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Site News The People of Virginia VS Grabigial BanBerger | ARFCOM News
4/2/2008 6:04:12 PM EDT
I have a chance to pick up a Smith 681 for about 250 bucks.  There is one problem, it seems the cylinder will not rotate.  Is it worth buying and getting fixed?

Thanks
Max
4/2/2008 7:02:10 PM EDT
[#1]
Does the rest of the action function? If it does, the gun probably has a broken hand and should be pretty cheap to fix.
4/2/2008 11:43:53 PM EDT
[#2]
Depending on if the gun is a no-dash, it may be covered by S&W. No dash L frames often had problems with the cylinder locking up tight under heavy loads. It occurred often enough that there was a recall and modification done, prior to the -1 series.
4/3/2008 1:52:08 AM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:
Depending on if the gun is a no-dash, it may be covered by S&W. No dash L frames often had problems with the cylinder locking up tight under heavy loads. It occurred often enough that there was a recall and modification done, prior to the -1 series.


Vanilla

It is an 1980's made frame.  It is locked tight due to the fact that he did use heavy loads.  Is it worth my time and funds?

Thanks
Max
4/3/2008 5:09:20 AM EDT
[#4]
If it is in good shape otherwise, I'd be on it like stink on shit. Hell, it's fuxxored, offer him $200.

The simple matter is that the 681 is an excellent .357 and if the rest of the gun is in good shape, it's probably worth 300-400 bucks. If it's tied up due to the modification, S&W will fix it for free, still. If you have to put a little money into it, it's still an excellent example of a tough and solidly-made firearm.

It really comes down to how bad you want a .357 revolver. If you like them as much as I do, then it's worth it. If you're only looking to buy it because it's available, you're taking a chance.

Edit: Found this:

"SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS

RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:

581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1

Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.

Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.

Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:

In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.

Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.

Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.

You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.

Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-458-8469 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.

One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:

Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101

Do not return L-frame hammer-nose bushings from your spare parts inventory inasmuch as they are useable in J, N and K-frame revolvers, which are not included in this Product Warning.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Smith & Wesson's first concern is the safety of its products and the protection of its customers.

Source:

Shotgun News November 1, 1989; page ?

Guns & Ammo, December 1987; page 6"


If the owner says it locked up during the firing of heavy loads, then that does indeed sound like the Modification problem. And I was wrong, it does run through the -1 and was fixed in the -2. The no dash and -1's ran from 1981 to 1987, so all information does point to the fact that it could be the problem.

If you don't want it, I'll buy it.
4/3/2008 5:15:01 AM EDT
[#5]
Vanilla,

I do like revolvers.  My wife has a Lady Smith and my pop has a Ruger GP100.  I like them cause they are simple and robust.  No magazines to load or loose and a powerful round to shoot.

I think I might jump on this one.  He is willing to take 200.  Heck when I do get it I will post pics.

I have contacted Smith and Wesson and it seems like it might set me back 150 bucks to get it fixed.

Thanks for your input.

Max
4/3/2008 5:18:05 AM EDT
[#6]
A hundred and fifty bucks? WTF? That doesn't sound right. Were they under the impression that this was a "fix" and not a "fix our mistake" gun? Last I heard on the S&W forum, this was still free of charge to do the Modification(and they should pick up shipping, too). They will also stamp the gun with an "M" to show the work was done.



<-------proud owner of a "No M" 586.
4/3/2008 5:33:45 AM EDT
[#7]
The 150 was my estimate.  The actual email states that they need to inspect the gun before they can provide me a quote.

Thanks again Vanilla.

Max
4/3/2008 6:26:24 AM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
The 150 was my estimate.  The actual email states that they need to inspect the gun before they can provide me a quote.

Thanks again Vanilla.

Max


I am confused.  If you didnt even talk with S&W how did you come up with $150?

Either way, I used to own a 681 that did this once.  I was finally able to get it to work again (i.e. I banged on it a few times) and sent it back to S&W.  They fixed it.

If you dont want to buy it, let me know who is selling it and I will buy it.  I traded mine for a Glock 21 about 4 years ago and have always wanted to own one again.
4/3/2008 7:52:56 AM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The 150 was my estimate.  The actual email states that they need to inspect the gun before they can provide me a quote.

Thanks again Vanilla.

Max


I am confused.  If you didnt even talk with S&W how did you come up with $150?

Either way, I used to own a 681 that did this once.  I was finally able to get it to work again (i.e. I banged on it a few times) and sent it back to S&W.  They fixed it.

If you dont want to buy it, let me know who is selling it and I will buy it.  I traded mine for a Glock 21 about 4 years ago and have always wanted to own one again.


Clarification.

S&W did not give me an estimate.  They sent me a letter stating I needed to send it in and they will tell me how much it will cost.

I looked at their website and estimated it off of their shop services for the revolver.

Max
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