Model 27 vs Model 586??

[Bonedh]

I'm new to the forum, so bear with any stupid questions that I may ask.
I'm interested in buying a .357 mag S&W revolver in a blued finish, preferably NIB straight from the factory. I'm looking on Gun Broker at Model 27s and Model 586s. Are both of these guns N frames? Basically, what is the difference in these two models?
Question #2: I see a Model 27 listed as "27-2" - what does the "2" mean?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bonedh

 

[PilotRights]

Welcome to the forum!

586 is known as a L-Frame (smaller than the N-Frame)
27 is a N-Frame (Think Dirty Harry size gun)
The "-2" is an engineering change in the design.


Hope this helps!

PR

 

[moralem]

Keep in mind the there are current production models made by the factory of these two classics. Some will argue that new is not always better. Be sure to determine if you are buying a current model or an older model as distinguished by the dash and a following number. Either gun new or old you can't beat.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

A M27 made today would be a -9. A -2 would be from the late '70's to early '80's. Great gun, but pre Lifetime Service Policy, if that's a concern you have.

The M586 in production today is a -8. A number of members here have purchased one in the last year and they've been good guns.

 

[BigBill]

For any Magnum caliber I prefer the N Frame m27 new or used.

 

[silentflyer]

Just buy both it's addictive...

 

[breakerofwind]

I was at a gun store some distance from my home where I saw my first S&W 586. I handled it and was really impressed with its size, weight and balance; it had a 4" barrel. I very nearly bought it on the spot, but had another purchase cooking at the time and had to pass. But I haven't forgotten it.

The model 29 was a bit to large and heavy for me; I have small hands that are getting weaker with age and the medications I have to eat.

Both are fine instruments, but if I had your dilemma I'd go for the 586.

 

[pesty3782]

I too love the L frame revolvers. I have 3 686's and they all shoot great. I just picked up an older model 28 plain Jane version of the 27. Much bigger and heavier but 357 shoots real soft in her.

Tony P

 

[muddocktor]

I'm partial to the N frame pistols myself, such as the M27 or M28 over an L frame. I have a buddy who owns a 686 and it's a very nice pistol, but for me the bigger N frame just feels better. But it's all a matter of taste and how it fits you and you can't go wrong with either model, IMO.

 

[jaymoore]

Buy the one that fits your hand the best.

I have both (and more) but prefer the L frame 586/686 for double action work due to the shorter distance from the backstrap to trigger face. For target (i.e., single action) work, either is fine. Also, the bore axis line is a little lower on the L frame than the N, so recovery time should be a little quicker. Good if you are going for speed, esp. in the various "run and gun" competitions. I won more than one match using a 4" 686 in such games.

No worries with either as far as running magnum loads, they'll both last about the same. A long time.

If you handload, the L frame has a longer cylinder so you have more flexibility with overall cartridge lengths, which is very useful when using Keith style cast bullets. ( A long time favorite of mine and one of the first bullet molds I bought way back in the '80s!)

 

[RILEY31]

The pre model 27 through the model 27-2 are my favorite revolvers especially with 3.5 inch barrel

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! You can not go wrong with the guns mentioned. I prefer older guns myself over new. A 28 is a good choice over a 27, because they are less expense & mechanically the same. I have a 6" 28 no dash from 1960. Great range gun, or home defense. If you go to a L frame 586, or 686 are both super guns. (easier to carry over N) Have a 4" 586 from 1983, and a 6" 686 from 1989. Both are accurate.
Get a chance to handle some and then make your decision! Some ranges have guns that you can rent & shoot. Good Luck on your HUNT! Bob

 

[petemacmahon]

I prefer the L frame for .357. IMHO, N frame is overkill for that caliber!

 

[DR505]

Thirteen posts and no photos?

I went with both an N frame and an L frame...I like the 27 better than the 686.

 

[Decker]

I prefer the L frame for .357. IMHO, N frame is overkill for that caliber!

I'll second that.

I've got two 686's, one being a 6" that I shoot more than the other (2-1/2").

One thing I'd like to throw in here is for those who load their own.
One of my favorite loads is a .357, 158gr wadcutter loaded at the lowish end of the recipe for whatever powder I choose at the time.

Still accurate, but shoots pleasantly soft so I can spend an entire morning making cans and rocks and shotgun shells dance.
With all that dancin', it becomes a real party.

I carry full bore .357 in the short barrel 686, but (thankfully), it doesn't get shot much.

 

[ladyT]

The 586 is one of my favorites. Its a fantastic revolver. As to which one to buy I would say buy both.

 

[AlphaSig]

Bought both a 27-2 and a 686-3 after comments from this forum. Thanks btw-

Both beautiful revolvers - agreed check out the grips - square vs round see which one fits your hand better.

 

[Rusty 1]

Being heavier, the "N" frame pistol will handle full power loads easier than the lighter "L" frame pistol. If you are buying for home protection, you can get the lighter pistol, practice with light .38 loads and keep it bedside with the high-power ammo.

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

I have owned a 5 inch Model 27-2 for nearly a decade now, and have proudly proclaimed it my "favorite handgun." I bought it for a steal and it balances about as perfectly as any .357 can. Problem is that for the caliber, it is quite large and heavy.

A few months ago, I purchased a 4 inch 686-4 (the stainless cousin to the 586) and I feel like I'm cheating on my 27-2. The 686 is smaller, lighter, and points just as naturally for me as my beloved N frame. I'd owned a 6 inch 586 before, and while it was nice and shot well, it was front-heavy, and didn't impress me as a "last gun gun."

Now, in spite of a little shame, I will proclaim that my 4 inch 686 would be the gun I would grab if I were told I could only have one handgun. It will do everything that a handgun could be required to do.

 

[Dan Christopher]

I got out of the 357 Magnum game years ago. That said, if I were contemplating purchasing one now...and my choices were between the 27 and the 586, I would probably give the nod to the 586.

The 586 could be purchased for somewhat less money than the 27, and the 586 would make for a better carry piece ( assuming you plan to carry it) than the 27.

Strictly a range fun/HD gun? Go with whichever one your heart desires!

You can't go wrong either way. I just think the 586 may be a little more practical depending on what you want to do with it.