#20]

I have a holstered 681 that lives next to my chair in the living room. I love that old gun, shoot it well, and my wife can pick it up and use it with no problems. Its my "bump in the night" gun when Im in this end of the house.

Its been camping and kayaking with me more times than I can count. A bit heavy, but in a good way. Solid, reliable, powerful, and accurate. An all round good gun.

Posted: 8/3/2013 10:59:50 AM EDT

[#21]

Grab it, and get an unmolested hammer for it.

I had one, loaned it to my youngest when he was stationed in Colorado. He carried it on camping and hiking excursions after a mountain lion attack.

Now he won't give it back

Posted: 8/3/2013 11:14:41 AM EDT

[#22]

There has been a couple show up on the local Armslist around here, I agree they are a very interesting option, prices here are about the same.

Posted: 9/8/2013 9:15:03 AM EDT

[#23]

Updated photos on my 681 project, this time with bonded ivory and tyler T.

Posted: 9/8/2013 10:34:58 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
Updated photos on my 681 project, this time with bonded ivory and tyler T.
<a href="http://s311.photobucket.com/user/Tonecod/media/SampWmod681modded002_zpsab66c3ce.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk462/Tonecod/SampWmod681modded002_zpsab66c3ce.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s311.photobucket.com/user/Tonecod/media/SampWmod681modded004_zpsdcb0f343.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk462/Tonecod/SampWmod681modded004_zpsdcb0f343.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s311.photobucket.com/user/Tonecod/media/SampWmod681modded001_zps4bd24309.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk462/Tonecod/SampWmod681modded001_zps4bd24309.jpg</a>

View Quote

Very nice work, classy gun.

Posted: 9/8/2013 4:42:49 PM EDT

[#25]

Thanks Warhawk, but I gotta say, I think the Tomahawk was the best looking P-40.

Posted: 9/8/2013 7:59:29 PM EDT

[#26]

I like the heck out of K-frames, whether they be .38 or .357 makes no difference. This is one that I bought Dad back in the 90's. It comes back to me with his passing recently.

Posted: 9/8/2013 8:07:29 PM EDT

[#27]

Another fine revolver. Sorry about your Dad. Very nice to have something to remember him by.

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