Rode hard and put up wet

[markeb]

I found an old shooter this past weekend and does it ever have character. It was described as just a 357, and he was pretty sure that it was a 586, but couldn’t find a model number. I thought differently by the first pic he sent. The second pic is something he got off the internet to discribe it better. It was rusty but not beat up too bad. The frame and barrel match and 1956 vintage but the cylinder and the extractor are a different serial number. I took it apart and cleaned it up a bit and put some cold blue on the side plate. It’s definitely a shooter and a pretty good one at that. Oh, I also switched out the stocks, they will do for now.

 

[Iggy]

That one is purt near broke in... Enjoy it.

 

[Housepuss]

Rode hard & put up wet

I would very happily shoot that old wheel gun any day of the week. I think it looks pretty decent.

You did a good job cleaning it.

 

[rogerwnuss]

Is that a highway patrolman?

 

[OldChief]

I have a 586-1 and it's really a great shooter. I'm contemplating sending it to Smith for a re-bluing. I've had a 36, a 15 and two K38s done over the past few years and for the price, they really do a great job. I couldn't tell from your pictures just how rusty yours was but if it's bad, Smith does a great high polish re-bluing for less than $300. Here's what mine looks like. I don't know why but the picture makes it look rusty and it isn't.

 

[Texas Star]

The OP must be very unfamiliar with S&W .357's if he thinks that's a M-586!!

Why haven't you other men corrected him?!

And someone thought it was a Highway Patrolman/M-28!

With that five-inch non full-lug barrel (although it looks an odd length) and high polish blue, it can only be a M-27 or pre-27.

It may be an M-28 that was reblued and fitted with that M-27 barrel. Is the top of the frame and the barrel checkered?

If the number on the extractor and that on the cylinder don't match, it's probably some sort of Franken gun built on the N frame. Lacking a Model no. means it pre-dates a M-27.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

5" 27.........

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...definitely an N frame...

 

[murphydog]

With nearly 1400 posts, I'd figure Mark knew what he bought.

It has the wide sideplate seam of a refinished gun but should make an excellent shooter.

 

[markeb]

It is a 5 screw, 5" Pre 27. The seller though it was a 586, just repeating what he said. His pics were not very good, like mine, but when I saw the top of barrel and top strap, I got a bit excited. I took it straight to the range and tested it at 30', target on the right (top). Yes, it's a crunchy old shooter and a keeper, ain't that right Pete? (Pics rotated on their own)

 

[BAM-BAM]

Perfect shooter/woods grade carry gun.......I've got a similar 4" 27-(4?) little better shape..... that I would say was someone's duty gun in the 80s...................

Next best thing to a 28 IMHO...... most 27s are too nice and too pricey for anything but the range..........

 

[markeb]

With nearly 1400 posts, I'd figure Mark knew what he bought.

It has the wide sideplate seam of a refinished gun but should make an excellent shooter.

Alan, That side plate is my first attempt at cold blueing. I believe someone had stripped it at some point in time. I just used 0000 steel wool and soaked in acetone and started rubbing in the Oxpho Blue. Great experimental Gun.

 

[JSR III]

The OP must be very unfamiliar with S&W .357's if he thinks that's a M-586!!

Why haven't you other men corrected him?!

And someone thought it was a Highway Patrolman/M-28!

A little harsh. Perhaps others aren't as conversant in S&W identification as you. Maybe if you offered your expertise instead of your criticism, we could all learn something.

The 586 came out in the early 80's so would have been post model marking. Unfortunately, cold bluing is never going to show up well against an original factory finish. Next time I would advise against the 0000 wool treatment as even using it with the most gentle touch will usually remove any remaining bluing. I have often found that a good amount of oil and my thumbnail will remove even the most stubborn rust deposits and freckling. Follow that up with a coat of Renaissance Wax and even the most tired old workhorse can shine like a new penny.

With replaced miss numbered parts the gun will never be a safe queen collectible but can be transformed into a very handsome shooter.

Chances are that S&W won't refinish a gun that old but it might be worth a call. Especially if you inform them that it is not a collectible and merely a shooter in need of a new paint job.

Otherwise just clean it, load it and shoot it.

 

[lamarw]

The side plate is a good place to test your bluing skills. If you are not completely pleased, you can soak the side plate in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for a couple of hours. It will put it totally in the white. I like to use a butane torch for just a mild heat up of the outside steel and rub the Oxpho Blue in with a cotton ball while still hot. Then rub off excess with cloth or paper towel. Burnish with bronze wool and redo until you reach desired color. Caution: Do not go too hot with torch just enough to where the Oxpho Blue kind of steams when you apply it.