Smith & Wesson Model 581
Smith & Wesson · Revolver · Discontinued · 1980
Also known as: Distinguished Service Magnum, S&W 581
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 581 is a six-shot double-action revolver built on Smith & Wesson's L-frame and chambered in .357 Magnum, introduced in 1980 as the fixed-sight member of the company's then-new L-frame family. Marketed as the 'Distinguished Service Magnum,' it shares the heavier L-frame and full-lug 4-inch barrel of the adjustable-sight Model 586 but trades the target sights for rugged fixed sights aimed at police duty and service use. The steel frame and cylinder carry a blued finish, and the swing-out cylinder holds six rounds of .357 Magnum; the revolver will also chamber and fire the milder .38 Special cartridge. The double-action/single-action lockwork allows a long self-cocking double-action pull for rapid defensive fire or a manually cocked single-action pull for deliberate accuracy. The L-frame was engineered specifically to withstand a steady diet of full-power magnum loads that had accelerated wear on the lighter K-frame, giving the 581 the durability of a heavy-duty service revolver in a balanced, carry-friendly package. Production ran until 1988, after which the fixed-sight L-frames were dropped from the catalog.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1077 g (38.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 143 mm (5.63") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 784 J (578 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Full Lug Barrel, Swing Out Cylinder, Exposed Hammer
Production
Production years: 1980-1988
Fixed-sight L-frame; discontinued in 1988.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1988
Notes
The 581 is the blued, fixed-sight L-frame; the stainless equivalent is the Model 681. The adjustable-sight counterparts are the blued Model 586 and stainless Model 686.
Background
Smith & Wesson developed the L-frame after the K-frame Model 19/66 showed accelerated forcing-cone and frame wear under heavy .357 Magnum use by police agencies; the fixed-sight 581 and 681 were the no-frills duty versions of that beefier platform.