.357 Questions (27, 868, 586)

[SWBigBang]

Looking for a .357 blued only (not SS) revolver in at least a 6 inch barrel.

This would simply be a "fun" gun and 6 shots are fine and no need for a 7 round revolver.

From my research it appears the M27 is the primary choice.
In second place seems to be the 686 which keeps coming up a lot but from what I can see the 686 is stainless. In keeping with the logic that a Model 25 or 29 is blued and a Model 625 or 629 is SS I though that maybe there is a model 86 but that logic fails in this scenario.

I prefer the larger grip size too as I don't like the smaller grips at all.

From what I can find it appears that the 586 would be the blued version for the 686? Is that the case? If so, what made S&W screw with the naming convention?

Would keeping my search to the M27 and 586 (if this is the correct model) all that is required to fit my needs?

 

[cp1969]

Yes, the 586 is a blued version of the 686. There is also a model 28 which was a cheaper version of the M27.

The 27 & 28 are built on the large (N) size frame.

The 586 & 686 are "L" frame guns, slightly smaller.

There are also 6" guns available in "K" frame, which is smaller yet.

My 586 is the most accurate centerfire handgun I own.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

You may also want to consider the model 28, aka Highway patrolman. Basically it's a lower priced, Plain Jane version of the model 27 but is by no means any less a gun. The bluing is a duller, less reflective, finish than the regular S&W blue. I have a 27-2 and a mode 28 and cannot feel any difference between the two as far as trigger/action smoothness goes.
John

 

[s&wchad]

Generally, if the model number starts with a "6" it's stainless steel. The L frame 586 is the carbon steel equivalent to the 686 (Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless). The K frame Model 19 (.357 Combat Magnum) is the Model 66 when made from stainless. Model number and engineering change uses don't always follow a pattern and it doesn't always seem to make sense, but it offers plenty of learning experiences!

6" or longer carbon steel .357's would include the ".357 Magnum" (Model 27's), the Highway Patrolman (Model 28's), the Combat Magnum (Model 19's) and the Distinguished Combat Magnum (Model 586's). I may have missed some.

 

[SWBigBang]

I just did some quick research on the Model 28 and I don't like the grips. I will add to the original post about wanting the larger grips size as well.

Thanks for the feedback so far as I was not aware that the frame size differed as well.

 

[cp1969]

Any grips which fit the M27 will also fit the M28--they are the same frame.

 

[roaddog28]

Yes, the 586 is a blued version of the 686. There is also a model 28 which was a cheaper version of the M27.

The 27 & 28 are built on the large (N) size frame.

The 586 & 686 are "L" frame guns, slightly smaller.

There are also 6" guns available in "K" frame, which is smaller yet.

My 586 is the most accurate centerfire handgun I own.

Your information is correct. I have all of the above revolvers but my most accurate revolver is a model 19-4 6 inch. For me its balanced better and is as close to model 14 masterpiece as far as accurately.

Howard

 

[XTrooper]

I just did some quick research on the Model 28 and I don't like the grips. I will add to the original post about wanting the larger grips size as well.

Do you own a screwdriver?

I've changed the grips on nearly every handgun I've ever owned.

 

[oldman45]

I have about each model of the .357 by S&W. If we are talking blue, my favorite would be the model 19.

None of my revolvers are six inch models as I find the four inch to be better for my needs, easier to handle, accuracy is not much difference if any and it is easier to conceal should I decide to carry it.

My 19 has likely had about 3,000 rounds through it and it is still tight.

 

[zellerSC]

Another suggestion is Ruger Security Six......unless you're married to S&W.

Could probably pick up a good condition one in the $350.00 range.

I have a 2 3/4 security 6 that's been rock solid and I'm sure the longer barrel version would be the same.

 

[Rawhyde]

Shoot a 6" 586. You'll love it. I was at my buddy's place today and we were shooting Minnie Pearl today. It's very accurate and has enough mass to absorb the recoil very well.

He bought a 586 at a gun show this summer and we shot it for about a month with the price tag still dangling from the trigger guard, so I named it. He doesn't have a Distinguished Combat Magnum, he has Minnie Pearl!

 

[Iggy]

Model 28 Everyday shootin' gun that will last a lifetime