Sold/Found Mystery Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum (SOLD)

[TheHammer]

Today we have a mystery. Most likely this is a miss-stamped no-dash Model 686 stamped as a 681. However, I cannot say that for certain as I do not have a letter on the revolver. It may be worthwhile to get the letter.
I can say it is a very nice shooter.
Mechanically the revolver is in excellent condition with no issues and bank vault lockup and timing.
Condition wise it does show some handling use and a little mark below the cylinder.
Grips are nice and have amazing grain.
I do not have the box or documents for this one.
$1250
Current AL DL & CCW required for purchase

Call me: two56-278-5598

Thank you,
-TheHammer








EDIT:
To answer Bama55's questions and maybe clear up some confusion:

 

[closing]

love my family's .357 686 snub

 

[TheHammer]

To The Top Please.
-TheHammer

 

[TheHammer]

To the top please.
Thanks,
-TheHammer

 

[TheHammer]

To the top please.
Thanks,
-TheHammer

 

[kthomson]

Reading up on that, 681's came with fixed sights and 686's came with adjustable sights. Looks like yours has adjustable, but maybe was added at some point? Either way, sure is a fine piece of iron you have there.

 

[TheHammer]

That's right. I believe most of the 681's were 4", but regarding the sights...that's where the letter would come in handy.
Thank you,
-TheHammer

 

[Tumbleweed]

hmmm

 

[TheHammer]

To the top please.
Thanks,
-TheHammer

 

[TheHammer]

To the top please.
Thanks,
-TheHammer

 

[Bama55]

There is a chance, although slim, that the crane has been replaced. It probably shipped from S&W like that, but, is there a star stamped on the butt, near the serial number, or under the barrel, or possibly a date stamped on the grip frame, near the butt?

 

[TheHammer]

Interesting theory. I'll post my findings.
Thank you,
-TheHammer

 

[Tumbleweed]

It’s a model 681

 

[TheHammer]

The Smith and Wesson Model 681 is a stainless steel revolver chambered in .357 magnum. It's virtually identical to the Model 686 with the exception of the sights, which are fixed on the 681 and adjustable on the 686.
My Smith is a 686.
-TheHammer

 

[TheHammer]

Additional pictures added.
Thank you,
-TheHammer

 

[Bama55]

It would be worth the $75.00 to get a letter from Roy Jinks on this one. One of two things, the wrong crane was installed at S&W or the crane was replaced after it left the factory. Best I can tell it was made Nov-Dec 1983. That is during the transition period to 3 letter prefix serial numbers. If you decide to get a letter be sure and send pics of the grip frame markings. I believe they are assembly markings, but a letter would give you all the info on it.

 

[TheHammer]

I really appreciate the information.
-TheHammer

 

[Randomprojectile]

Tempted. Which is stupid because I don't have any cash for extra handguns right now. Why couldn't I have a cheaper interest / hobby??