Smith and Wesson 581!!!!!!

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nerfsrule2

nerfsrule2

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S & W 581 L frame. Nickel finish .357 Magnum. barrel 4 inch.. 95%.. Asking $450...(Should I "Pull the trigger???" and buy it.. I am looking for a 4 inch .357 mag; with a full underlug.. I know nothing about this model; good or bad.. Please help....... Thanks, Dave
 
The 581 is an N-frame/fixed sight/6-shot/.357 Magnum revolver. It does not have a full underlug, in fact the underlug is similar to that on a Model 10 revolver.

It does have some collector value, especially with a nickel finish. It is popular with folks that prefer a heavy, rock-solid .357 carry piece. If this is what you are looking for the price seems reasonable - but on the high side.

Now you decide... ;)
 
The 581 is an L Frame with fixed sights, $450 is a good deal for one, It was to be the "police duty revolver" for full bore 125 gr 357 ammo but the 9mm crunchandtickers came along and the Police department buyers went nuts with capacity.

Sorry Fuff but the old version 520 was the N frame, and the 581 is the L frame.
 
My 4" 581 (blued) has a full underlug. It's also DAO, and I love the gun. It has some wear at the muzzle but is otherwise in excellent shape. I think I paid $325 for mine. I think the fact that most people aren't familiar with the model and being a DAO I was able to grab it before it got grabbed. You don't see a lot of them. I've been tempted to convert it to a DA/SA, but as I've gotten good with it DAO I will probably let it be.

Knowing what I know I would certainly pay what they are asking for the gun that you are interested in.
 
Everyone thank you very much!!! I did not know it was DAO... So I will have to PASS... It had everything I wanted but I carry a Kahr and it is DAO, which is fine..But With revolvers I want the choice of SA or DA.. You guys have been a big help....
 
Everyone thank you very much!!! I did not know it was DAO...
Click to expand...

Most aren't DAO. Chances are that the one that you are looking at is DA/SA. Some police departments had them converted to DAO.
 
Dave,

The gun you are looking at may not be double action only. The original factory configuration was SA/DA, and since it's nickel plated, my guess is that it is not an ex-police gun that was converted to DAO. Go take a look at it, and if it has the standard hammer (not bobbed), try it and see if it will cock and stay cocked.

IMO, $450 is an "OK buy" at 95%, as long as there's no flaking of the nickel and the gun passes all the "used revolver function tests".

There is one caveat to be aware of. If it is a model number 581 or 581-1, it was subject to a factory recall to replace the firing pin bushing and the firing pin. If the gun has an "M" stamped somewhere near the model number, this recall modification has been made. If there is no "M", the gun has not had this modification performed. Note: This recall applied only to the "no dash" and -1 model numbers. Later models (-2, -3, etc.) were OK as produced.

Here's what the "M" stamping would look like:
th_686mdm-web.jpg
(click for bigger)

The L-frame .357 magnum revolvers are sturdy guns built for shooting lots of magnum ammo. If this gun is in good shape, it'll last you a long time.
 
Yup, my inquiries as to this gun have found that the DAO were all ex-police guns. Everything about my gun is consistent with ex-police from fairly light use to wear indicating carry. The gun in question, as has been pointed out, in nickel, is almost certainly not ex-police and/or DAO. Even if it was DAO it would be a simple matter to have it converted back.

I suspect the gun is exactly what you want. Now go buy it and report back :)
 
There is one caveat to be aware of. If it is a model number 581 or 581-1, it was subject to a factory recall to replace the firing pin bushing and the firing pin. If the gun has an "M" stamped somewhere near the model number, this recall modification has been made. If there is no "M", the gun has not had this modification performed. Note: This recall applied only to the "no dash" and -1 model numbers. Later models (-2, -3, etc.) were OK as produced.
Click to expand...

This is really not much of a problem. S&W will perform the modification free (including shipping both ways) if you give them a call. I just got a 686 no-dash back from them after having the modification done. On a sidenote, I have a friend who has a 581 no-dash with no modification and he has put more than 20,000 rounds down range with no problems. The mod was aimed at the LE community who experienced some rare lockups with some early guns but this was not a common occurrence.
 
The mod was aimed at the LE community who experienced some rare lockups with some early guns but this was not a common occurrence.
Click to expand...

I have also heard that the lock-ups occured with ammo that had softer primer meatl than today's ammo, and that with modern ammunition it shouldn't be a concern. But, on the other hand, the mod costs nothing so why not get it done? Good question as my 686, 581, and 586, all no dash, do not have the M.
 
DAO= Double Action Only, meaning you cannot cock the hammer manually.

This allows for only one type of trigger pull, and simplifies teaching recruits.

( I know it's a zombie thread, but look at that BEAUTIFUL 581!)

:)
 
The 581 is an outstanding gun. The .357 really needs adjustable sights for 4-inch guns, but for self defense the 581 is fine. It's a good solid gun and packs a good punch.
 
I've still got the 581 I bought to carry in the Border Patrol. I don't carry it so much any more, but it's a brute and very reliable. It was blue when I bought it and it's more or less blue still. It was carried a lot.

It has the underlug and I've been arguing with myself ever since I bought it if I should remove it. I haven't yet. Shoots right to the sights with WW Silver Tip .357 Magnum ammo.

It's a first model production gun. I've never heard about the modification and it's never given me any problems.
 
Sounds like a good price, if you like nickel. I haven't been able to fall in love with nickel guns at this point even though I have two (model 19 and a Colt Cobra). I do have a model 520, though in blue. Now that's a hard to come by gun.
 
Three-fifty-sevens are just fabulous. I sometimes wish they'd just make one gun because choosing between them is a chore.

My Security-Six and 686 are my two favorites.
 
:what: Old Fuff made a mistake :what:

so much for the infallibility of the revolver pope...time to depose his butt


(don't feel bad Old Fuff...the hat looked silly on you anyway)
 
so much for the infallibility of the revolver pope...time to depose his butt


(don't feel bad Old Fuff...the hat looked silly on you anyway)
Click to expand...

Old Fuff knows more about revolvers than I could ever hope to know.
But we can't cut him any slack. He might get a big head.:)
 
Obviously the Old Fuff's mind is failing - or his coffee needs needs to be stronger. It also proves that one shouldn't get into a hurry... :uhoh: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
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