SW 581. The Distinguished Service Magnum

[kentucky_smith]

I have seen exactly 1 fixed sight L frame in person. Talked store owner down because a .357 really needs adjustable sights and it had been sitting there for a while.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I seen them for sale from time to time.


I think Brian Williams here has, or had, one.


Those are pretty nice pieces. Congrats.

 

[beeenbag]

I have one, well had one the wife claims it now, we keep it by the bed and it sees some range use too. I love it, great gun.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

I have a 681, the stainless version. I have some Cocobolo wood Hogue grips on it which improved both looks and accuracy. I really need to get some pics of it.

 

[Brian Williams]

I own 2, my 2 Son's in Law have them on permanent loan to protect my daughters and grandkids.

 

[Hondo 60]

Definitely on my "want list"
I just like the looks of the blue fixed sighted S&Ws.

I love my Model 10 & want to add a 581.

 

[oldbear]

I just purchased a 586, same gun except it is equipped with adjustable sights; this is my first L frame and my first non P&R revolver. I was able to shoot it for the first time last Monday and I’m VERY impressed, it handled both 38 special +P and .357 Magnum ammo with ease and as with all of my Smiths is much more accurate than I am.

As much as I hate to admit this, the 586 may replace my trusted M-19 as my nightstand gun.

The knife in the second picture is a Shrade "safety button" that was purchased in 1920 by my wife's grandfather when he graduated from the University of California Berkley.

 

[Rexster]

Of the firearms that went away during my economic woes in the 1980's, the one I miss the most is my Model 581.

 

[PabloJ]

I passed on stainless version of which <60 thousand were made according to the salesman. I suppose reasons were no adjustable rear sight on 4" barreled gun and only six-shot capacity in heavy beast of a weapon.

 

[squarles67]

Great gun, I have one in nickle

 

[Rexster]

I have seen a mere one 581 offered for sale, since I had to part with mine. This is personal, eyes-on seeing, not counting on-line. That one sat a local dealer, tempting me, for a few weeks, but I did not have the cash. Looking back, I should have done some trading. It is a bit more common to see a 681 at a dealer or gun show, but just a bit. Fixed-sight L-frames are rare birds.

I managed to acquire a 4" fixed-sight GP100, without the full-lug barrel, which fills the heavy, fixed-sight DA .357 sixgun niche, though I still miss my 581, and would start a lay-away if one showed up at my local dealer.