Dob - S&w 681-3

[jad0110]

I just bought my sister a sweet 4" S&W 681-3 as a Christmas/birthday gift. Very well cared for with very tight lockup, and a steal for only $350. Kinda wanted to keep it for myself .It is stamped as being an Ohio State Highway Patrol gun, or something to that effect.

Anyway, I was guessing late 80s mfg date, but was just curious to an exact year.

S/N: F133___

 

[MrBorland]

You sure about that serial #? 1980 was the year they introduced the 3-letter prefix, the same year the 681 was introduced. The 681-3 was made from 1988 until the 681-4, in 1996, so the serial # ought to start with AYY (Jan 1988) up to CAM (Jan 1996), or thereabouts.

Also, Supica & Nahas only indicates the 681-2 4" as marked "Ohio State Highway Patrol". If it really is a 681-3 Highway Patrol gun, maybe it's relatively rare?

 

[jad0110]

MrBorland,

Thank you for the reply and your efforts. I apologize for my little "transcription" error .

The actual s/n begins BFL33xx. I got it off the butt of the gun. It does not begin with AYY or CAM.

And yes, it is a 681-3. The wear on the sideplate (where the OSHP stamp is located) perfectly matches the rest of the gun, not to mention the fitting is spot on, so it does not appear that a sideplate from a -2 found it's way onto a -3 gun.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[MrBorland]

Dang - I'm not home at the moment, so I don't have access to my copy of Supica & Nahas. I'll look it up when I get home tomorrow if some kind soul doesn't beat me to it.

BTW - I see you also have a K-22. I've been wanting one for along time, and finally just bought one. Don't actually have it yet - it's being shipped to the FFL. 1951 5-screw. The anticipation's killing me.

 

[Baba Louie]

681-3 (new yoke retention system) circa 1988 (pg 269)

BFL 1101-BFL 1535 dated July 1990 according to S/N SCOS&W with the caveat about S&W weirdness of numbering, sequence, etc. so there's no certainty when/where BFL 33XX would fall into mfg. that I can see. (see pg 400)

Letter from Roy Hinks in order more than likely.

Sweet handgun, no matter what. Lucky sister. Still looking for a 581. sigh

 

[golden]

Excellent Gun

I used to carry a 4 inch barreled 681 with HOGUE grips on duty. It was heavy, but I had absolute faith in it. I ended up MAGNA-PORTING it, but then went to the GLOCK for work.

Still have it and I doubt I will part with it.

Jim

 

[jad0110]

BFL 1101-BFL 1535 dated July 1990 according to S/N SCOS&W with the caveat about S&W weirdness of numbering, sequence, etc. so there's no certainty when/where BFL 33XX would fall into mfg. that I can see. (see pg 400)

Letter from Roy Hinks in order more than likely.

Sweet handgun, no matter what. Lucky sister. Still looking for a 581. sigh

Very cool, thanks for the info. She had fired my 686 earlier, so she had a pretty good idea of what she wanted. 681s aren't too common around here, this was the first I'd seen. Good luck on your 581 search, I have never seen one in person.

BTW - I see you also have a K-22. I've been wanting one for along time, and finally just bought one. Don't actually have it yet - it's being shipped to the FFL. 1951 5-screw. The anticipation's killing me.

It will arrive before you know it, and trust me, they are worth EVERY penny! One of the finest handguns in existence, IMO.

Actually, my sister wan't that impressed with mine. Not enough BANG for her!

Thanks all!