Smith & Wesson S&W M681-1 4” .357 Magnum Revolver DA/SA 6 Shot Stainless

SOLD FOR: $816

WOA#:  WY230519TS001

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model:  M681-1

Serial Number: AYE2120

Year of Manufacture: 1980-1982 (4th Edition S&W Standard Catalog)

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type:  DA/SA, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder

Markings:  The left side of the barrel is marked, “SMITH & WESSON”.  The right side of the barrel is marked, “S&W.357 MAGNUM”.  The right side of the frame is marked, “MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.”. The left side of the frame has the S&W Crest.  The inside of the crane is marked, “M681-1”, “B18”, “26367”.  The grips have S&W medallions.  The rear face of the cylinder is marked “V”.    The butt of the grip is marked “AYE2120”.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a fixed serrated blade. The rear sight is a square notch sight integrated into the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grips are two piece checkered hardwood with a S&W medallion in both grips.  The grips are in Excellent condition with some light handling marks.  The checkering is crisp and the peaks are sharp.  There is a small patch of the checkering on the right side that is slightly dulled.

Magazine Quantity & Condition:  6 round fluted cylinder.

Type of Finish: Stainless

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its stainless finish. The drag line is crisp on the cylinder.  There are some light hard to notice scratches on the frame and barrel.   The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition with minimal operation wear.  Please see our photos for a better understanding of this handgun’s condition.

Mechanics: The action functions as intended. The lock up and timing are excellent. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson M681-1 is a classic revolver that offers the power and versatility of the .357 Magnum cartridge. With its 4-inch barrel, it strikes a balance between compactness and shootability.

Built by Smith & Wesson, a reputable firearms manufacturer, the M681-1 features their renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail. The revolver boasts a solid construction, durable materials, and reliable performance. It incorporates a sturdy frame and a smooth double-action/single-action trigger, allowing for quick and precise shooting.

The M681-1 features a traditional revolver design, with a cylinder that holds six rounds of ammunition. It offers a comfortable grip, allowing for a secure hold and optimal control during firing. The revolver’s simple manual of arms and the inherent reliability of its design make it a popular choice for self-defense and recreational shooting.

Whether you’re a fan of revolvers, a collector, or a shooter seeking a reliable and powerful handgun, the Smith & Wesson M681-1 in .357 Magnum with a 4-inch barrel is a solid choice. Its combination of caliber, barrel length, and Smith & Wesson’s reputation for quality make it a versatile and dependable firearm for various applications.

It’s worth noting that the Smith & Wesson 681 and 681-1 revolvers were part of a significant chapter in the revolver’s history. During their initial production run, some issues were identified, prompting a recall by the manufacturer. However, once these issues were rectified at the factory, the revolvers were stamped with an “M” to signify their corrected status.

So, if you come across a Smith & Wesson M681 or M681-1 revolver, you can be confident that it has undergone the necessary modifications and improvements to meet the manufacturer’s rigorous standards. The “M” stamp signifies that the revolver has been rectified in the factory, ensuring a reliable and well-crafted firearm.