586 choices

[Mastrogiacomo]

I'm saving to buy my first gun in a few years. I love blued guns and I'm torn between the 4" 586 or the Model 586 L-Comp. I'm not sure what the comp would sell for but the guns would be for home defense and range use. Appreciate any input. Thank you.

Laura

 

[Hillbilly77]

I love my 586 4".
It is perfectly balanced in my hand with the 4" barrel.

It really will depend what you want in a gun. If you want the benefit of a factory lifetime warranty, a new gun is in order.
If you like the character that a new gun can't offer, an older model is the way to go.

My 586 no-dash:

 

[handgunner356]

Either one right now is pretty pricey, the 586 is only in the Classic Series and the L-Comps have been out of their limited production for some time. I do like the 3" barrel but I could do without the comp, especially on a defensive gun. You would be hard pressed to wear a L-Frame out, I would be looking more for a nice -3 or -4 gun myself.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I already have the 686+ in a 4" and it's my favorite gun for balance and accuracy. I got the gun used but the blued 586, I never see in the shops so I know I'd have to order it. I do believe this will be my next favorite gun, just can't go wrong with the 686/586, so perhaps I'll pass on the comp. Thanks for the input people.

 

[Electraclyde]

I bought a new 586, 4" from LGS about a year ago. I also like the blued guns best and the 4" barrel is just right. The gun quickly became my favorite for home defense, in the car, and just general range use.

 

[terribletimmy3]

586-8

picked this one up NIB yesterday....frame to barrel fit appears loose...can slide a paper between frame and barrel most prevelant at bottom. Blueing is poor on yoke. How is yours? My 586 from the late 80's seemed to be a better build.

 

[Marshall 357]

686/586 L Frames are awesome... I like the classic look of blued guns as well.. I'm on the hunt for a 3 inch.. some day I will find one.

 

[Helderberg]

I love my 586 4".
It is perfectly balanced in my hand with the 4" barrel.

It really will depend what you want in a gun. If you want the benefit of a factory lifetime warranty, a new gun is in order.
If you like the character that a new gun can't offer, an older model is the way to go.

My 586 no-dash:

Very nice gun. Where did you find those grips? They are beautiful.
Great photo, Frank.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Well, I'm out of luck. I really hate Massachusetts. I told my local gun shop that I wanted the 4" 586 and it's not on "the list." Stupid isn't it? The 686 is but not the blued version - man what dumb gun laws. So now I'm really disappointed and thinking about what else I can get. I know the model 10 is allowed so I'm thinking of getting that since I don't already own one. Bummer.....

 

[Hillbilly77]

Where did you find those grips? They are beautiful.

They are current-production Altamont grips.
They can be bought directly from Altamont. $52.00 without the medallions, or add the medallions for $10.00 more.

They are the perfect combination of comfort and looks, IMO.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Get standard 586. Holes in barrels can result in debris from firing being ejected up into your face if firing from a low, close-in position.

 

[Lew Archer]

Another vote for the 4 inch 586, which will fill the needs you described very well.

I bought a new 4 inch 586 in 1990...a great workhorse of a revolver, yet nearly has handy as a K frame. Handsome, too. I still have mine. It is a keeper.

Good luck!

 

[Jaymo]

The 586 is a very nice revolver.

 

[Bigman]

Here are some pictures of my 586's. Ray

 

[rwsmith]

I love my 686...

I love my 686 and no comp for me, thank you very much.

 

[Matchdirector]

586 4 inch was my new purchase this year

My first 586 was a 6 inch back in the 80's and I sold it to get a hollow handle. This was one of my bigger mistakes in life. I shared that story once with my gun dealer and he came across 2 new 586's, 1-6 inch and a 4 inch. I bought the 4 inch and use it for Shooting in Steel Matches. I Love it. A 4 inch will train you to use that front sight. I shoot 38's thru it and put Hogue grips on it. I use Comp 3 speed loaders for the speed loads that we are required to do in the match. The Balance is great. For a Carry Gun, that is questionable. The 6 inch was bought up before I could get back to it. I should have broke out the credit card.
To the poor people living in Massachusetts, Vacate that state.

 

[*chris*]

Well, I'm out of luck. I really hate Massachusetts. I told my local gun shop that I wanted the 4" 586 and it's not on "the list." Stupid isn't it? The 686 is but not the blued version - man what dumb gun laws. So now I'm really disappointed and thinking about what else I can get. I know the model 10 is allowed so I'm thinking of getting that since I don't already own one. Bummer.....

Find a new dealer, the 586 is on "the list"

Smith & Wesson 586-8 .357 Mag.

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/chsb/firearms/approvedfirearmsroster05-2013amended.pdf

I see them for sale all the time used, shouldn't be that hard to find one.

Chris