Help me decide...

[jwr0201]

I found a Nickel 586 no dash with a 6" barrel at one of my favorite gun shops and am trying to decide whether to add another 357 to the fold. I have a 66-1 and a 686 no dash, both in 4" already. I've been wanting a 6" for target shooting. This is not a beauty queen, having a fair share of scuffs and scratches - no outright dings. It appears to have been been fired regularly, but not abused. Thing is that I'm not overly fond of real shiny guns and am not familiar with upkeep of nickel. They are asking $400.00 - with the goodyear grips.
Advice, please.
Thx -
RR

 

[Dragon88]

Nickel isn't bad to care for. You can likely polish a lot of the scuff marks out of the gun. The important thing is to look for chips in the nickel. With stainless you can just polish and polish and there's more metal underneath, but with nickel if it chips it's done. No way to repair it but a refinish. Also inspect the gun very thoroughly, since you say it has been shot a lot. Shot it ok, but abused with thousands of rounds of heavy loads is another matter.

Gunsmith - How to inspect a Smith & Wesson revolver - YouTube

If the gun passes the sniff test, $400 is a good price. Nickel guns clean up quickly after the range and need minimal maintenance to stay looking sharp.

 

[Ed45]

You don't sound too enthusiastic. Price sounds o.k. depending upon the scuffs and scratches. I shy away from nickel for field, target or carry and keep my nickel guns as safe queens; nickel can be funny and flaky. If you shoot target frequently, you might want to get some idea of the wear already on the gun. This includes lock-up, cylinder play, timing and the appearance of the recoil shield and bushing. I don't know which of the 586's were called in for bushing replacement but you can cycle the trigger and hold it in its rearward position after the hammer falls. While the trigger is held back, pull the hammer back with your thumb. If the hammer moves freely, you don't need the modification. You will get some good quality answers. This will get you started. Ed

 

[Bluelou]

This is to easy.for 400 bucks buy it.if she shoots good keep it,if not sell it.good luck

 

[bananaman]

jwr, I turned down 2 BEAUTIFUL nickel guns in the last month. 1st was a 19-5, 6" barrel. Looked to be excellent throughout. $475. Last Sunday at the the local gunshow a nickel Model 13 in the box ($450-$500 ) I talked to the regional Smith guru at the show, and he told me that I would be better off to steer away from that finish. You can't fix boo boos, and some cleaning solvents that contain ammonia attack the finish. LOOK PRETTY when fresh! For what it's worth! Bob

 

[8emem]

I always thought nickel was very nice until I saw one for sale that had started flaking. Turned me off permanently, I guess, but that's just me. Similar experience with hard chrome.

 

[old bear]

First $400.00 is a good price for a 6" M-686. Second the .357 Magnum revolver and cartridge is the most versatile combination produced to day if not ever. You can't have to many quality .357's.