Wow! Some years ago I started collecting no-dash L frames. Think I'm up to 10 now including 686s with barrels from 2 1/2 inch to 8 3/8 inch, a 586, and a 581 and 681 both with AAA serial numbers and right side logos. Oh, and CS-1s in both barrel lengths. So I'm done. Except: the only one I'd be interested in now is yours: a 6 inch 586 w/ Patridge sight. The right-side logo would be a bonus. Congratulations. Beautiful gun. As an aside, half of mine never had the recall work and have never been a problem.
Model 586 6" No Dash - Fell In My Lap!
- Thread starter Floki
- Start date
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Floki
Member
I agree! The bluing on the early 586's is amazing. As someone who is more of a target-shooter than anything else, I prefer revolvers with the longer barrel lengths, although, I wouldn't mind owning a 4" model of either the 586 or the Python.
Thanks! When the 586 first came out, all I saw for the first 6-12 months were 6" models with the Patridge front blade. What I'm hoping to find-out is whether it was pinned the way mine is? I sent in a history request last night. Maybe in a few days I'll get an answer and when I do, I'll be sure to share it with everyone.
Zebra3
Member
Some beautiful 586's there. A 4" model went through the police academy with me in 1983, and was my duty gun for two years until my PD switched to bottom feeders (H&K P7-M8). I felt just as well protected with the wheelgun and two speed loaders on my belt!
I have an (almost) identical 6" 586 that I bought new in 1983. I haven't fired it since 1985 or 6, but as I recall, it digested full .357 loads, along with a bunch of .38 wadcutters without any issues. No pic at the moment, but it is pristine, and will not be making the trip back to Smith for the mod.
okiegtrider
Member
That is a beauty! Nice find indeed. I too remember the buzz about the L-frames when they came out in the 80's. Was an exciting new model that I couldn't wait to get my hands on.
I happened onto a nice 6" 586 a few months back. Like you, I nabbed it!
I happened onto a nice 6" 586 a few months back. Like you, I nabbed it!
OP
Floki
Member
I had an interesting online chat with S&W customer service this afternoon. They confirmed the date of manufacture as 1982 and that this particular Model 586 was built in a limited run with the pinned Patridge front sight blade but they couldn't tell me how many others were fitted the same way.
Still, it's pretty cool that S&W is there to answers questions from its customers like that.
Still, it's pretty cool that S&W is there to answers questions from its customers like that.
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Floki
Member
Taking it to the range for the first time today, I soon realized why I liked my first 6" Model 586 so much. It's incredibly soft shooting with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. The only way to describe the trigger is phenomenal. Once I dialed-in the elevation on the rear sight, shooting 10 yard groups, like below, were pretty effortless.
10 yards, PMC 142gr. FMJ .38 Special
It's nice to have another one of these early 586's! I had nearly forgotten how well they shot with just about any load I put thru them.
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