Wanting a new (to me) 357, which is the best buy?

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bottlerocket

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Seems a guy local is getting out of 357s. He has a like-new 6" 586 in nickel that has been fired 3 times, includes box/tool/papers for $700. Also have both a 4 or a 6" 19-3 both with box/papers/tool and in excellent cond for $650. Budget dictates only one (trust me, I want them all) so which is the best bang for the buck?

Would be mostly for range shooting/plinking, but would like to have an option to shoot occasional magnum loads, but will mostly be light 38s
 
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Monetarily, the 6 inch 19 is a better deal. Practically, the 6 inch 586 will probably be at least $50 more fun to shoot.
 
Get the one you like better.

My preference is the older 19's as opposed to the newer .357's. the quality, action and track record favor the older S&W's to me.

I wouldn't buy a 586 with my money (unless I could sell it quickly and make 25%) even if the prices were reversed.

I'd be more likely to get the 4' than the 6' - handier, assuming they are othrwise in the same condition. Of course, that's just me.
 
I'd go for the 586 as it tames the recoil better and is a stronger pistol. S&W brought the 586/686 series because they started having problems with the K frame 357 magnums cracking forcing cones when people started shooting the 357 magnum with light bullets like the 125 grain.
 
Last edited:
fyimo said:
I'd go for the 586 as it tames the recoil better and is a stronger pistol. S&W brought the 586/686 series because they started having problems with the K frame 357 magnums cracking forcing cones when people started shooting the 357 magnum with light bullets like the 125 grain.
Click to expand...

Not planning on light hot loads. Are any of these even a good buy at all?
 
Personally I do not consider those good buys. They seem high to me but most the prices I see these days seem high to me so what do I know.
As long as you stay away from the light loads in the M19s I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. It comes down to which one you like best and how bad you want one.
 
As you keep looking you might come across a decent Model 28-2 .357 Magnum in the range of $450+. It's a big and heavy N-frame that will withstand just about anything you stuff into it. The 28-2 is commonly available. I prefer the 4" barrel for plinking and the 6" for targets. If you prefer a smaller frame then the K-frame Model 19/66 or L-frame 586/686 are out there, but prices trend higher in my experience.
 
As mentioned earlier, the 4" Model 19 would be the most in line with current market prices. The 6" Model 19 usually sell for less than the 2.5 and 4" versions, so that one seems too high. The 586 is fairly rare but again, their 2.5 and 4" counterparts tend to bring more money, so that 586 might not be out of line either.

I find a 6" full lug barrel gun like the 586 to be too heavy for to me shoot for any extended period of time enjoyably: it's just too heavy for me and supporting its weight becomes a chore. My 4" Model 19 has great balance and can shoot 38s and the occasional Magnum as you'd like.

If you mainly want to shoot 38s I'd say get the 4" Model 19.
 
I'd go for the 4" M19 but it's your money. Shop around to see what else is available. I have a 4" M28-2 and would highly recommend one. Choose what you like. ;)
 
FWIW, I have a 686 6" and it's just great. The most accurate gun I have and I don't find it too heavy at all.

I'd go for the 586 -- it would be nice to have a nickel partner for my gun.

$700 for a NIB gun is better than the LGS prices around here -- they want more like $800.
 
I also think the prices are too high. I would look for a good 4" 28-2
for less money or a good 27-2 for the same money or a bit more.
Get an N frame in good tight condition and it will last a lifetime if
given reasonable care.
 
bottlerocket said:
Seems a guy local is getting out of 357s. He has a like-new 6" 586 in nickel that has been fired 3 times, includes box/tool/papers for $700. Also have both a 4 or a 6" 19-3 both with box/papers/tool and in excellent cond for $650. Budget dictates only one (trust me, I want them all) so which is the best bang for the buck?

Would be mostly for range shooting/plinking, but would like to have an option to shoot occasional magnum loads, but will mostly be light 38s
Click to expand...

As much as I hate to say this (I'm a diehard 686 fan), it sounds like a 19 will really fill your needs.
 
I can't tell where you're from, and that makes a lot of difference when it comes to pricing. Here in Maryland, in the condition you describe, with boxes, papers and tools, all of those prices are good, maybe even very good. It's different in the Midwest, etc. If I had to chose just one, I'd go for the 4" 19-3, especially if it had some or all of the options - red ramp front sight, white outline rear sight, target hammer and trigger. I've got a 19-4 in about 90% condition with all options, box, papers and tools that I paid only $495 for last year, but it came from Maine. It's my favorite revolver to shoot. I'd pay $650 for it if I had too, especially if it were in 95-98% condition. BTW, I don't think you said anything about stocks. All of the above assumes original stocks.

On the other hand, an older nickel L-frame's not to be sneezed at, either.
 
I checked auction sites and lo and behold those prices are in line, maybe ten percent high. I'd try to negotiate, anyway. If you're going to shoot .38s the Model 19 is the way to go. A steady diet of .357s belongs in the heavier 586. I have both, love them, but I simply don't ever use heavy loads in the Model 19. It's unnecessary when I have a 586 or Model 27 for that purpose.

***GRJ***
 
I had a 686 stainless DCM and regret ever selling it :(
Accurate as all get out. Seemed too big for CC, but for the home or car it's the real deal.
 
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