Advice on a 586 or 686

[cptdco]

Either one, coupled with what you already have, makes for a great collection. A .44, two .357s and a .22.

 

[tramblygoat]

The wonderful world of revolvers

Either one, coupled with what you already have, makes for a great collection. A .44, two .357s and a .22.

That's what I thought and having the 357's in two different barrel lengths would be a bit more fun. Of course then I'll need to be sure I have the 686 as well as a 586 and I musn't forget a 19 perhaps and a.......

 

[dwever]

I won't of course be buying anything from after the mid-80s.

Misguided limitation

 

[tramblygoat]

Misguided limitation

Would you care to elaborate?

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have determined that I 'need" both. I am half way there.

 

[stu1ritter]

I've owned both and settled on a 586 no dash, M stamped (firing pin bushing modified). I guess I just like blued guns. This one is from the first year of production. And I love the wines from Rully, Mercurey and Santenay, and maybe a little St. Aubin, my favorites.

 

[mg357]

The S&W 586 & 686 revolvers are great guns and they would make a great addition to a S&W Gun collection. But in terms of maintenance the 686 is easier to clean because it is stainless steel and not blued.

 

[dwever]

Would you care to elaborate?

My S&W Collection begins in 1975. The two weapons I carry though are exclusively these two: a 2011 PC 627 and a 2015 PC 586 L-Comp. The latter is carried far more and I am qualified with at my agency because the 627 is just so wide (see the moon clip width difference pictured). They have each had master action jobs (TK Custom) to take the action from good to best. The 586 L-Comp has a night sight system; again the agency thing. For the 586 I have both a black and a tan Galco sillohette high ride holster, and two Galco speed loader punches modified to be ideal for moon clips. Everything conceals nicely when I need it to.

Anyway, I just think it is limiting to say that if it is made after the mid eighties you're not interested in it As there are some very nice, if not advanced modern revolvers.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The S&W 586 & 686 revolvers are great guns and they would make a great addition to a S&W Gun collection. But in terms of maintenance the 686 is easier to clean because it is stainless steel and not blued.

The pre-lock 586 also comes in Nickel, see above.

 

[S&W Fan]

Here's the one I'll never get rid of, it's the 1981 no dash 686 (with M) my dad bought new. He had action work and the bead blast done to it. I thought I had it retired but it's just such an accurate and fun gun to shoot I can't keep it in the safe.

 

[Harkrader]

I'm lucky I don't have to choose.
Top is my 586 (no dash) "M", with tritium night sights.
Bottom is my 686-3 BSS bet winner.
Almost can't bear to take out one without the other.

 

[SeamasterSig]

Four inches is a very good barrel length for .357 magnum. Long enough for magnum velocities without excessive muzzle blast, but still short enough to be "handy". I love my 66-2 with a 4" barrel. That said, something to consider that might not be on your radar is a 586/686 with a 3" barrel. The 3" barrel with a full lug has amazing balance. Every time I come across one I am reminded of how desirable they are. To me, the L-frame with a 3" barrel/full lug has the same great balance in hand as my K-frame with a 4" barrel/half lug... similar to my N-frame with a 5" barrel/full lug. These combinations feel just about perfect to me.