Yes.
S&W 681
- Thread starter Barmcd
- Start date
Pretty good advice....Rod
Riomouse911
Member
I like 3”-5” fixed sight S&W revolvers. They are usually hitting very close to the 10-ring on a B-27 with just about any standard ammo you put through them at reasonable ranges.
I agree that the short ramp front sights S&W uses aren’t that great. I painted most of my stainless guns’ front sights because they practically disappeared when shooting them indoors. S&W Models 64 and 65 shown.
Stay safe.
I'd still like a Model 65. I keep wondering if the issue with the gun local to me is just that front retention screw is the wrong one, loose, or has a broken tip. If that's the problem, then fixing it is simple and cheap. Heck, it just may be the side cover was put back on with the screws in the wrong position. I have been reluctant to ask them to let me take the screw out to look at it.
Riomouse911
Member
Ya, the crane retention screw is certainly something that can let the crane move if it’s not fitting correctly.
The Model 65 is a cool gun. It doesn’t have the adjustable rear that can snag or get damaged like the 19/66, yet it has all of the pluses (and a few minuses) of the stainless K frames. I have more K frame S&W’s than any other type of gun, they really are pretty much the perfect ccw/duty type packing revolver.
Hopefully the 65 is a good one and falls into your hands.
Stay safe.
dieselchief
Member
when i was younger and could see i poo pooed fixed sighted handguns. i wish i ratholed a few of them as i can no longer see without a blur. the additional space (and light) around the fixed rear sight allow me to focus. go figure.
I bought this surplus...oddly, a re-import from Australian military more than a few years ago. Had an import stamp on the barrel which almost polished completely off. Came with new Hogue grips, which worked just fine... the importer likely sold the originals for extra dollars.
These mo' better grips are a favorite of mine, Jerry Miculek style knockoffs from a Philippine fella on Ebay.
These mo' better grips are a favorite of mine, Jerry Miculek style knockoffs from a Philippine fella on Ebay.
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Those grips look great!
Thanks. Full disclosure...The fella, who I don't remember, made those JM initialed. I Emailed him and told him to lay off the initials and not put a finish on.
They came in, after a month or so, and fit perfectly, or, good enough for me. The only problem was I couldn't fit a speed loader into the cylinder without some err...dremel and sanding on that side of 'em. Easy fix, and with no finish, no problem matching...I used pure tung oil.
They came in, after a month or so, and fit perfectly, or, good enough for me. The only problem was I couldn't fit a speed loader into the cylinder without some err...dremel and sanding on that side of 'em. Easy fix, and with no finish, no problem matching...I used pure tung oil.
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I picked up the 681 today and its in great shape. I went through a thorough inspection process while in the shop since its about an hour away. I also have a three day inspection period to return it if I find an issue. The gun is tight and looks like its seen very little use. It's a no dash model and has "M" stamp on the inside of the crane, so it was part of the 1987 recall. The bad news is I had a few minutes to kill while they ran the background check and I saw a really nice 19-3 with six inch barrel in excellent condition for considerably less than $1K. I couldn't bring home two guns so I put it on 60 day layaway!
Yeah, I’ll address those as soon as I figure out what I want to do. They are pretty comfortable though. I have Pachmayer grips on my other S&W revolvers, but I feel like I ought to have the original wood grips too.
I shot a box of 38 special through the gun today and it groups really well. Shooting off-hand from7 yards I was getting groups close to 1" with one group making one ragged hole. A friend of mine shot the gun with the same results. The POI was slightly right of the aim point at 7 yards and about 1-2" right at 20 yards. I'm not sure if its my technique with the new to me rear sight, or the gun just shoots right a little. Overall, I'm really pleased with it's performance.
chaim
Member
About 20 years ago I almost bought a fixed sight L-frame (I can't remember now, years later, if it was the 681 or 581). Back then they were running $400-500 which was a lot of money for me at the time. I bid on a couple on Gunbroker but underbid the winning bids by about $30-50 each time and almost hit buy it now on another. I kick myself every time I either search for one and can't find it, or I do find one but at today's prices.
If you want a fixed sight L-frame and you are happy with the price, don't hesitate, you'll regret it!
Edit: oops, I read about 2/3 of the thread but obviously didn't look at the last 1/3...
Congratulations on your purchase, I'm jealous
Looks great with your new grips!
If you want a fixed sight L-frame and you are happy with the price, don't hesitate, you'll regret it!
Edit: oops, I read about 2/3 of the thread but obviously didn't look at the last 1/3...
Congratulations on your purchase, I'm jealous
Looks great with your new grips!
PistoleroWadcutterGANG
Member
It’s good to give Orphans a new home: good on ya
