Pardon my lack of knowledge on Smith's (slowly growing thought)
I'm getting ready to add to the stable, I'm currently looking at a 586 6" classic and a 27 classic 6-1/2" aside from barrel lengths and half lug, what other differences are there and how do I choose?

Thanks!

Oh yeah, and the 27 is about $120 more at Buds...

never mind...I just found a pretty informative thread, but please chime in if you like!

The 27 is an N-frame Smith Largest frame until the X-frame .460 and .500 were introduced.

The 586 is a smaller L-frame..... with grip and trigger reach of a K-frame. Introduced in about 1980 it was designed to handle any and all .357 loads including the hot 125gr loads that were beating up the smaller lighter K-frame guns (13,19,65 and 66)

The model 27 is an N-frame which is slightly larger than the 586 L-frame. The 586 has a full lug underneath the barrel all the way to tip. This is the under part the rod off front of cylinder sits in. Longer barrel 586 tend to be a little nose heavy. Last difference I can think of off is the beautiful checkering on the top side of model 27's as opposed to just lines grooved in. It is a total personal preference how you choose. Aesthetics as well as the feel of each, if you can go to somewhere you can handle both I am sure you would then see or feel the own you like most. Good luck and either way an excellent choice!!

While I don't own a model 27,I do have a 28(but I keep looking for that elusive 27 in 5'').I also have a 586 no dash no ''M''.
I'd be in a very tight spot if I'd have to depart from any one.What I can say is the 586 is more muzzle heavy(some like it like that)and has a grip size that tends to be easier to fit hands.The N frame with its larger cylinder that has more inertia is harder to get going in DA but once it is,is as smooth as the K frame.
But if,like me you like a gun that balances more towards the rear and can find a grip that fits you,then I'll give my vote to the N frame.
Qc

Go with the 27. Just my unbiased opinion.

Assuming similar condition. With that said I would not sweat the price difference and go with the one that feels better in my hand.

I just bought a 27-2 5" , two weeks ago, I went to the range with it 5 times so far, In my opinion go for the 27 if you can. My 1911s are getting lonely and the other revolvers are looking to start a revolt in my gun safe. I can't help it, I fell in love with the 27.

Either gun is a good choice. For me, the 27 feels better in hand than the 586, but then I admit that I am biased too. And if you don't mind stainless steel, look at the 627 Pro (4" barrel), which gives you 8 rounds of 357 goodness. It's also only $815 at Kentucky Gun Co, which has it in stock. Bud's is out of stock on it at present. That's about $100 more than a 586 Classic, but you get 2 extra shots too.

For me the only way to decide which I like better is barrel length. I prefer a 4" or 6" 586. However I do love a 5" Model 27.

I wouldn't buy a 'classic ' series anything.

I'd buy the real Classic: a M27-2.

But that's just me.

My 586 6" is my best shooter. It feels heavy till I bring it on target, then it's perfectly balanced. Don't have a 27 - my only N frame is a 627 5". The 627 doesn't work nearly as well for me - feels barrel light & the frame is too big for my taste.

Take away advice - as mentioned above, handle, & if possible shoot, them both. Go with the one that feels the best to you. Both are great choices - can't go wrong with either of them.

Thanks for all the input!
I currently have a 629 6" and a 627 4"PC, love them both but was looking to add a nice blued smith in 357 with a lengthy barrel. Sadly of all 6-7 gun shops within an hours drive have very few wheel guns, most just have semi's. There's a Cabela's an hour away and I bet there's a ratio of 15-1 semi's to revolvers, kinda sad. This obvious make handling specific handguns kinda difficult, let alone the chance to fire them. The 27 holds my interest due to its history, but the 586 just looks a little more badass-ish.

Nothing you mentioned, but when I saw the 686-6 Pro-Series at the gun show, I knew it needed to be mine. It is my 1st 5" Smith revolver. I have other L frames, and a 6" 28 no dash. This 1 performs well. Bob

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	686-6 001.jpg (62.3 KB, 77 views)
	686-6 002.jpg (62.4 KB, 55 views)
	686-6 ps 002.jpg (80.3 KB, 47 views)
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If you don't mind digging in your pocket a bit more, look for a 27-2 in longer barrel lengths. I like nickel, so mine are in nickel, but you can find them in pretty pristine blue condition on Gun Broker.

You say you like long, well here is my 8 3/8" 27-2 that I bought off GB earlier this year:


And here is my nickel 27-2 with a 6" barrel I bought off a member of these forums. I only have this pic that he sent me, as I haven't gotten around to taking more pics of it:


If you want a little more modern, you can look at a 27-5 something like this one. It is my only blue model 27 and I got it at a great price on GB a few years ago unfired except for the factory test rounds. It has a 6 1/2" barrel:

You can not go wrong with either one but I liken my 586 to a pick up and my 27-2 to my luxury sedan. Here is my round butt 586, funny I don’t have a picture of the 27.


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Two revolvers with totally different feel. Just plop them in your hand (one at a time) and see who fits. The gun itself will tell you.

Stu

Hey if you can swing it just buy both like I am famous for saying "the thing better than buying yourself a great revolver is buying two" .Goid luck and let us know which way you go.

You guys are killing me with all the pics and the "buy both"!! (likely to happen though..)

Who can stop with just one...unless your wife is asking? If you like nickel...you will also "need" blue too. Almost forgot...don't forget stainless. Go for both and try em out. Decide which one you like best and sell the other. After remorse sets in for selling, buy two more to make you feel better. Welcome to the wonderful S&W Club.

Attached Images

	S&W 586 Blue.jpg (47.1 KB, 62 views)
	S&W 586 Nickel Pic.jpg (140.6 KB, 58 views)

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I'm getting closer, its between the 586 6" and the 686 6"
I like that extra round but I also like it in blued.

This must be how the spouse feels at the shoe store.....

Well it's done. I'll pick up a 586 Thursday pm.


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