S&w 681

[Armchair Warrior]

Just made a deal on armslist to buy a S&W 681 for 550. I was looking for a pre lock 686 (never even knew a 681 existed).There are not used guns in any of 11 gun store I have looked in around here even close to this. Is this price unreasonable anymore?

 

[Peanut15]

If it is in very good shape then that is a reasonable price. I have the blued 581 model and paid $500. They are great revolvers.

 

[Armchair Warrior]

Thanks peanut. I already committed to it (unless there are issues when I get there) but prices are so crazy now I was just wondering.

 

[Hapworth]

The 681s are superb revolvers that can handle any .357 load you care to put through it all day long (.38 Special, too, obviously).

Target sights like on the 686 get most of the love, but I strongly prefer the fixed combat sights of a 681.

If you're not already familiar, study the following links on how to assess a revolver for purchase:

http://thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6F...hLWE4YzMtOTdmN2YwNmY4NzM2/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1

If the 681 is well-maintained and cared for shooter grade or better, $550 is a fair price.

 

[kellmark]

I have a 681 that I bought new in the 1980s. I love it. It is one of the all time classic revolvers in my view, with the fixed sights and the wonderful action and no lock. With a 4" inch barrel, it also uses the potential of the .357, and yet is comparatively mild in recoil due to its weight. It has a great balance in my opinion.

If it is in vey good shape, I think you will be happy with it. And they don't make them anymore, so the price sounds reasonable.

 

[19-3Ben]

IMHO, and even despite my preference for k-frames, I think the 681 is just about the ultimate fighting revolver ever made.
Great bomb proof fixed sights, low maintenance frame material, low recoil due to weight at the barrel, etc. etc.

I'd kind of like to see them reintroduce one. Perhaps with a few updates. Imagine a 681+ (7rnds) with 3" bbl,XS big dot sight, and optional black finish. It would offer stiff competition to Ruger's GP100 Talo.

 

[PabloJ]

Just made a deal on armslist to buy a S&W 681 for 550. I was looking for a pre lock 686 (never even knew a 681 existed).There are not used guns in any of 11 gun store I have looked in around here even close to this. Is this price unreasonable anymore?

If you into old revolvers Dance's Sporting Goods in Colonial Height had pretty good selection recently. Might want to give them ring to see what is currently available. Last week they had factory nickel 4" Model 581. I suspect S&W made about pickup bed full of those.