I dumped a 2.5" 686 that I bought new because the ejector rod is too small to eject the cases.

No one tells you that. Not acceptable for what I wanted it for.

These days it's highly desirable, but I'd MUCH rather have a 3" version.

Don't chop the 586, sell it to finance what you'd like to have and give someone a chance to appreciate the 586 for what it is.

I personally really dig my 4" 586-1, it's a keeper.