My first .357

[Timothy2700]

New to me today a 1980’s era 586 no dash (joins a Victory, a K38 and a K22 in my revolver stable). Had fun with it trying it out on paper this afternoon, mostly with .38 SPCL. But the first three cylinders of .357 was sure different shooting for me.

The bluing is great, the mechanics are great as is the accuracy. But am pretty sure the grips are not original based on the observation they are a bit off with respect to matching the frame contour, especially at the butt where the wood is a good 1/16 proud of the metal frame. You can make it out on the photo.

Also the insides of the grips have no S/N like my older K-frames have. Did this practice stop at one point or is this another indication of non-original grips?

The grip feels fine in the hand, but the look of the fit catches my eye. Is it possible to get a better-fitting set?

Thoughts welcome.

 

[cololab]

You have acquired a fine revolver!
I think yours was originally equipped with the larger target grips. At least mine was. I'm uncertain if one could special order the smaller magna grips like yours wears.
Others more knowledgeable will correct any mistatement I've made.

 

[mchom]

586 is Great gun to add. A nice set of K or L targets would look good
I wonder if those are N’s on it now. I think N’s can be mounted but obviously fit poorly.

 

[PatriotX]

Congrats on a great revolver! The difference between 38 and Magnum rounds is significant, but the L-frame was designed to handle it!

Those grips look like they may be of incorrect size. A quick glance on the inside of the panels would confirm

I prefer Target Grips or Combat Grips on my square butt guns, and anything that fits a K-frame gun should fit your L-frame as well.

For comfort, a rubber set is often more practical. Either Hogue or Pachmayr makes a great option.

 

[schutz5]

My 586 no dash from 1984 did not have serial numbers inside the target grips.
The grips do have silver washers inside,if I am not mistaken.

Nice score! It's a beautiful revolver and accurate!

 

[Nightowl]

The early L frames shipped with target stocks with the speed loader cut out. Combats stocks could be ordered a few years later, I believe. I do not recognize those stocks, but I was not paying much attention during to Magna stocks in the 80s. Could be they are aftermarket?

The 6 inch 586 is a fine shooting gun, and you should get years of service out if it. Great buy!

 

[Bald1]

Those stocks don’t look like genuine S&W. The wood almost looks like a laminate. Maybe the wrong size Altamont????? I had a Hogue Monogrip on my 686 at one point (I forget what wood) and it handled at shot fantastic. Felt like a combat grip.

 

[stansdds]

When it comes to selecting a first 357 Magnum, it's hard to go wrong with the S&W L-frame. Not as big as the N-frame, but more durable with full power magnum ammo than the K-frame. S&W really hit a home run with their L-frame.

 

[CajunBass]

And yes, at some point, late 50's early 60's or so, Smith and Wesson stopped hand fitting the stocks to the gun, which is why the S/N was stamped on the stocks. Long before the L-frames came out anyway. Target stocks were not normally numbered. (Never say never with S&W)

Your gun probably had target stocks on it originally, but they got pulled and sold seperately, and a cheaper set was installed in their place. A not uncommon happening.

 

[wproct]

You picked a fine revolver to fill the .357 magnum slot! I have used Hogue wood grips on several of my handguns and love them. Fit is normally quite good. Altamont and other manufacturers offer fine grips also.

 

[Jocko-44]

Beautiful 586 OP

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Awesome 586! Thanks for sharing!

Any grip discrepancies can be easily remedied. Hogue makes many beautiful hardwood and rubber options. VZ Grips offer excellent fitting G10 options, if that’s your flavor. Altamont also offers a lot of options, if you’re OK w/ laminate grips (I am). And there’s always EBay or the forum classifieds for OG target stocks.

Bet it won’t be your last .357 Smith…

 

[rwsmith]

One gun I won't get rid of......

...that's my 686. BEE-YOO-TI-FUL gun!

 

[boykinlp]

Timothy, the Magna grips on your gun definitely don’t fit well! Show us the inside of the panels. I am looking at your picture on my phone, so not much detail available, but could they be some Thailand grips…..do the medallions look factory?
Larry

 

[Timothy2700]

Timothy, the Magna grips on your gun definitely don’t fit well! Show us the inside of the panels. I am looking at your picture on my phone, so not much detail available, but could they be some Thailand grips…..do the medallions look factory?
Larry

Here are some pics of the grips. I’m not sure how to spot a repro vs factory, so weigh in please.

A number of you mentioned that this pistol was likely shipped with target grips, so I will start looking for an old set, or perhaps a modern version from one of the grip makers. Also one of you has nicely offered me a set of rubber grips excess to his needs. Thank you sir for lending a hand to a novice.

 

[444 Magnum]

A number of you mentioned that this pistol was likely shipped with target grips, so I will start looking for an old set

Several sets for sale on the forum right now at reasonable prices.

For shooting, properly fit rubber grips will likely give you better hold. I don't care for them, however, as they tend to allow condensation and ultimately corrosion of the grip frame if not regularly removed and cleaned.

 

[38 Specialist]

If you want to shoot a lot of 357 magnum, this is about as good as it gets. I I have a 586 no dash. And I just acquired a model 28 which is a 357 Magnum and the larger N frame. I shot 100 rounds of 357 through it yesterday. Although I didn't try them side by side, I think the 586 actually absorbs the recoil better. That full underlug has a effect.

Enjoy your gun. It's among the finest revolvers ever.

It seems there are some holes in your collection.

I think you now need a 357 in a K frame. Model 66 or 19. Or a 13!

 

[S&W Fan]

Your gun should’ve come with the target grips as shown on my early 4” no dash. The only thing stamped on the inside of the grips is a date, no serial numbers on L frame grips.

That’s a great revolver you have, enjoy!

 

[PatriotX]

Here are some pics of the grips. I’m not sure how to spot a repro vs factory, so weigh in please .

Those appear to be factory N-frame Magna grips. The silver washer is generally not seen in the aftermarket.

Those Magnas would look great on a Model 27 or 28

 

[boykinlp]

Here are some pics of the grips. I’m not sure how to spot a repro vs factory, so weigh in please.

A number of you mentioned that this pistol was likely shipped with target grips, so I will start looking for an old set, or perhaps a modern version from one of the grip makers. Also one of you has nicely offered me a set of rubber grips excess to his needs. Thank you sir for lending a hand to a novice.

Thanks for the pictures. I am looking at them on my iPad now, and can see them much, much better! Everything looks factory. Sometimes it is difficult to spot repro vs. factory grips, and sometimes not so much. I have seen Thailand grips with medallions that were obviously not factory, and some their grips are made from wood that looks kinda orange. Your pictures show “in the white” machined stock circle inserts. When you see these or blued stock circle inserts, it is a dead giveaway that the grips are factory. Later factory magna grips don’t have the inserts.

You have a beautiful 586 that you should be proud of. Sometimes when picking grips for a revolver, you have to choose between looks and functionality. Hopefully you find a happy medium. It’s up to you to decide what works for you and makes you happy.
Larry