new or used .357?

[Moejay]

just picked up a used 17-3 because i was told its a great gun that will never wear out due to the heavy from and light load. so the next revolver i am looking to get is a .357. i really prefer the blued 586 to the ss 686. but i don't know how hard it will be to get a new 586 though. my local shop has a 686. is it not such a good idea to pick up a used .357 due to the magnum rounds beating it up a little? any help or opinions is greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

[Arik]

I own 2 S&W 357 mag revolvers. Both are used, both were police guns in the 70s and 80s, one of which was from a foreign police dpt (Puerto Rico I've been told)... and both still run just fine. I'm also looking at a used model 19 and 13. I have yet to own a new revolver.

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[murphydog]

There are posts or links that show how to perform a function and mechanical check on a revolver; if you see a used gun and it passes you should be fine. New 586s are out there if buying used makes you uncomfortable. Hope this is helpful.

 

[coltle6920]

Used 357's are always popping up in my area.I've bought four over the last few months.

681...66-1...586-1...586-7 all in excellent condition!

I wouldn't worry about "beating up" a .357.They are definetly one of S&W's finest.

 

[ma deuce]

I'd have no concern about a used 586 that passes the function test to be found on this site. The L-frames were intended as beefed-up versions of the K-frames, capable of firing a steady diet of full-house .357s.

 

[lhump1961]

The 586/686 are L frames designed to run magnum loads full time. They were built to be an alternative to the heavy N frame and lighter K frame and to my knowledge there are no concerns about any .357 ammo thru them. You can search the net and find stories to support any theory about any gun so don't get too caught up in what you may read.

The 586/686 are considered by many to be the best of the .357's but of course this will be debated by the K frame and N frame fans for notable reasons. I personally like K's and L's for the grip size with the 586 being my favorite L frame.

Old or new? All fine and really just a matter of preference. Mine are older but then I am older so it suits me. Those with the new ones rave about them being every bit as good as the older ones....just some engineering differences. Look 'em over and your gun will call out to you! Let us know what you decide.

 

[kaaskop49]

I've become very uncomfortable with used handguns. I've purchased some that required gunsmith attention in correcting reckless mods to the inner mechanism. I've seen other .357s that were beaten up by excessive pressure handloads. I treat all my handguns as carry guns and they must work reliably. This sounds negative, but proceed at your own risk. There are many 'sock drawer' items that have hardly been fired, if at all, but I can't remember seeing one for sale.

 

[Ashlander]

I own a bunch of revolvers. More than half are used. Some were just barely broken-in.

 

[Arik]

All mine are clearly used but not abused

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[Zipdog]

Last time I was at Vandalia Tactical in Vandalia Ohio they had a new 586 in stock. Don't remember the barrel length or price. Not affiliated with them. Just a customer.

 

[Rpg]

Most used revolvers (LEOs excepted) are unlikely to have been shot much.

Denver only required it LEOs to qualify monthly in 1982 - before that it was annually.

Some on this Forum have, and continue to, shoot significant numbers of rounds annually.

That is not the level of use most handguns experience.

In terms of number of annual rounds, most used revolvers have less than 50/ year.

It's unusual, in my experience, to find one with significant wear from number of rounds fired. Many have finish wear, but that's not your question.

The answer to your question is that you are unlikely to shoot any revolver you buy enough to worry about wear from shooting it.

Hard to know why you would be looking at 3 diget models when vastly superior used M 19, M27 and 28 are readily available.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Moejay]

Most used revolvers (LEOs excepted) are unlikely to have been shot much.

Denver only required it LEOs to qualify monthly in 1982 - before that it was annually.

Some on this Forum have, and continue to, shoot significant numbers of rounds annually.

That is not the level of use most handguns experience.

In terms of number of annual rounds, most used revolvers have less than 50/ year.

It's unusual, in my experience, to find one with significant wear from number of rounds fired. Many have finish wear, but that's not your question.

The answer to your question is that you are unlikely to shoot any revolver you buy enough to worry about wear from shooting it.

Hard to know why you would be looking at 3 diget models when vastly superior used M 19, M27 and 28 are readily available.

Just my opinion, of course.

im new to the world of pistols so i don't really know the difference between all the s&w models. i just know id like a full size frame, 6" barrel, .357. and the 686 is the one in the local shop and i know the 586 is the blued one, which is the look i prefer. if there are other models out there id be more than happy to explore. i dont have to many gun shops local to me here to see whats out there.

