I carried a 681 on duty when I worked for the INS in Miami in the 1990's. It was a superior gun to the issue model 13's we were given. It was easier to shoot with heavy loads and I had the gun MAGNA PORTED and a trigger slick done after switching to HOGUE rubber grips. I even tried it with BIANCHI Lightning grips, but they did not fit my hand as well. I still have it. The only complaint was at the end of a the day, it was heavy and seemed a LOT HEAVIER than the model 13 with it's 3 inch barrel and round butt.
I bought a nickeled 581 for a house gun because the price was right and then later bought a 586 with a six inch barrel when I looked in the display case and noticed it had already been MAGNA PORTED. I tried the trigger and had to buy it. It was just perfect for a double action, even if the gun was long and heavy with the 6 inch barrel. I still have that one as well. The K-frame was just not up to a steady diet of .357 magnums, while the L-frame could be shot all day with them.
The only problem that the L-frame ever had, as far as I was concerned, was the weight. I wish S&W would consider a scandium 696 with a 5 inch barrel or bring out a a . 41 Special. I think a 10m.m. would be fine if someone brough out a 10m.m. AUTO-RIM round. I just do not like the moon clips.
Jim