Smith & Wesson 586 / 686

["DoubleAction"]

With a more conventional wisdom being behind the development of a mid size duty revolver, in .357 magnum, Bill Jordan responded when asked about his thoughts on the idea. The results was the K-Frame model 19, and later with the stainless version of the model 66 Combat Magnums. When it finally became apparent to everyone that the K-Frames were not holding up so well to the hotter .357 magnum loads, and many were finding that practice with the 38 wadcutters did not match up with the real world of .357 magnum duty ammo, S&W decided to step up to a more stronger version of the mid frame. This resulted in the development of the L-Frame .357 Magnums, along with the Blued 586 and the it's Stainless version in the 686 Distinguished Combat Magnums.

[TBT]

Is the standard 586 discontinued? I've only seen something called the 586 L-Comp.

["DoubleAction"]

tbt said:

Is the standard 586 discontinued? I've only seen something called the 586 L-Comp.

TBT; Your correct, the 586 was discontinued, however; They are still available on the Pre-owned/Used Marketplace. TA just acquired a four inch 586 very recently.
If it's just a shooter your looking for, take a look at the Model 27 in the Galleries.

[TBT]

I'm seeing these in 95-100% for around $550 to $600. Is that a good price DA? I'm seeing more nickle than blued though in the 4 and 5 inch barrels. I would rather blue. What do you think of the nickle version?

For close to $200 more than a new 686, is the 27-2 that much better in your opinion? Should I be looking at "other dashes" or just the dash 2?

[TA]

There is a nice 27-2 4" nickel w/box on the S&W forum for sale for $595 shipped.

[TBT]

Is it $175 better than the 686?

[TA]

I can't really answer that because I haven't had mine for very long and have yet to shoot them. I think it depends what you are looking for. If you want a good stout .357 Magnum, an L frame 586/686 will fit the bill. The 27 has more craftsmanship to it with the checkered top strap, fit and finish and is probably more collectible. Anymore I buy guns simply because I want them. I try to find the nicer examples that will hold or gain in value and that I will enjoy in my collection.

You can find nice 586's for the $350-375 range. I have heard rumor that you neck of the woods (PA) is a great place to get good deals on them. As you know, prices vary widely by region. Around me it is difficult to find any older S&W Magnum revolvers at all. I can find stainless all day long, but not the blued. Most of my recent purchases have been out of state.

[TBT]

I want a gun that I plan on shooting, a lot. I actually plan on this gun possibly being my most used. I'm not sure if I would want to beat up a 27-2 like that, even though I'm sure it could take the abuse.

I wouldn't know about revolver deals around here because I've been a stupid sob and haven't given them a chance really. I've never looked at revolvers, I've always strayed to the autos particularly the 1911 lines.

["DoubleAction"]

In my opinion, the Model 27 is a much better shooter; ranking right up there with Colt's Python, if the trigger is right. The complaint about the Model 27 has always been the weight when carrying in duty rigs for law enforcement because of it's larger N Frame. Because of this, the mid K-frame Model 19 was developed, which led to a stronger L Frame to handle steady diets of the .357 magnum.
Everything about the .357 magnum revolvers were once dictated by requirements brought about from the applications and demands in Law Enforcement.
One thing about the trigger on the Python is it's long trigger stroke and long hammer fall, this gives the opportunity to lighten it's DA pull by as little as 5 lbs with 100 % primer ignition. The shorter stroke and hammer fall fall on the S&W seems to rest comfortably with 7 1/2 to 8 lbs on most custom trigger jobs.
Finding a Python smith for one of these superb single stage DA 5 lb. trigger jobs is not easy to find. The best I've ever heard was Reeves Junking and Jerry Moran. S&W smiths can be found at the S&W performance center, or most anywhere on the map, but the Python trigger components require being heat treated.
The 586 & 686 are great, but they do not possess the heavier N-Frame, which absorbs much of the recoil. The older Model 27s were considered to be the flagship model of the S&W revolver lineup, therefore it recieved that extra added attention needed to make it live up to the yardstick by which all other DA .357 magnum revolvers were to be judged.