A rare find - NIB 581 - for L-frame lovers...

[DHart]

I have been searching the internet for about 9 months for a really cherry 581... I could only find two fairly worn examples in all that time! One of which I bought and will have cut back to a 3" barrel, round the butt, then refinish.

But just after buying the somewhat worn example, I finally found a NIB 581 with 4" barrel. Fortunately, I was able to bag it! Here she is in all her glory... just a wonderful example of a hard to find L-frame revo. One of my very favorites. The action is so nice... it seems back when the 581/586/681/686 no dash models were made, the actions were just superb. Another thing I just love about these (as with almost all fixed sight revos) they point so naturally and quickly... just like pointing your finger, they're up and aligned! Perfect for a defense revo! Everything you need and want; nothing you don't.

 

[only1asterisk]

Mr. Hart,

Every picture you post drives me ever closer to ruin!

David

 

[Coronach]

Dear lord! That's pretty.

Mike

 

[scbair]

I happened into a 581 a few years ago at a local show; hadn't planned to purchase one, but the seller (whom I know from a local business) had it on consignment, for a really decent price. Condition is "LNIB" ("Like New, in box"). I've never regretted grabbing this 'un!

 

[Boats]

Good one. Another fine acquisition of a revolver made before The Accord That Shant Be Spoken Of In This Forum.

 

[NoahFN]

Dhart, I envy you.

 

[Brian Williams]

One of my wannnanewgunvirus guns. Nice thanks for sharing, I am up for adoption.

 

[fiVe]

DHart: Such a nice piece. Your pics are always so good. Maybe you have posted this before, but how do you do it?

R/fiVe

 

[P95Carry]

Don - ahhh - now here is beauty personified!

Here we have a gun I would willingly hold in escroe for you - no charge!

BTW - couldn't agree more on the early examples, instance my 686 which is a well used dash nothing - that is smooth as silk.

 

[Master Blaster]

What is the difference between a 581 and a 586????????

Thanks

 

[Boats]

581= fixed sights.
586= adjustable sights.

Both blued.

 

[Shear_stress]

Absolutely gorgeous!

 

[Fatelvis]

Nice! I love the grips!

 

[Elmer]

The 681 was the last duty revolver I carried, and like so many others, I sold it. Wish I had it back now.

Funny how S&W couldn't give fixed sight guns away back in those days. They still aren't as popular. Guys somehow think they're going to shoot better with adjustables.

 

[DHart]

When it comes to precision target shooting and long distance hunting, adjustables certainly have their place!

But in the real world of defensive fighting guns, I see no need nor use for adjustable sights. Fixed sights are a better choice for a fighting gun.

Fixed sight guns have a lower profile, pull from under clothing without snagging, are more rugged, and point much more quickly and naturally than guns with adjustables. I LOVE fixed sight revolvers for defense use and most are just as accurate as guns with adjustables.

 

[dinosaur]

Guys somehow think they're going to shoot better with adjustables.

If we had adjustable sight revolvers, say the Model 15 do you know how many guys would show up for qualification with no sights at all? "Where's the rear sight?" "I dunno, it was like that when I bought it." :banghead:

 

[BluesBear]

You simply have the nicest collection in the state.

If envy is truely a mortal sin then I am certainly doomed.

 

[Hook686]

Some folks seem to have too much time and money on their hands.

Nice find, not to mention nice photos of your nice find.

Hook686

 

[DHart]

Hook... would there be some other way you would prefer I spend my time and money?

 

[CZF]

The First L frames made. 581s were so NEW that they only came with fixed sights. I bought one when I came out of the Army. Many memories ago...
Thanks!

 

[BluesBear]

581s were so NEW that they only came with fixed sights.

Yeaaaaaaah......?
I guess I am missing the point since ALL 581 and 681 revolvers were made with fixed sights.

 

[Onmilo]

Twenty years ago we couldn't give 581 or 681 revolvers away, everybody wanted the adjustable sight guns.
We even had a couple of the 681 US Custom over runs and sold them at a minimum mark-up just to turn the inventory.
Now these things are exciting collectables.
Crazy how the market works, ain't it,.,,,,,,,

 

[DHart]

It seems that perhaps today there is more orientation toward "tactical" features than there was 20-25 years ago... sleeker profiles, snag free, quick/natural pointing.... all these features are the hallmark of fixed sighted handguns. Don't know if that has anything to do with today's popularity of fixed sighted guns or not. Of course, lots of gun buyers apparently are seeking great accuracy (hence desiring adjustable sights). But for defense use, I'd prefer a fixed sighted handgun (whether it be a revolver or a semi-auto) over adjustable anyday... they just handle and pull from cover so much better... they point almost as quickly and naturally as pointing your finger and they're more rugged.

A lot of folks seem to place huge emphasis on achieving the ultimate in accuracy and desiring adjustable sights to achieve that. Beyond that, they will work up specific loads with certain bullets and powders to reach the highest degree of accuracy possible. That's certainly an important thing for some applications like hunting and bullseye shooting, but when it comes to fighting/defense guns, that kind of accuracy is much less important than a gun's handling, speed, and ruggedness. As long as a fixed sighted gun is reasonably accurate, that's plenty good enough for a gun fight.