Henry Rifle Forums

Back in the day, the first handgun I ever shot was the scout leaders Colt SAA .44/40. We each got one shell and after a brief instruction, we shot. Since I'm not big into single actions, that one is not on the list. The second handgun I fired was a Smith and Wesson 581. It was very accurate and utilitarian. On my short list is either a 581 or a 681 issued to the NY State Police. I have never seen a 581 for sale, but on rare occasions I would see a NYSP 681 for sale. Last month, when I stopped in to see my favorite gun shop, the owner was showing a gentleman in front of me a 681. I was pleased, until I realized that the gentleman was going to buy it. The owner, Sam, asked me if I was interested in a 681. I said it was on my short list. After resigning myself to being 10 minutes too late, Sam produced a second 681 for the gentleman to examine. He chose and I was handed the second one. As I looked at the side, bearing NYSP, I put it back on the counter and said sold. I picked it up this past week while at camp. I don't care for the presentation Pachmyrs, but have plenty of grips to choose from at home.
Here it is. I shot it upon returning from camp this afternoon. Right on target at 25, 20 15 and seven. I shot 158 grain magnums and .38s. It soaked up the recoil very well. I settled on Pachmyr grippers. They felt right.











There aren't too many on my short list. Another, that I have only seen once, is a Smith and Wesson model 520. You never know.............

Very nice, you can't go wrong with that. I'll bet most of those revolvers were shot for qualification, and not a whole lot more.
Congrats on checking that box!

Congrats, Dave. That being a fixed sight version of the 686, we see very few of those 681s around here. When a pre-lock 686 (adjustable sights) shows up for sale, though, it gets sold, fast. With those grips on that L frame, bet it shoots sweet. What a fine DA revolver.

Nice, thanks for the pic. Glad you scored a bucket list gun.
I'm flashing back to my 686, it was a shooter, and I loved the balance.

Congratulations on finding a unicorn. For a law enforcement carry gun yours looks to be in great shape. I agree, those grips don’t help with how it looks. Even a set of Hogue rubber grips would be a great improvement.

Great looking S&W Dave. The pictures were great too.

Very nice Dave, congrats on the bucket list acquisition.

RP

Nice Dave. Old Smiths are always good to pick up. I have one thought though. Short list. Im not sure about you or anyone else but my short list never seems to shink in size. What say you

You are right Al. I continually find other things that should have been on the list, lol.

Coming up, some of the other finds I picked up with this one.

That's a nice one to have and congrats to you Dave!