[Thaddeus Jones]

I went with my GF to the courthouse yesterday in Rockingham County.

While there, I saw a Detective carrying a S&W 681 !! It had Hogue rubber grips, and was in an open top Safariland holster. I'm not positive, but I think he had a 2X2X2 pouch as well.

He did not appear too friendly so I didn't ask him questions. I suppose that some law enforcement officers are still well served by a revolver.

I am surprised at the choice of a 681 over say a 65. I would think that 681 gets heavy carrying it all day. TJ

[Landric]

I expect it does get a little heavy, but if I were carrying a revolver, I'd opt for a 681 also (at least if I was choosing a .357 Magnum). I have a much easier time with speed loaders with the larger L-frame cylinder, and the 681 would make a much better club than a 65.

[Storm]

I have a 581 (fixed sights, blued) and it's a superb pistol. He chose well.

[9mmepiphany]

the K-frame M-65 would be a better carrying gun, but the L-frame 681 would be the better shooter.

when Bill Jordan convinced S&W to chamber the K-frame in .357mag, the intent wasn't that it be shot a lot with full power ammo

[armybass]

Agreed that the M65 would be lighter to tote but I would be thrilled to be issued either one for a duty weapon.

[jad0110]

I suppose that some law enforcement officers are still well served by a revolver.

I am surprised at the choice of a 681 over say a 65. I would think that 681 gets heavy carrying it all day. TJ

If I were an LEO and had the choice, I'd carry a revolver as both my primary and BUG. I just plain shoot them better. The 681 is an awesome choice (my sister bought one in '07 for $350), and by itself with a reload or two and a good belt it would probably carry fine. But add the other gear in (radio, cuffs, etc) and I can see where it might become a drag.

[slicksleeve]

I carry a Glock 22, standard issue. With all the other gear it does get heavy, with the the two spare mags, I have 46 rounds of .40 ammo. I sure hope that's enough! That said, if I the department would allow it I would love to carry a revolver with 2 speedloaders, in .357 mag. I love revolvers and would feel very well armed with one.

[Confederate]

It's the damn Colt Python that ruined the 686/681. Although it's fine for the range, it's a pain to carry all day. S&W has a standard barrel for the 686, just try to get one! I wish my 6-incher didn't have all that steel hanging off the end, but for carrying in the field, I'd pick my Ruger Security-Six.

The original 686/681s were the best in my view, but the later ones are fine.

[Storm]

S&W has a standard barrel for the 686, just try to get one! I wish my 6-incher didn't have all that steel hanging off the end

Yup, not easy to find, but obtainable in the Stocking Dealer Special 5" 686 seven shot with Ahrends stocks. The gun is beautifully balanced.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5572/swsds.jpg

[RugRev]

"S&W has a standard barrel for the 686, just try to get one! I wish my 6-incher didn't have all that steel hanging off the end, but for carrying in the field, I'd pick my Ruger Security-Six."

At one time 686 Mtn. Gun barrels were available. If I recall the 686 Mtn. Gun 7 shooter had a weight specified as 35.5 oz which is about what a 4" 19/66 had.

[9mmepiphany]

It's the damn Colt Python that ruined the 686/681

yeah...it tough when you're trying to copy the original :)

[fastbolt]

I always sort of wished I could have carried an issued 681 instead of the 686 I received when I turned in my issued 66.

Carrying a 4" L-frame on the hip feels the same as carrying a Colt GM, S&W 4566 or 4006 ...

[altitude_19]

I saw the same thing in the Chicago airport. Talked to the guy for a minute. Said he was Chicago police, but worked in a private capacity as airport security, so the airport let him carry whatever he wanted. I can't imagine it's actually very heavy. A full magazine in a hi-cap semi-auto often puts the gun over 40 oz. Same weight, less ammo, more reliability.