Interesting find at LGS - Model 586-7 6" barrel w/ 7 shot cylinder!

[Nframe_is_no1]

Found an interesting 586 at the LGS today. I initially passed right by it thinking it was one of the new Classic Series 586s. This shop frequently gets newer models (and even current production stuff) in used because they have customers who buy stuff and then they decide they don't like it and trade it back in on something else. A manager who is a friend convinced me to take another look. This model 586 was actually a 586-7 with a 7 shot cylinder. Definitely not one of the current Classic Series as they are all 6 shot. I didn't know such a thing existed. The only 7 shot 586 I knew of was the L-comp with the 3" compensated barrel and matte blue from the performance center. Upon Googling on my phone outside the shop, I found out this is one of a run of model 586-7 made in 2004 for Bud's Gun Shop. A past thread I found on this forum says there were 1000 made in 4" and in 6". It said that 300 of each barrel length was sold by Bud's and the rest went to stocking dealers. I promptly went back in and bought it! I got the plastic box with the end label. Product code 163567, Julian date code indicating shipped in June, 2004. CHL serial prefix. This shop is on the way to my gun club, so I test fired it with some .357 handloads with 158 gr cast TC and it shot like a laser beam at 25 yards! It was offered to me for $699 and I feel like I got a good deal. There can't be many of these around because in checking all the usual online auctions, I only found one for sale on Gunbroker and it was considerably more. Not much more about these out there other than the old thread I found this forum, so it appears they aren't common. Upon getting home, I checked my 4th ed SCSW and it says 300 made. Regardless of the correct number made, it's a beautiful gun and the fit and finish is impressive! The bluing is as bright and shiny as the pictures show! It's fantastic for something a recent as 2004! The grips feel as good as they look. The gun is a round butt and the grips are round to square conversions. They look like Ahrends but I'm not totally sure. I'm very happy with the deal and so glad that I listened to my friend's advice and took another look!

 

[Yendor357]

A 7 shot laser beam for $700 is a steal.
I certainly don't need another 6 inch L frame, but I'd have bought that one.

The snobs can poo-poo MIM and the lock hole all they want. A good looking, great shooter is always joy to own; especially at a bargain price.

If you cast, those 5/686s love the old 173 Lyman SWC, 1200+.

The N frame may be No. 1. But for the average Joe, an L will solve 99% of the problems he will face.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Thank you very much for your kind words and the handloading advice! I appreciate it very much! Just goes to show that you can never say never with S&W. Even when I think I'm fairly well versed I still find some models I've never heard of!