3" Performance Center .357

[exdetsgt]

In the lgs today and the owner knows I like revolvers (current carry is a 442-1 with Hogue grips) so he showed me the above PC. It was amazingly heavy after becoming used to the lightweight 442; however, it clearly was well made and had a fine SA trigger pull. Obviously, I forgot to note the model number but he had two, a stainless with a 2" barrel and the blued 3" which I would prefer. His price for the blued was $1095. Is that a reasonable price?

And what, exactly are the differences between non-performance center and performance center revolvers?

 

[HarrishMasher]

There are a lot of 357 PC revolvers. Dozens have been made since the 80s. Not a ton of blued ones in 3" 357 though. One that comes to mind is a 586 PC L Comp. Did it have a compensator near the end of the barrel on top?

As far as differences between PC and non-PC models it varies by model. But often includes the cylinder being cut for moon clips and the trigger and action being tuned by hand. Often other features like better sights and trigger overtravel stop are included. But again it varies by model. So you would need to find out the model number.

A new 586 L Comp goes for about $1K. I have one and it is an excellent.

Here is a link to S&W for the 586 L Comp:
Product: Model 586 L-Comp


I have made a few mods to my 586 L Comp, so it looks different than the factory model. Your best bet is to look at the link above. But here is mine:

 

[exdetsgt]

I just called the LGS. It is indeed a 586 L-comp blued with a 3" barrel. And, as I recall, it has the same or similar grips.

Thanks for the info and the link.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I just called the LGS. It is indeed a 586 L-comp blued with a 3" barrel. And, as I recall, it has the same or similar grips.

Thanks for the info and the link.

Is it new or used? The grips on my gun are Ahrends and would not come on a new 586 L Comp from the factory. The pic in the link is how the gun comes. I changed out the sight as well.

Let us know if you buy it and share some pics!

 

[exdetsgt]

It is new, and I could well be mistaken about the grips. There were two 586's, one stainless, the other blued. Probably the Ahrends were on the stainless model? Which might be a used one.

I won't be going by the lgs until Friday. It's in another town 25 miles away.

 

[loveaffair#686]

Just FYI, S&W calls the finish "black" rather than "blued" on the 586 L-comp. It is a matte black finish, so don't expect a traditional shiny blued revolver!

 

[exdetsgt]

Shucks, and I was looking forward to holster shine. Might it be the same "black" that's on my 442. Said finish seems impervious to anything other than coarse grit sandpaper. Speaking of non-holster shine, does anyone EDC a 586? Seems on the heavy side at 37oz.

 

[Tom_R]

If you have the funds to get a 586 L-Comp and one was available, then you do it without hesitation and give explanations later.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Shucks, and I was looking forward to holster shine. Might it be the same "black" that's on my 442. Said finish seems impervious to anything other than coarse grit sandpaper. Speaking of non-holster shine, does anyone EDC a 586? Seems on the heavy side at 37oz.

Not at all the same finish as the 442. Look at my pic above. It is blued and it is quite nice. Not the dull matte black of the 442, which almost looks parkerized. I own a 442 as well and just put them side by side and they are two completely different finishes.

Yes it is heavy. All steel revolvers are heavy. It is no heavier than any other steel revolver its size. I carry my 586 and other heavier revolvers every day. With the proper holster and carry belt, you don't even know you are carrying it. Here is a thread I wrote about the holster and belt I use tom carry my 586 L Comp and 686PC 2.5":

http://smith-wessonforum.com/gun-leather-carry-gear/408221-praise-tucker-gun-leather.html

 

[HarrishMasher]

It is new, and I could well be mistaken about the grips. There were two 586's, one stainless, the other blued. Probably the Ahrends were on the stainless model?

There are no Stainless 586s. The stainless version of that gun is the venerable 686. They did make Nickel finished 586s, but not for many many years.

 

[exdetsgt]

I'm with you, Harrishmaster. Your 586 L Comp certainly looks blued to me, and a very nice job at that.

But loveaffair has another version of its finish. However, your 586 looks neither matte black nor parkerized.

In an earlier post I wondered whether anyone EDC'd their 586 due to its heaviness - 37.5 ounces. Then I checked the weight of my Ruger SR1911 CMD and it's 36.40 ounces and I carry it most days (when I'm not carrying the 442) and it doesn't bother me, so weight is a non-issue. I guess the price is the real issue and I'm working on that.


I looked at Tucker's holsters. I've heard good things from local Tucker owners. There is another holster maker in Texas, D.M. Bullard in Aztle. I have worn his gun belt (looks identical to Tucker's) for almost 10 years and it shows no signs of wearing out. I'm an OWB guy - otherwise I'd have to buy all new pants and inch or two larger. I've also got a couple of Bullard's holsters, but I think I like Tucker's OWB's better. So we'll see.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Just FYI, S&W calls the finish "black" rather than "blued" on the 586 L-comp. It is a matte black finish, so don't expect a traditional shiny blued revolver!

I own a 586 L Comp and it is pictured above. I can assure you the finish is NOT matte black. it is indeed blued. A very nice blue in fact when cleaned up. It is pretty dirty in the pic above. It is possible the newer ones have a matte black finish, but mine is from an older run.

 

[loveaffair#686]

Good catch, thanks! I started wondering if this were the case with older versions after posting but never followed up on the research

I own a 586 L Comp and it is pictured above. I can assure you the finish is NOT matte black. it is indeed blued. A very nice blue in fact when cleaned up. It is pretty dirty in the pic above. It is possible the newer ones have a matte black finish, but mine is from an older run.

 

[exdetsgt]

Dropped by the lgs this PM and took another look. It is matte black, or whatever the performance center calls it now days. I want a blued one, period. So I won't be purchasing this 586 and the lgs owner is pursuing my preference. However, his salesman showed me a stainless huge Ruger 357 revolver, I think it's called a Match Champion. Very impressive piece and with unusual wood grips that looked a bit crude, that impression disappeared when you gripped it. Comfortable and seemed that they would assist in shooting well. And new it's priced at $750, considerably less than the 586 L Comp. He also showed me a venerable well-worn 4" S&W Highway Patrolman at $550.

I was impressed by the Ruger's polished finish.