L frames…

[Model29-26.5]

It’s time to add 586 and 686 to the collection. I don’t have either or anything other than K or N frames.
Anything up to - 4 but looking at no dash as preference.
4” and 6”.
An historic development in the S&W line.
Bidding…. Lets see.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Don't forget the 696, you'll be glad you got one.

eta

There's a 696-1 for sale on this forum.

 

[Krogen]

The 586 is the pinnacle of S&W. Just like Goldilocks and the three bears; it's just right. Don't get me wrong. I love the K and N frames, but the L frame is perfect. S&W hit one out of the park with the 586.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Before you buy, be sure to check out any 586s or 686s that are no dash or -1 versions. They should have an "M" stamped in the yoke to indicate that they were returned to S&W for a modification to change the hammer nose bushing and associated parts. I'm not sure that there is any safety issue if the gun was not modified, but I know that S&W modified a bunch of them, including shipments to the U.S. Customs Service (CS-1). Just FYI. I've always been an N-frame and K-frame guy, but I'm just beginning to discover the attraction of L-frame revolvers. I currently own a 3" 686-6 Plus that's become one of my OWB EDCs. Good hunting!

 

[bananaman]

Yes, there was a recall on 581, 586, 681, and 686 as stated above. .357 Magnum ammo with light bullets caused issues. Knowing that I just never shot those loads. My 586 no dash has not been back for the recall, and I don't plan on doing it. Some people want their guns to be left in original configuration. Bob

 

[Yendor357]

My buddy came over yesterday evening with one of those dreaded MIM/Hilary hole versions of the 686. You know, the ones with the horrible QC?

I’m here to tell you, that is a very fine piece of equipment. The action was slick. Fit and finish were as good as my ‘80s versions. It shot as good as any of my tuned 2020 Pythons.

I have a 686+ Mountain gun on order. Then next up is a 3 inch 686+.

If you’re like me and don’t live where there are elk and bears, the L frame 357 makes total sense. A 170 grain Lyman going 1300 solves a lot of problems.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have a 696 and a 686 mtn gun that I like.........I have a 4 in nickel no dash 586 that I bought when they first came out that I don't like the frame or the lugged barrel,,,,,,This one just occupies a spot.....Haven't shot it in 10-12 years.........As as being a "pinacle" of S&W production.........IT's not,,,,,,,,Far from it,

 

[Krogen]

Same here, bananaman. I have 6" 586 no-dash without the recall work. It's never given me a lick of trouble with any ammo I put through it. It had been shot so much in the 80's that it went back to the mothership for repair. They fixed the lead-spitting problem but didn't perform any recall work. They didn't "un-do" the gun's action job either. I was happy on both counts. The repair may have been prior to the recall or they only did it upon request. I can't remember . . . . It's been 40-ish years. The gun still works great.

 

[Model29-26.5]

i have read about the M stamp and will check for it, although it likely won’t get shot a ton. It’ll mostly be for the collection I’m definitely more of a pre 1982 P & R guy but having got enamored with the history and manufacture aspect of S&W, I figure I need a 586.

 

[Rakkasan13F]

Peak L-frames: 686-2 and 681 no-dash/no-M

 

[rwsmith]

The 586 is the pinnacle of S&W. Just like Goldilocks and the three bears; it's just right. Don't get me wrong. I love the K and N frames, but the L frame is perfect. S&W hit one out of the park with the 586.

I won't argue with that, but make my flavor 686 Stainless Steel.