S&W 586

eddieE76

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What is the general consensus on the older (I don't know what I mean by older, just that I don't want the new guns with the IL) S&W 586 .357s? I was thinking about getting one. What would be a reasonable price for one?

Thanks
 
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The no lock 586/686 are great guns and the no dash and -1 had some problems and were recalled by S&W and fixed for free. They will still fix them for free if the recall has not been performed on those guns are marked with an M on the crane to show that it was completed. That said only a small amount of them even had the problem and my two no dash revolvers have never had an issue so weren't sent back.

The price vary by the area of the country, condition, and what comes with the revolver. The price is usually higher the shorter the barrel with the 4 inch being more popular then the 6 inch and 8 3/8 inch. The snub nose and the 3 inch also get a premium. Around here a 6 inch is a $450 revolver and the 4 inch is a $500 revolver.
 
About two years ago, on a lark, I made a very low bid on a 586-1. To my surprise I won the gun. I was surprised how heaver it felt than any of my M-19's. It feels like an N frame, to me. I liked the trigger pull both single action and double action, but somehow it did not feel like a M-19 either in my hand or in a holster.
So all in all I was not overly impressed with it, UNTIL I SHOT it. As much as I hate to say this I prefer shooting it, with magnum ammo, to any of my M-19's. Even worse it has replaced one of my M-19's as one of my ready guns!! I can't think of any higher praise.
 
Thanks. I'm guessing the region doesn't matter that much in my case, since I'm looking on gunsamerica and gunbroker. I am looking for a 4" so I will be paying a premium. The ones I have seen are about 600-650. The particular one I'm talking about comes without anything.
 
A nice M586 thru M586-4, blued, 4", will sell for between $500 and $575 in my area. I saw two sell within the last week from private sellers and one with box and docs, in good not excellent conditon sold for $575. The other one was OK, no box and in good conditon sold for $500. So, in my area, $500 to $575.
 
Most eveyone is spot on. Pricing can vary by region. The L frame is a very nice platform in it's original configuration.

Very well made, confortable to shoot with Magnum loads. Most of the revolvers I own are K frames and bought my first L about 3 weeks ago.

It was designed to fill the gap between the K and N frames and it excells at it's purpose. You will find the shorter barrels bring a small premimum in price as stated by others here. The 581's in nickle possibly the nicest for collectability.

I enjoy fixed sight revolvers very much and I was overjoyed finding this 681-1from the brother of the original owner that had been tucked away for 20 someodd years in a safe. I paid $400 for it due to no original stocks or box and it was a point of dicker on the price due to that.

I don't think you will be dissappointed in you choice, no matter which you chose. Good luck in your search.

As it was when I got it and after cleaning and fitted with the correct vintage speedloader cut targets.

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This target shows how accurate a fixed sight revolver can be under double action rapid fire with 158gr .357 Magnums. The target size is 6x10 inches at 25 feet. I think anyone of these rounds would have gotten the job done..:D

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Everyone has gave pricing for blued 586's. A near mint to mint condition nickel 586 with box and all papers no dash in 4 inch barrel will set you back 700.00- 850.00 I have seen them run. 6 inch barrel the same as above 600-750.00

Eric
 
I bought a 586 nickle 4 " at a gun show about 2 years ago. It is in 98% + condition for $500.00 . I have always been a a big bore N Frame guy, but I have to say this thing shoots. this gun has exceptional balance and handles full power 357 mags like a dream. The guy wanted $650 and I offered him $500. e said no way and walked away. In about 15 minute he came up to me and said if I was still interested he would take $500. I pulled out 5 Ben Frankins ad have never been happier. Great gun you won't be diappointed.
 
Eddie,
Earlier this year I picked up a 4" 586 for $500.00 plus tax at the LGS. It was in exellent shape but without the origional grips. The gun has exellent balance and is very accurate!! Using wheel weight bullets from RCBS 150-K mould and H-4227 powder I have been able to get 4 out of 5 shot groups of around 1/2" when i'm on at 15 yards off hand. These guns are as accurate as the guys say they are when you find the load the gun likes! The load mentioned is around 1175 FPS. You will not be disapointed if you can come up with a nice one in your search. I'm not sure why they are so accurate but they are! Mine is a no dash. Good luck!
Jim
 
I've owned a M586 since they came out onto the market in the early 1980's and it has always been a high quality, strong, accurate and reliable gun. It is a 6" bbl. version and I have never had any issues with it what so ever.

The L frame's advantage (at least to me) is that it uses the same grip frame as the K frames does which I like. I do own N frames but I feel the K frame grip is a little more versatile and comfortable.

It will hold up to any & all .357 loads and is great at absorbing the recoil of stiff loads. My only wish is that I would like to be able to get one without the full under-lug, although some guys love that feature.

Over-all a great gun!

Chief38
 
I have a 586 no in 6 inch and a 686-3 with a 2.5 barrel and think they are some of the better revolvers that S&W has made.
I never would of bought the 686 because of the combat grips on it but ask the guy to see it and it came up nice and those grips are functional rather than just ugly. It is one of my favorite revolvers to shoot.
Non sure if the 586 will ever be worth much but that is about 99% and even has the recall paper in the box.
Found them both at the same pawn shop
 
I've had an L frame since 83. First was a 6" 586 ND, then a 686 2.5", then a 4" 686 which I sold to get a 4" 586 which IMO is the better of the two.

Bought my latest 586 3 years ago for $400 OTD here in California.

They cost more now and I'd be surprised to find one here for under $700.
 
I'm still incredibly new to the revolver game, but guess what revolver I got? That's right, a 586 4". I finally got to shoot it yesterday for the first time since I got it a month ago (the anticipation was killing me). It was a charm to shoot and it's as rugged as the day is long. Now mine is old and has some cosmetic wear and tear but functioned flawlessly. At 10 meters, I was bunching up rounds about 1 inch left of the bull's eye (that's my trigger squeeze, I know). I love my new to me 586 and hopefully one day, when my son is old enough, and responsible enough, it will be his.
 
I like the 586 and I think I would own one before I would buy another Model 19 in 4-inch. I had a 686 once and was very impressed at how well it fit even though that one had the really long barrel. I have been trying to talk one of my friends into selling his 686 that he never carries or uses, but if I good 586 came my way in 4-inch I would certainly not pass it by.
 
Thanks all for your comments. I will be looking for a 586 or 686 in 4". I just bought a 627 and love the gun....would like to see what S&W made in the old days.
 
i bought my 6" in '82. it is the most accurate handgun i've ever shot. yes its heavier than a 19 and not as petite as J frames but for a shooter and a looker, you can't go wrong. i wouldn't take $600 for mine.
 
The ugly original S&W/Hogue rubber really detracted from the beauty of my 586-4, six inch. This gun cured my case of Python withdrawal permanently. The 581 & 586 are just stunningly beautiful revolvers. I picked this one up a couple years back and have not seen another one this clean at a gun store since.
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The Stainless 681/686 series are quite attractive too as this 686 no dash shows.
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