 

[JeepinSoldier]

I've become very uncomfortable with used handguns. I've purchased some that required gunsmith attention in correcting reckless mods to the inner mechanism. I've seen other .357s that were beaten up by excessive pressure handloads. I treat all my handguns as carry guns and they must work reliably. This sounds negative, but proceed at your own risk. There are many 'sock drawer' items that have hardly been fired, if at all, but I can't remember seeing one for sale.

This is very good advice but Id say learn the procedure to properly function check a revolver and then search the gunstores and pawnshops for bargains.

I have purchased over the last two years a 3" Model 10, a 4" Model 18, 2 3" Model 65's, a 5" Model 625, a 4" 686, a 2" Model 60, a 2" Model 940, a 3913, a 6906, and a 457, all used all of them have been great guns - only the 686 has had an issue and it looks to be easily correctable.

Gouges in the side plate seams and damaged side plate screws are a clear indication that somebody has been fooling around inside with the lockwork.

 

[Rpg]

im new to the world of pistols so i don't really know the difference between all the s&w models. i just know id like a full size frame, 6" barrel, .357. and the 686 is the one in the local shop and i know the 586 is the blued one, which is the look i prefer. if there are other models out there id be more than happy to explore. i dont have to many gun shops local to me here to see whats out there.

Buy a M27 or 28. Blue N frames.

You can't do better.

Go to a gunshow or look at Gunbroker.

Lots available.

 

[Buford57]

You are wise to be cautious if you are a newcomer to revolvers. There are many forms of abuse that are not apparent on casual examination and many guns with terribly worn finishes that are mechanically sound.

The title to this article is overly optimistic, but the advice is sound, and there are other, more detailed articles, which I can't locate at present.

Complete Guide To Buying Used Handguns

Recognizing "problem" used revolvers is like recognizing counterfeit money: it is best learned by regularly handling the genuine article. At this point in your career, I would recommend either buying new or, better, used from someone you know and trust.

I am a huge fan of the .357 N frames (27 and 28) and think the (K Frame) 19s and 66s are some of the sweetest, handiest revolvers ever made, BUT the (L-Frame) 586 and 686s give up nothing to either.

 

[Black Knight]

If the 686 is in good shape I would not be afraid of buying it. The L-frame was designed to handle just about any factory 357 Magnum load. You want a blued 586 and from my experience nothing will substitute for what you want. Something that most people who know guns know is that most people who buy magnums shoot very few magnum rounds through them. Most people will shoot 38 Special through their magnums in order to keep them working longer. They believe that the magnum loads will wear out the gun that much faster. For the L & N frames this belief could easily work in your favor. BTW I have a 4" 686-1 that I carried as an armed security officer for several years and it was one of my 2 favorite duty guns. The other was a 6" Colt Python.

 

[rwsmith]

You would have to......

You would have to run a 686 long and hard to mess it up. If there is nothing wrong with the works, lock up, end shake, etc. I'd love to have it myself.

K frame .357s are beautiful, well made guns, but they WEREN'T made for a lot of heavy loads. The L frames are about right for a strong .357, the N frames are super tough and fantastic guns, but I don't think their heft is necessary for a .357. I will say though, that with the toughest loads, my 6" L frame with big rubber Pachmehr grips still smarts just a tad.

 

[jonny13sb]

I have to agree with the opinion that most 357 revolvers, and most guns for that matter, aren't shot anywhere near enough to wear them out. That being said as long as you do a thorough inspection before buying you'll be fine. Of the 19 handguns I currently own, all of them except three were bought used and most are over 25 years old. I have never had an issue with my "worn out old guns" and I will put my model 581 up against any new 357 mag revolver on the market today.

 

[riverrat38]

I have bought my three currently owned guns new. I am not opposed to buying used, if I can check the gun out before I buy. Unfortunately, I do not find many used guns that I want at my LGS's. I would not want to buy a K frame magnum on the internet, since the usually poor photos wouldn't be likely to show mechanical damage. Just cosmetics. Even if there is a three day inspection policy, the cost to FFL ship both ways, plus sales tax in my State, would make that very expensive. FFL is $50 each way and sales tax is about 9%. Shipping is usually about $25 each way, so with a $500 gun, I would be out $200 I if returned it! On the other hand, if there are problems with a new gun, S&W will fix on their dime. For this reason, I do buy factory new guns on line. I prefer to get them locally, but often can not find them. The sales tax is the same either way, but I will still need to pay one way FFL shipping if I don't buy locally.

Best,
Rick

 

[jonny13sb]

I don't care for mail order brides or guns. If I can't get my grimy mitts on it before a deal is made then there is no deal.