Looking at buying either the S&W PC 19 Carry Comp or 586 L-COMP PC and have a question. I understand the frame differences but I would like to buy a "blued" revolver. I prefer the 3" barrel. Are either one of these models actually blued or just more of a dull black finish. I have a 686+ in stainless with the 3" barrel and really like the balance of the 3". I would have to buy on line as none of the LGS around here carry either one. This will be more of a range toy than a carry pistol. Would probably shoot mostly .38s but I also find .357s in my 686+ very manageable. Just seems like most of my pistols are stainless and I would like to find one in a nice blued finish. I know I can buy an older model S&W but always worry about someone may have abused it with too many .357s. Thanks!

I have three 586s the newest dates to 1995 a 4" round butt. I like the Bluing on all three.... not quit the bright blue you'd find on a 1950s safe queen or an old Python..... but nice.

On older guns you can look at the recoil shield and get an idea of the past use.

I think they are a satin black finish, like to have one myself but way out of my price range. 19 Comp 6 shot 34.4 oz $1112 , .357 Comp 7 shot 36.4oz $1228. Whatever your budget allows I would choose a 4" blued revolver for the range. I learned here and you tube checking used revolvers , flame cutting, forcing cone, push off,run out etc. A 586 is on my wish list have a 686 .

It doesn't seem like your demands on the gun are particularly strenuous and you describe it as a range toy so go with whatever strikes your fancy.

The lock is no big deal and will be there so put it out of your mind.
I have a 586Lcomp and it is a fantastic shooter and I have no worries shooting any ammo whatsoever. It is accurate, and with seven rounds, it qualifies as a great house or carry gun. It is not the deep blue you seek but it is nice.
I have shot the Mod. 19 carry comp alongside my 586Lcomp. I personally found the weight to be within an ounce or two different and not noticeable in the hand. I prefered the trigger on my 586Lcomp but it had been shot more so the Mod 19 may smooth out after a few thousand rounds fired. Both carry the same in my owb holster.
The just barely larger size of the 586 made it easier on my finger against the trigger guard when firing which I much prefer. I also shot the 586 more accurately for whatever reason. I have has this experience two different times. My shooting was out to 25yd. two hand hold as well as offhand.
The "night sights" on the 586 are totally worthless and I covered the front sight with a white base followed by red topcoat.
All in all, given they are so very close in size, I really like the extra round the 586 carries and because of that extra hole, the gun cycles very quickly during rapid fire.
I disliked the factory wood on mine and opted for the rubber ones that also came with the gun. Pictured, are the gips I like the most but it took me 2-1/2 years to get these Spegel's.
YMMV
My 2¢

Both the Carry Comp and the L-Comp have the same satin blue finish. It is very different than the older S&W blue but I think still looks good.

Here’s a photo of my 19 Carry taken outside. You can see the satin finish well on this shot:



Cheers,
686PC

I was all excited when the 19 K-comp was reintroduced. However, in typical modern era Smith fashion i discovered that the muzzle/compensator on the new one is some sort of half assed end cap that looks like it is a "come loose" part if there ever was one. The 586 L Comp has no such cap. The barrel is all one piece on the L comp.
So much for the new 19K Comp.

I think the first run of the new 19 comp had the single piece / no cap barrel. Then I noticed the runs after the first run with the cap and unfortunately bought one before I noticed it. It was so tightly fit I didn’t notice it. Then I shot it, and the cap began protruding creating a noticeable gap.
I tried to tap it back into place with no luck.
Then, not being an engineer, I cursed out loud, damned Smith and their cheap, quality control ineptness and traded it off.
Then I bought a Korth/Nighthawk Mongoose and will never look back.
Every move Smith makes now to save a buck puts their quality further down the ladder.
The best part is, if they charged another $100 and put the barrel on straight and made it without a cheap fake cap I would buy it. Instead they charge 4 figures and try to cheap it at a premium.
The Smith we all got to know is gone

I ordered my Carry Comp last Fall and it seemed to come with a one-piece barrel, like the L- Comps I’ve handled.

What do you mean by “end cap that looks like it is a come loose part?

Here’s a photo of the Carry Comp muzzle.

I have both, and as other posters have stated both have a one piece barrel assembly at least this is the case with mine. The basic construction of the guns is identical other than one being 7 shot and one 6. One major difference though, is the L comp locks up in the conventional positions, the rear of the cylinder and the front of the ejector rod. The carry comp though, has a detent in the yoke for the front lockup rather than at the front of the ejector.

They are a satin black finish, with the L-comp being cut for moonclips where the carry comp is not. I sent the cylinder of my carry comp to TK Customs and had it cut.

You can't go wrong with either one!

Turn it sideways. The crown is a ring pushed into the muzzle. It can separate from the end of the barrel. Like I said on the first run right when they came out they had same barrel as the L, but the ones in my local shop now, and the one I used to own have a steel ring for a crown forward of the port. You can actually see it in the photo of the revolver on the Smith website although they show it nice and right like mine was until I shot it

My L-Comp has the best from the factory trigger of all my revolvers. It is not however a traditional blued gun, it is more of a satin, or matte. Almost black. The tritium front sight has long-since died and is now just a standard blade, with a hole in it. I thought about the new 19, but it isn’t that much smaller, has one less round on board, and is over $1000.

I REALLY like the 3” revolvers, and all considered, I like my Wiley Clapp GP, and at about $500 less than an L-Comp, it is the one I carry. If I ever find a 3” 13 or similar, I would choose it.

If I didn’t already own an L-Comp, I would likely go with the 19 or one of the GP 3” versions.

Love those grips!