Title says it all. What is the rifling twist of a 586/686 "no dash", -1, -2, -3, -4 version?

I understand that the SW model 14 (38 special) has (had) a rifling twist rate of 1:18.75". I was curious if the 586/686 earlier series (pre-mim, pre-lock) was similar or different.

Reason? I've been researching accuracy/bullet results of model 14's. Several reports state that the "slow twist" of the model 14 (1:18.75") barrel is not optimal for 148 grain HBWC. Several reports indicate the Colt Officer's Match 38 special revolver with 1:16" rifling was more accurate. Some reports state that if you were going to rebarrel a model 14 for optimal 148 grain hbwc accuracy that a faster rifling twist than 1:18.75" is advised (ie 1:12", 1:14"). I wondered if the SW 586 had a different rifling twist, as I have achieved very fine accuracy with it using 148 grain hbwc bullets (Precision Delta swaged, over 2.5 grains Bullseye, and having to "double lube" the factory "match lube" bullet with 50/50 beeswax/alox lube in a .360" lubrisizer die.

Getting ready to gear up for some reloading evaluations with a SW model 14 with factory barrel. Kind of curious. I guess I'll just have to run a tight patch down the barrel and mark/measure the cleaning rod. I was hoping someone knew right out of the gate.

I have to admit, I was a little surprised at the statement that the Model 14 rifling twist was "too slow", as I thought this pistol was supposed to be "magic" with a 148 grain hbwc and a target dose of Bullseye or W231 powder. Standing by for comments.

Thanks in advance.

With a few exceptions most S&W revolvers have a 18 3/4" twist rate. This is always true with all .38 & .357 revolvers.

Some Colts are more accurate than some S&Ws, and vice-versa. If it were true that one was always more accurate then target revolvers of the other brand then the less accurate brand would not have sold in any significant numbers! Target shooters are far more interested in accuracy than brand loyalty.

Since the 18 3/4" twist rate will adequately stabilize the 200 gr. .38 Special Super Police load, it is absolutely adequate for the 148 WC. Anyone who says it is too slow simply doesn't know what he is talking about. The reason that match replacement barrels for .38 revolvers is 16" is more because it is a standard twist rate for .35 caliber rifles, and there has been so much hype about Colts being more accurate than S&Ws that shooters asked for it. There is no practical difference between 16" and 18 3/4".

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I suspect that what you are referring to is target guns (ie PPC guns) that use a faster twist. At 25 yards I doubt that you could tell a difference. Most PPC guns are barrelled with 1-12 or 1-10 twist barrels because supposedly, the factory 1-18.75 twist barrels will not fully stabilize a wadcutter at 50 yards, but they will at 25 yards. Alot of the shooters will shoot wadcutters at 7, 15, and 25 yards but switch to swc's for the 50 yard targets when shooting factory barrels. With the faster twist, no need to switch. Even a factory twist will shoot the wadcutters at 50 yards, but the groups tend to open up some which in PPC is a bad thing.