Any way of determining how many pre-dash Model 586s were produced since their introduction? The S&W factory told me the one I recently bought was made in either 1982 or '83. Don't know why they couldn't give me a definite "born-on" date. Also would like to find a date-original S&W box for the gun on ebay. Is there a product number range on the box I should be looking for that would be appropriate for this model and year? Thanks from Montana, where I'm bravely defying "global warming" with three feet of snow outside my cabin, and more coming down.

Welcome from Texas counterclockwise. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

Not that I am aware of.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

Welcome from Va.

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Roger

This Model 586 is my second S & W revolver. I bought my first one, a 6-inch Model 19 with target hammer, trigger and grips, when I came home from the Army in 1973. Why I ever traded that beautiful firearm is a testament to my stupidity. But I was struggling to find gainful employment during some rough economic times and had to part with it. At least that is what I tell myself. The excellent fit and highly polished finish of this early 586 reminds me a lot of that Model 19. It brings me back to a time when revolvers ruled and real men still roamed the earth. When 6-inch barrels weren't a burden for the over six-footers in uniform who carried them, and dull polymer pistols with seemingly endless capacity existed only on the drawing board. Seems to me six well-aimed .357s from this Distinguished Combat Magnum or any other .357 Magnum revolver ought to be enough "conflict resolution" for most situations. Just an Old School fool, I guess. I'm looking forward to shooting this gun and making up for forty years of Model 19 separation anxiety. Great to know there are so many other S&W revolver'oholics out there.

Welcome aboard.

I just sold a M19-4 that was almost NIB with all the tools and accessories for $575.00. I paid $500.00 for it a year and a half ago. I say this because I want you to know they are out there and you may want to "re-find" that M19 you speak of.

You're gonna "hafta" get a M19 and a M27 to really enjoy S&W .357 wheelguns.

The M586/M686 versions are what I consider the best D/A .357 ever made. I would choose them over a Python.

I remember when the city of San Antonio, Texas would not hire anyone for police duty unless they were 6 foot or over...and male. Now police departments rely on "many" instead of just one "big-un". Perhaps better in today's drug and alcohol fueled society.

A bunch of us here probably think auto-loaders are a passing fad. Just kidding. BUT, any autoloader other than a M1911 or Browning Hi-Power does not interest me.

I do not know the answers to your questions on dates and boxes but we have some very knowledgeable folks here who may come along and help you.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

counter, welcome to the Forum! What is this snow talk? It has been around 80 degrees here in NW Ohio.
Anyway, my 1st L frame is a 586 no dash 4" barrel, (6-83) that I traded for a few weeks ago. I am impressed! Not precision, but I can hit steel targets at 30 yds. with it. ( I'm kinda old) I have K's, my L, and a N. They all have their own qualities. I guess that I still want more. No matter how hard I try, I shoot a revolver better than a semi auto. Hope you enjoy your 586, as much as I do mine. Bob
I guess that I Overstated the temps here! It must have been Happy Hour Talking! I hope everybody wasn't planning to move here. Bob

I know that you will find the 586 a favorite in short order. For several years, I have kept mine tucked away at my get-away place in SE Oklahoma. I do so because my ex-wife and I still go up there to boat and ATV and she is quite a shot with it and the venerable .38 special rounds. I too prefer a .38 although +P over a full house .357 but that's just me. Enjoy.

greetings from Pennsyvania where it's been in the 70's the last couple of days. What's this thing called snow?.

To find out a better date of birth could you get your revolver lettered by Smith and Wesson?

Thanks for your welcoming comments and recommendations. No better folks than wheel-gun lovers, especially those who appreciate vintage S&Ws. Anyone who thinks "global warming" is a real threat hasn't lived in northwest Montana. Those with Nordic ancestry would feel right at home here.