S&W 681. Should I do it?

[firestar]

Someone wants to trade my sq butt S&W 36-1 with a 3" bbl for a 681 with a 4" bbl. Assuming condition is about equel, is it a fair trade?

I really don't have a use for my 3" 36 being as it can only shoot .38s and is sort of an odd duck. I got it because it was odd but now I don't know what good it is. It is too big for pocket carry and too small for HD or target use. I bought it for use as a car gun but it is too pretty to leave in the car where it can get stolen or rusty.

I like it but I don't use it for anything. The 681 would be great as a target gun, I would mount a red dot on it and it should be a real winner! Also I had a 586 that was soooooo sweet, I wish I had it back.

 

[Kahr carrier]

681s are nice it would be a pretty fair trade .But as you said the 36 is an odd duck. If it was me ,I would keep the 36 and try to buy the 681 .681s are a dime a dozen.

 

[gumshoe4]

I think it depends upon what you wish to do with each gun. It's too bad you can't use the M36 more than you describe, because that 3" is a classic that a lot of people really like. The 2" J-frames are harder to shoot than that 3".

The M36 has a coil mainspring and a smaller grip. Because of this, it will never tune up nor be as smooth as a K, L or N frame revolver with the leaf mainspring. Nonetheless, I carry a J-frame on a regular basis, because the doggone thing is so easy to conceal and is very reliable and accurate for its size.

That said, my 4" 681 is probably my best revolver and will never be traded, sold or done away with. It's simply a great revolver, nice and strong and very accurate with both mag loads and .38s.

How about buying the 681 and keeping that M36? I'd probably be trying to figure out a way to do that.

Good luck making your decision.

Bob
TFL# 8032

 

[firestar]

I decided to go ahead with the trade. I don't think I will regret it. I will use the 681 and it is more valuable to me because of this.

It is true that it all depends on what you are going to use a gun for is how to judge how much it is worth to you.

I had to scratch my itch for a 3" J-frame. Now that I have, I can go on with my life. My next J-frame is going to be a light weight SS snubbie. Probably a Bodygaurd or a Centenial. I like that snag-free operation from the pocket of a coat.

 

[DeltaElite]

I think you will be very happy.
I prefer the smooth top revolver, meaning ones with fixed sights.

Shoot well.

 

[charleym3]

From a pure dollar point of view, you are getting the better end of the deal.
If you are giving up something that you don't want for something that you do want, jump on it.

 

[firestar]

I was going to do it anyway I think but I was interested in your opinions. I was just wondering if one of the guns were commanding higher than normal prices for some reason.

Now I need to figuire out how to put adjustable sights on the 681. Just kidding, I will just mount a red dot on it and call it a day.

 

[firestar]

Here is my 36-1 that will be starting a new life with someone else. So long little guy, I hardly knew ya.









I know what a 681 looks like but would someone like to post a pic of their's?

 

[10-Ring]

At this moment in time, I've developed a real taste for revos. Because of this, I was going to recommend keeping the 36, but I am a wee late..timing is...everyth...in Normally tho, I'm of the opinion, get what you'll use and be happy with. If selling/trading a gun will make you happy, then do it.

 

[firestar]

I think I'm at the point where I think I know if I will miss something I get rid of (I think). I don't think I'll regret getting rid of the 36 all that much. We never "bonded" even though I like the little gun. I'm still not at the point in my life where I know exactly what I want though. It is fun finding out anyway.

Right now I like SS S&W K&L frames in 357 with 4-6" bbl and adjustable sights. I also like other revolvers but the above are my favorites right now. I also like J-frames but only leight weight ones for carry. If I'm not going to carry it then I don't see the point of a J-frame, I'll go K or L or a Ruger beast.

 

[Kahr carrier]

That 36 looks nice ,but you will be happy with the 681 ,I had a 681 before and shot the heck out of it and it held up fine.