Can anyone tell me why S&W ceased production of the 386 PD?

Sales, lack of...................

There's three primary reasons why a handgun model will be discontinued ...

1) Lack of demand

2) Upgraded model/platform

3) Unreliability

As far as I know, the 386PD suffered from #1.

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I'm with the banned ...

I'm hoping that S&W makes a run of 386 4" guns again to go along with 6" XL hunters. I would very much like one for a hiking gun.

I understand the lack of demand--I own some guns starting with 3 but have no idea what a 386 is??

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the world is round everywhere

The 386 was built in two models. There was the PD with a 2 1/2" barrel at 18 oz. The other was a 386 SC which was called the Mountain Gun. This was a 3" barrel and again 18 oz. Both were made of Scandium material. I don't think the demand was the problem as much as the material was very expensive. I own both of the 386's. The Nightguard took there place at a weight of 28 oz. One thing I forgot to mention was, they were all 7 shot cylinders.

There is a scandium frame 4" revolver which was called the 327 PD. It came in at 24 oz. and cylinder was for eight shots. I have this one and love it. Use it as a carry too!

I picked-up the 386 NG recently. Love the weight and 7 round capacity. The steel guns are fine for shooting, but for carry, I prefer to lighten the load a bit.

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Watch & Pray

I had a 386PD very nice, with 38spl it was sweet! With 158gr JSP 357s it was stout but not unbearable, Traded it off towards a LNIB 29-2 with presentation case and tools etc. (No Brain-er) Im just a N frame junkie!

For a daily CCW very nice and 7 rounds also. Sweet L frame and easy to carry!

Carl

I agree with C.S.63...great carry gun until you actually might have to use it. Even with 125 gr. .357s it was a major handful of recoil and tremendous muzzle flash. I couldn't justify keeping it just to haul around 7 rds. of .38 spl. Traded mine for a PC Model 627-5 (I'm an N-framer, too). I carry a 642 on a regular basis and toss the 627 in the trunk or saddlebag. The 386PD I traded in has been in and out of my lgs 4 times to 4 different owners that I know of...what does that tell you?

Oh gosh, heck yes!

i have had one for a few years now and love mine! great carry gun. and i find the recoil to not be bad at all. my 329pd or even more so my 340pd is much worse to deal with.

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balin
NRA Life Member

I have a 386SC (similar to the PD but a 3", silver colored with HiViz front and v-notch rear) and with the Titanium cylinder resulting in very lightweight makes it not very comfortable to shoot. Seriously, a cylinder or two sure but a couple 100 rounds of 158gr magnum? Not fun. However, a light load like Rem 125gr Golden Sabers (~1200fps) is very manageable. I think that a 386 Night Guard would be decent even with full power magnums.

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NRA Certified Instructor

I'm looking to buy a S&W 386 . Does anyone know where i can locate one? JC

probably not in a five year old thread, lol. Best bet is going to be Gunbroker unfortunately, or the classifieds here.

Couple on there now , 1000$ +

386pd are pretty expensive now considering the lack of demand that caused their demise. Can’t beat the weight- I carry it in a giant l frame pocket holster with 7rnds liberty ammo I am 18+3 =21 oz (1&1/3 lb). 396mountain lite (5x44spcl) is also astonishing light and both have fiber optic sights.

Post in the WTB forum here. I think GB has one, too, if you don't want to go through the auction thing.

Be ready to pay $$$.

Can they be had for under $600. ???

Possibly. It all depends on condition. Mine's not a collector since a good amount of finish is worn off. When I'm dead and gone whoever winds up with it may sell it for that price.

I have one and a recent check on GB ranges from one at $900. to several in the $1200 to $1400. range.
I doubt you will see one in the $600. range.

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Magnaport 329NG, Custom386 NG

I was able to get a 386 Sc on Gunbroker for $600, There was a PD but it was $200 more.