Got my first non-J S&W - Model 681 - Need input on bead blasting

[Shade00]

Hey guys, I got my first non-J frame S&W yesterday, a 681. I was initially hesitant to get such a "late" production S&W p) since all of my others are pinned, but the revolver is super tight and in great shape. There is very little crud on the cylinder face. The bore and cylinders are clean. Action is great. Of course, it is fairly dirty, so I have been working on cleaning it up. Somebody probably threw this in the truck and rarely shot it. ABDxxxx serial is somewhere around 1982. Anyway, I got her for $250, so I bit.

Cosmetically, aside from the dirt, the stainless is not really worn or scratched. There are some fine scratches that I may try to work out with some fine sandpaper, but the previous owner (I'll call him "toolbag") scratched his initials on the sideplate. The scratches are not too deep, so I can probably get them off with some 600 grit sandpaper.

So, first step is getting some new wood grips. I hate getting Pachmayrs on a second hand gun.

Second step is sending the gun off to S&W. This gun never went back to S&W for the recall, as there is no M stamped above the model number. So since she'll be making a free trip to S&W, I thought I might have it bead blasted. Does the bead blasting get rid of scratches? Also, how durable is it? If anybody has some before/after pictures and any other input, I would certainly appreciate it. Looking forward to shooting this one.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats on obtaining a superb revolver!

The bead blast will hide slight cosmetic scatches. In my experience it is fairly durable, but will get shiny spots at the usual holster wear spots.

I put some wood Hogue grips on my 681 no dash. it is my favorite L-frame, and a tack driver. Enjoy yours!

 

[bill larry]

Nice gun, at a great price.

I have a 586 with no M stamp by the serial number. What's the deal with the recall?

 

[Shade00]

bill larry, I can't say for sure. If you do a search you can find some information. I believe if the revolver took a trip to S&W for the recall, it would have an M stamped above the model number inside the crane. The word is that if you contact S&W and let them know that you have a Model 581, 586, 681, or 686 that has not had the recall work done, they will send you an overnight shipping box and will return ship it for free. It's a great chance to get them to do other work on the revolver for free shipping.

Thaddeus: do you happen to have any pictures of your bead blasted firearms? I assumed that the stainless might get shiny from riding a holster - although this guy will not see much holstering, if any, it might still be more prudent for me to just save the cash.

 

[Piraticalbob]

Beadblasting will produce a uniform matte finish with no shiny spots at all. It will hide all surface scratches, and will actually obscure the S&W logo on the frame, as well as the name and caliber on the barrel. They will still be visible and legible, but won't be as sharp as before the beadblasting was done.

Scratches made after the beadblasting won't show as readily as on polished steel.

Basically you'll end up with a pale grey, durable, non-reflective finish.

 

[Dave1]

681 Recall Info????

xxxx

 

[HeavyDuty]

Nice score! I've wanted a 681 for some time now.

I would reapply a brushed finish using a Scotchbrite metalworking pad; if the scratches are really bad, maybe a bead blast followed by a brushed finish would be appropriate.

My opinion only, of course!

 

[Hawk]

Why was there a recall on S&W model 681's? What was the problem and what do they do to correct or upgrade it?

Does the "M" stamped in the frame mean the gun was modified by S&W for the recall?

What is the current value of a nice 681 that does not have the recall work done?

1. I gather it was "no-dash" and "dash-1" square butt "L" frames. The modification was to hammer nose and bushing due to rare cases of primer flow into the bushing tieing the thing up.

I've got a 686-nodash with the "M" and one identical without the "M". It's difficult to detect the difference with my Mark-I eyeball.

I've not been able to coax a "primer flow" malf out of the unmodified item and don't have any plans on returning it. I probably would if I was carrying the thing for serious social purposes.

2. There's no difference in value locally between modified and unmodified examples in the "recall group".

Edited to add: Ha! That's what I get for replying to something while it's being deleted. Oh well.

 

[mbkmkk]

I beadblasted my 66-1 and it was worse looking than your gun and I think it turned out great.

 

[Shade00]

That is one fine lookin' firearm! Looks like it cleaned up nicely. If I can scrounge up the funds in the next few weeks, I've decided that mine will get the same treatment. Thanks for the help guys.