A Review of the S&W Model 681

[mtngunr]

I heard a story about boring out a .38 spl. cylinder to accept .357 magnum cartridges back in the 1980’s. I was just getting into pistol shooting/competing back then and was shocked/confused by this. I mentioned something about “but what about the heat treatment to accept magnum pressures?”, the more experienced shooters present just smiled, nodding their heads.

When the 19 first came out, the superior steel and heat treat was a fact...but, 10-15yrs later, such better steel and heat treat may have been done across the board, such is technological and manufacturing change. It still leaves most .38Spl cylinders too short for anything but lighter bullets in magnum brass, while seating the heavier bullets maybe the required hair deeper with magnum loads could raise pressure enough to test that steel and heat treat hypothesis. I try not to play too much past known things when holding explosives. A different matter in larger diameter and thicker walled cylinders of N-frame or Ruger diameter. Would not want to take much chance in even an L-frame cylinder, which is smaller diameter than even the old model Blackhawk .357 cylinder, which could be bored out to .44Spl while the L-frame was only large enough for a 5-shooter in same caliber. I think the J-frame cylinder (not frame) is even stronger than the K-frame, it thicker walled and locking notches offset from thinnest point, unlike the K-frame. The notches are where cylinders intially bulge and then blow.

 

[mtngunr]

It bent the barrel just slightly.

The other hypothesis being he simply beat it into submission.

 

[SPDguns]

My favorite 681

 

[WoodsCraft]

I was never a fan of the L frame but it is a yeoman's revolver . I was always a Model 19 guy and feel its the perfect revolver for carry .

 

[mtngunr]

I was never a fan of the L frame but it is a yeoman's revolver . I was always a Model 19 guy and feel its the perfect revolver for carry .

No argument there....perfect for carry, and beat the N-frame .357 handily for that. But not the gun for high volume .357 shooting, where the N-frame best for that IF you can reach the trigger and still have a solid hold. The 681 coolness is the great grip duping K-frame goodness, durability with sustained .357 shooting. and easier on the shooter doing that due to increased weight up front....calling one or the other better is like carpenters arguing over whether a hammer or saw is better. They both are most excellent for their respective purposes.