Back in the day, the first handgun I ever shot was the scout leaders Colt SAA .44/40. We each got one shell and after a brief instruction, we shot. Since I'm not big into single actions, that one is not on the list. The second handgun I fired was a Smith and Wesson 581. It was very accurate and utilitarian. On my short list is either a 581 or a 681 issued to the NY State Police. I have never seen a 581 for sale, but on rare occasions I would see a NYSP 681 for sale. Last month, when I stopped in to see my favorite gun shop, the owner was showing a gentleman in front of me a 681. I was pleased, until I realized that the gentleman was going to buy it. The owner, Sam, asked me if I was interested in a 681. I said it was on my short list. After resigning myself to being 10 minutes too late, Sam produced a second 681 for the gentleman to examine. He chose and I was handed the second one. As I looked at the side, bearing NYSP, I put it back on the counter and said sold. I picked it up this past week while at camp. I don't care for the presentation Pachmyrs, but have plenty of grips to choose from at home.
Here it is. I shot it upon returning from camp this afternoon. Right on target at 25, 20 15 and seven. I shot 158 grain magnums and .38s. It soaked up the recoil very well. I settled on Pachmyr grippers. They felt right.
There aren't too many on my short list. Another, that I have only seen once, is a Smith and Wesson model 520. You never know.............
