Model 586 38 Special Value?

[Salmon68]

Hi folks, I came across what I consider an unusual gun today. The Model is 586-4 and its chambered in 38 special. I called Smith and they said the gun was mfg in 1997 and was part of a contract for Brazil. The run was for 38 special only and a 357 mag round will not chamber. I have never heard of a 586 for 38 only but Smith Std Catalog lists it and of course their cust service person confirmed it.

The lady selling the piece is asking $800 and while I am always looking for unusual items this seems a bit pricey to me. What do you all think? Gun is supposedly LNIB but I'll know more when I see it in person over the weekend. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[llowry61]

The 586 357's are in that range or higher. I paid 850 for a 4" no dash nickle in late fall. Personally, I don't think the 38 adds value and while I love the 586's, I want it in 357. Others may have more insight, but I would actually devalue it based on the 38. I wouldn't pay more than 7 for it tops. Again that is just me, not really a market based valuation. They are unusual as you said.

 

[CLASSIC12]

I think it’s an unusual piece indeed. My understanding is that certain countries (Brazil and Mexico IIRC) do not allow possession of .357 revolvers, so .38 spl were specially built for those markets.

If you already have a .357 586 or 686, this one would be an interesting piece to add

I recently bought a 1993 Colt King Cobra in .38 spl, about 4000 were made.

 

[44wheelman]

Uncommon overrun. Is this the 4 or 6”?

$700 or $750 would be a better price...but I’d pay 8 if it really was like new.

I bet it would bring a lot more on gunbroker.

 

[GerSan69]

Unusual variation. $800 is not out of line IMHO. 586's are hard enough to find as it is, making this variation more attractive.

 

[pharman]

If it is the 2 1/2" in the box...

GET YOUR CHECKBOOK OUT!

 

[fhsjrm]

Tell her I'll give her $801!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[Pizza Bob]

There were two contracts for Brazil and two batches of guns. The engineering changes and ship dates are anachronistic.

If the gun that you are looking at is a dash 4, the serial prefix would "CCE" and these were shipped in 1997.

However, there are Brazil Contract guns with the serial prefix "BPY" that are designated as dash 5's and that shipped in 1994.

My "CCE" gun has a MIM trigger and cylinder release and the firing pin is hammer mounted. Mine has been modified and was used for IDPA.

These days, the $800 price is probably achievable, given the upward course of firearms in general. I was originally of the opinion that unless you have the complete "package" - gun, case ("CCE" guns would have had a blue plastic case), tools and docs, there would be no value to a collector. People that wanted 586's as shooters were interested in the dual caliber capability of a .357 Magnum.

(not from my gun)

I purchased mine some time ago for considerably less than a .357 version as it was just the gun. That suited my purposes just fine and I shed no tears over modifying it for IDPA.

Sounds like the one you are posting about is complete, and if that's the case, I'd pay $800 gladly.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[BigBill]

Distinguished Combat Magnum, when I see the word distinguished I think about laurel n hardy in suit and ties. Lol it doesn’t seem right.

The 586 is a k series? Like the m19?

 

[bloodandgutsmurphy]

There are people who collect old police guns like myself. I've been wanting one for a while and would easily spend $800, but gunbroker has drained my savings for the rest of the year

 

[ZGrand]

I wouldn't quibble over $100. If it's something you want and would enjoy, you'll soon forget the extra c-note. Heck - I've probably over-paid for all my handguns. But in the end, I'm glad I have them.

 

[S&W Fan]

Distinguished Combat Magnum, when I see the word distinguished I think about laurel n hardy in suit and ties. Lol it doesn’t seem right.

The 586 is a k series? Like the m19?

No, the 586 is an L frame, beefier than the K to handle a steady diet of magnum loads regardless of bullet weight. Some K frame .357 experienced forcing cone cracks with lighter 125gr magnum ammo.

 

[SFIDEC]

$800 in LNIB condition is a bargain IMO. Recent 6" sold on auction site for $1300 and someone got another 6" "Buy Now" good deal for $850. IMO the 4" is more desirable than the 6".
Attached is a portion my 586-4 4" Archives Letter with information about the Brazil revolvers.
Personally, I'd be all over that one for $800.
Good Luck !
Ray

 

[Salmon68]

Thanks for the insights folks. I am hoping I'll get tinder the gun this weekend.if I do and end up buying it I will be sure to let you know and post a few pictures. Take care and stay safe.

 

[mike454]

There were a couple on gunbroker several months back, a 6" and a 4". One went for $1300 and the other a bit more. I bought mine, a 6" basically NIB with box and accessories, for $1200 and was happy to get it for that.

 

[Salmon68]

Purchased

Hey folks, I bought the firearm for $800. Attached are a couple of pictures. It is in very nice condition but no box. The widow could not find the original box but gave me one that looks to be period correct. The end label on the box indicates it once housed a S&W semi auto Model 910. I'll be going to the range come Monday. Thanks again for the feedback, I really enjoy this forum.

 

[murphydog]

Nice find! There is no mention of this, but I suspect have standard .357 cylinders bored to .38 Special case length - so yes, you can use .38 + P in it. Enjoy!

 

[Salmon68]

Hey folks, I discovered that my revolver has a round butt. I bought some very nice target grips at a show this weekend for just $80 and went to put them on and found out the revolver has a round butt. This gun gets more interesting every time I look at it. BTW it shoots great. Now I will have to find some "target" grips with a round butt. Or maybe I'll go with regular magna grips. Not sure what it came with originally. Any thoughts on that point? Thank you.

 

[BAM-BAM]

All S&Ws made after about 1995/96 have round butts.

There was also a run or two of .38 only 686s made for "Railroad Police" can't remember which RR at the moment.

There are K/L roundbutt Factory target grips..... commonly called Banana Grips.... also roundbutt "Combat" (finger grove) grips

 

[bloodandgutsmurphy]

All S&Ws made after about 1995/96 have round butts.

There was also a run or two of .38 only 686s made for "Railroad Police" can't remember which RR at the moment.

There are K/L roundbutt Factory target grips..... commonly called Banana Grips.... also roundbutt "Combat" (finger grove) grips

I believe the Conrail Police Dept ordered some 681's in the early nineties chambered in 38 special. The left side of the frame is stamped CRPD underneath the cylinder