Red flag? Possible early stages of pitting/rust on used S&W 586-8?

batdurston · #1 08-13-2020, 03:55 AM

Hello all,

I am new to this forum. Glad to be here. I hope this is the right place for this thread. Please let me know if it is not.

I am considering purchasing a used S&W 586-8 with a 4" barrel (pictured below). I have done my research into what to look for when purchasing a used revolver, but I just do not have enough experience to be able to answer this question for myself.

Does the discoloration to the right side of the cylinder/recoil shield look like rust/pitting to you, or possibly just dirt and accumulated lubricant that could be removed with a good cleaning/polishing? The description of the revolver is very light on details and I want to do my due diligence before bidding on this gun. I will, of course, also ask for additional details regarding the condition and photos from the seller.

The rest of the gun appears to be in Like New condition, and it does not look like it's been fired very much. The description of the revolver says that there are no "mentionable marks" on it, though this picture has caused me concern regarding the possibility of pitting/rust. Any advice or insight that you can provide regarding the appearance of the early stages of pitting/rust on used guns and its impact on their value would be greatly appreciated.

From the description: "This gun is in great condition, Like New! There are no mentionable marks on the gun and the barrel is clean. The wood grips are in perfect condition."

Please note that I will be shooting this gun a lot and holding on to it for a long time; I may consider paying S&W to have it professionally refinished at some point if I decide to purchase the revolver.

Sincerely,
Bat Durston

6518John · #2 08-13-2020, 05:48 AM

Welcome to the forum. Attached is a picture of rust/pitting. That is not what your photographs show. I would simply ask the seller what is causing the discoloration. It is hard to tell from photographs if it is caused by the gun needing to be cleaned or if there is some finish issue. It almost appears as if the bluing is thin in the area. I would ask the seller to clean with a q-tip and some solvent and send you another photograph.

It would be hard to go wrong with a 586–it is a much beloved model and will be an excellent shooter.

diecidecimi · #3 08-13-2020, 06:36 AM

Of course the best thing to do is asking the seller more infos. Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure that what you see are... reflexes. Nothing else then that. The same foggy-reddish color is visible on the barrel.
The gun is quasi-unfired, considering the lack of turn ring

stansdds · #4 08-13-2020, 07:03 AM

First, welcome to the S&W Forums!

The picture posted really does not strike me as being rust, but looks more like an inconsistent amount of oil on the metal. I'd ask the seller, maybe the seller could provide you with a better image.

murphydog · #5 08-13-2020, 08:21 AM

The area behind the recoil shield and the thumb piece easily accumulates debris and is not as easy to fully clean as the more accessible exterior areas. Agree on just asking the seller to clean it and send a follow up image.

jcs266 · #6 08-13-2020, 08:30 AM

The 586 / 686 are perhaps THE best of the best in S&W's line-up.

Ask for a better pic, but that doesnt look like rust to me. Enjoy your 586!

HOUSTON RICK · #7 08-13-2020, 11:42 AM

Welcome Bat! Triggers can be replaced, but what is the discoloration on the upper right trigger? Could that be used to negotiate a price reduction? My eyes are not what they used to be but that does not look like new. The 586 and 686 are both well designed guns. I am also fond of (and shamelessly plug) the Model 28 or "Highway Patrolman".