Do you think that a 6" 586 would make a good hunting gun? Any pros or cons? Thanks 29R

yes, no problem up to deer size within reasonable distance.

I have taken 3 deer with my 5 inch 686. 2 with 145 grain silvertips, 1 with a blazer 158 grain gold dot hollow point. The silvertips brought expiration on almost instantly, blazer gave up about 25 feet and then a collapse. I have to say the shot with the blazer was slightly aft of where i was aiming. Your 6 inch 586 will be perfect.

Within proper range and with good shot placement, they work well on whitetails. I prefer a long barreled Model 27, but nothing wrong with a 586/686.

I also second Winchester Silvertips. They are easy to shoot and appear to be quite effective. Interesting, in that they are not known as one of the more powerful .357 Mag loads.

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" I said, good DAY! "

I use a 686 for our 100lb does up to about 75 yards ( a bowhunter at heart, I like up close and personal).
The con comes if you like monster bucks, long range, shots from front or rear, or suffer from CHS (can't hit "stuff").

it's a great gun and caliber for most anything up to a good size deer...have fun!

I think it would absolutely work fine with well-placed shots on most deer size beasts and varmints. I like the solid lead bullets for hunting work such as those from Double Tap or Buffalo Bore. Your revolver is a great piece for hogs as well; I don't mean the out-sized monsters but for, say, 200 pounds and down it will be a hammer.

Good advice on the bullet choice. I have hunted with my .41 mag for years using hard cast, SGD'd's and Remingtons 210 gr. JHP rounds and never lost a deer. Keep your range down, use the right bullet and hit em in the vitals with a heavy .357 bullet and you should be bringing home some venison.


Good luck and have fun!

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V/R
Roger / SG

My 686 with 8 3/8'' is all I carry when involved in a drive for Pa whitetail as a driver. I use 158gr XTP. Very efficiant with a well placed shot.

If it's nice and in the box you might want to think about selling it and getting a stainless 686. The 586s seem to be more "collectable", and bring a better price.

You can probably buy the 686 and pocket some cash. The stainless will also hold up very well in the woods, and you can consider an 8 3/8" barrel if you like.

The Remington 180 grain sjhp load has worked well for me out of a 686. Keep distances reasonable and you will be fine.