S&W model 681

[Guest Major Pain]

Run across a smith model 681 in pawn shop over weekend. Stainless steel 6 shot. Checked it out and was nice. Had a $450 price on it. The owner was telling me how rare this smith was, and I should jump on it. I haven't been able to find any on other auction sites to compare price but I don't believe this gun is that rare. Did find a few when I googled it and didn't seem to far off on price. Do you think the owner was blowing a little smoke? What are these guns bringing in good shape.---MP

[Guest flyfishtn]

Take a look at these links I got from a basic Google search.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=199027

http://www.thegunblogs.com/node/117

Search

http://www.google.com/search?q=smith+%26+wesson+model+681&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[Guest Major Pain]

Thanks flyfishtn, the gun was extra nice but that seems to be about the going rate for that model. Not really rare that I can find.---MP

[Guest Steelharp]

I have one, the only revolver I own. I would never part with it; it's what every revolver owner should have in their stable, IMO. I got a great deal on it a couple years ago. I had a hard time finding one; I wanted the fixed sights, not the 686 style.

[Metalhead]

29th Edition Blue Book value in 98% condition = $350. They were manufactured from 1980-1992. The blue book runs a little low on most S&W's though, but if it doesnt have the box or isnt in very nice shape (read: no finish wear) he's asking a bit much on it I'd say. The book usually isnt off by alot.... usually.

[cknight8]

its not that these guns are rare, its just that they were short lived in there productions. you dont see them all the time. there intended purpose was to go on a patrol officers belt, not quite as big and heavy as the large N frame S&W's but able to withstand hotter loads than the K frames that were considered perfect for police officers at the time. only problem is that the "wonder nine" came out about the same time, and police agencies begin switching to the semi-autos and no one other than police had a real use for a big fixed sight .357...everyone else wanted adjustable sights. hence there "rarity" if you want to call it that. i've had one in the past...and it was an awesome shooting gun. shoots just as good as the 686 line, only difference is you cant adjust the sights on the 681...

[Guest Major Pain]

Thanks for all the info guys. I could tell it was a good heavy built revolver and I'll bet a good shooter. Right easy on the eyes to.--MP