Can anyone tell me why S&W ceased production of the 386 PD?
S&W 386 PD
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mc5aw
Member
There's three primary reasons why a handgun model will be discontinued ...
1) Lack of demand
2) Upgraded model/platform
3) Unreliability
As far as I know, the 386PD suffered from #1.
1) Lack of demand
2) Upgraded model/platform
3) Unreliability
As far as I know, the 386PD suffered from #1.
myhardtop
Member
M386
The 386 was built in two models. There was the PD with a 2 1/2" barrel at 18 oz. The other was a 386 SC which was called the Mountain Gun. This was a 3" barrel and again 18 oz. Both were made of Scandium material. I don't think the demand was the problem as much as the material was very expensive. I own both of the 386's. The Nightguard took there place at a weight of 28 oz. One thing I forgot to mention was, they were all 7 shot cylinders.
The 386 was built in two models. There was the PD with a 2 1/2" barrel at 18 oz. The other was a 386 SC which was called the Mountain Gun. This was a 3" barrel and again 18 oz. Both were made of Scandium material. I don't think the demand was the problem as much as the material was very expensive. I own both of the 386's. The Nightguard took there place at a weight of 28 oz. One thing I forgot to mention was, they were all 7 shot cylinders.
myhardtop
Member
M327
There is a scandium frame 4" revolver which was called the 327 PD. It came in at 24 oz. and cylinder was for eight shots. I have this one and love it. Use it as a carry too!
There is a scandium frame 4" revolver which was called the 327 PD. It came in at 24 oz. and cylinder was for eight shots. I have this one and love it. Use it as a carry too!
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C.S.63
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I had a 386PD very nice, with 38spl it was sweet! With 158gr JSP 357s it was stout but not unbearable, Traded it off towards a LNIB 29-2 with presentation case and tools etc. (No Brain-er) Im just a N frame junkie!
For a daily CCW very nice and 7 rounds also. Sweet L frame and easy to carry!
Carl
For a daily CCW very nice and 7 rounds also. Sweet L frame and easy to carry!
Carl
Great gun, but had issues
I agree with C.S.63...great carry gun until you actually might have to use it. Even with 125 gr. .357s it was a major handful of recoil and tremendous muzzle flash. I couldn't justify keeping it just to haul around 7 rds. of .38 spl. Traded mine for a PC Model 627-5 (I'm an N-framer, too). I carry a 642 on a regular basis and toss the 627 in the trunk or saddlebag. The 386PD I traded in has been in and out of my lgs 4 times to 4 different owners that I know of...what does that tell you?
I agree with C.S.63...great carry gun until you actually might have to use it. Even with 125 gr. .357s it was a major handful of recoil and tremendous muzzle flash. I couldn't justify keeping it just to haul around 7 rds. of .38 spl. Traded mine for a PC Model 627-5 (I'm an N-framer, too). I carry a 642 on a regular basis and toss the 627 in the trunk or saddlebag. The 386PD I traded in has been in and out of my lgs 4 times to 4 different owners that I know of...what does that tell you?
Triggernosis
Member
Oh gosh, heck yes!
remat457
Member
I have a 386SC (similar to the PD but a 3", silver colored with HiViz front and v-notch rear) and with the Titanium cylinder resulting in very lightweight makes it not very comfortable to shoot. Seriously, a cylinder or two sure but a couple 100 rounds of 158gr magnum? Not fun. However, a light load like Rem 125gr Golden Sabers (~1200fps) is very manageable. I think that a 386 Night Guard would be decent even with full power magnums.
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Smith and Wesson 386
I'm looking to buy a S&W 386 . Does anyone know where i can locate one? JC
I'm looking to buy a S&W 386 . Does anyone know where i can locate one? JC
justintyme
Member
probably not in a five year old thread, lol. Best bet is going to be Gunbroker unfortunately, or the classifieds here.
ScandiaTitan
Member
386pd on gb
Couple on there now , 1000$ +
Couple on there now , 1000$ +
ScandiaTitan
Member
386pd are pretty expensive now considering the lack of demand that caused their demise. Can't beat the weight- I carry it in a giant l frame pocket holster with 7rnds liberty ammo I am 18+3 =21 oz (1&1/3 lb). 396mountain lite (5x44spcl) is also astonishing light and both have fiber optic sights.
Price?
Can they be had for under $600. ???
Can they be had for under $600. ???
Possibly. It all depends on condition. Mine's not a collector since a good amount of finish is worn off. When I'm dead and gone whoever winds up with it may sell it for that price.
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