Difference between the S&W Mod. 27 and 586?

J

jwise

New member
What are the major differences between the S&W Mod. 27 and the 586? Both are blued, large-frame .357mag revolvers.

One LGS has the Mod. 27 for $999, and another shop has the 586 for $730.

The 27 looks as big as the 29, just chambered in .357mag instead of .44mag. Is it, in fact, the same frame?

Which would you prefer? Why?

I'm sitting on a LNIB Colt Python, but would prefer to leave it unfired and get something else to shoot. My only other revolvers are a Ruger Vaquero in .44mag, a Colt M1917, and a Taurus 617t .357mag (and the S&W Mod. 1902 .38spl that I have been told not to shoot much!)
 
The Model 27 is the N frame, the same frame used for the Model 29 (.44 Magnum). That frame was originally developed for .44 Special, so using it for the .44 Magnum involved no major changes.

The Model 586 is built on the relatively new L frame, which was developed when problems arose in the use of the smaller K frame for .357 Magnum. The cylinder and top of the L frame are larger than the K, intermediate between the K and N frames, but the grip is the same size as the K, meaning it can use the K size grips.

To answer your question about preference, my own is the K frame Model 19, though if I were going to fire a lot of heavy .357 loads, I would go to the L or even the heavy N frame, partly to avoid damage to the gun, partly to handle the greater recoil.

Jim
 
In my opinion the S&W model 27's and Colt Python's are very similar in terms of quality ....and few models in the S&W revolver line will equal or surpass a beautiful model 27 - either in the Bright Blued finish or Nickel.

I like the model 27's more than any of the L frames...( 586, 686's etc )...but that depends partly on what fits your hands the best.
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Look at the engineering revisions you have on each ....there may be some big differences.../ I especially like the older model 27's where the barrels are pinned and the cylinders are recessed ( from no dash thru dash 2's in the model 27 from 1957 thru 1980 or 1981).

I have model 27's both blued and nickel ...in 4", 5", 6" and 8 3/8" barrels...with a 27-2 4" Nickel being one of the top 5 guns in my safe. I shoot it a lot ...and I love it every time I pick it up.
 
Personally I think the L-frame is a better match for the .357 cartridge than the N-frame, which is a much bigger gun. It's also a better fit for most average sized hands.
 
Which would you prefer? Why?
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James K covered the nuts n bolts.

Basically, the model 27 - being the heavy N frame - has more back weight.

The 586 - having the full barrel underlug - has more front weight.

The difference is personal preference. I think those who prefer the model 27 find the back weight more balanced feeling and conducive to putting the sights on target. Those who prefer the 586 find the front weight advantageous for reducing recoil when firing. At least, that's my take on it and there's probably some oversimplificaton here.

Personally, I prefer the front weighted 586. That said however, I'd be proud to own a model 27. They're very nice guns.
 
I'm not even sure I want to get into a full-size .357mag. Most of my handguns are autos (1911s and Glocks). But I had my Python out of the safe the other day, gently wiping it down with an oily rag, and pining away at shooting a wheel-gun.

As I said, the only other wheel guns I have had are not that fun to shoot. The single action Vaquero (bear gun) in .44mag is..ahem...something to behold. The Taurus (boot gun) has a very snub nose, and is very lightweight (titanium), and thus not much fun either. I've thought about a heavier, full size revolver for a while, but keep buying Colt 1911s instead! I'm getting my 1917 (.45acp) back from my in-laws tonight, and that might scratch the itch without dropping a grand on the 27...
 
The dilemma.....adding more guns, not shooting the ones you have....:D
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Its all up to you...../ while I don't like the Python personally ( the typical grips, or the triggers ) vs the model 27's ...those issues are hotly debated on this and other forums..../ the Pythons are classic designs and fine guns !

If I had the Python - and liked it a lot .....I'd be hard pressed not to shoot it...
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But not to pick on you.....because I certainly have guns in my safe I don't shoot often as well...but its because I have others that have replaced them as my favorites ! I hang onto a lot of these guns ( 1911's, S&W revolvers and some Sigs ) because I have room ...and it doesn't cost anything not to feed them....but I just can't have a favorite in my safe, that I don't shoot !

I shoot my model 27-2 4" Nickel almost every week....( I don't shoot the 6" or the 8 3/8" model 27's as much ...or the 5" for that matter....) so we all have favorites. I will shoot the 27-2 4" Nickel....over any of my K frames like the model 19's in 4" Nickel..even though I like the K frames, I shoot the N frames more ( even the model 29's in .44 mag ) .... but on some days, my mood changes....and I take 2 or 3 K frames to the range....

Having options ...is not a bad thing...../ and adding a model 27 to your collection ...can't be a bad thing...or even the 586 for that matter....good luck with your decision. ( we're gun guys - we're always going to tell you to buy another gun !! ) ....;)
 
Is there a difference between the old and new 27s? If I dropped good money on a brand new one, will I be chastised for not finding an older one?

It really IS a beautiful handgun...

150339_01_lg.jpg
 
IIRC S&W introduced the L frame to compete with the Python and Colt Trooper both of which hold up better shooting full power .357s than the K frame and fit many shooters better than the N frame. Conversely hold a Model 27 and you can imagine yourself holding a Registered Magnum in 1935. And if you can't find an M-27, an M-28 is the working man's Magnum.
 
newer guns....vs the older models of model 27's.....

a. well there is the Internal Frame Safety ..."the belly button" that a lot of us hate from an appearance issue....
b. are the triggers as good, is fit and finish as good....I don't think so --- and there are more "MIM" parts in the new gun....is "MIM" better or worse, I think its probably not as durable...

Collectors / collector shooters....will probably continue to favor the older model 27's until they are no longer available...( at least for us "baby boomers"...) ....but when us "baby boomers" have quit buying guns...I don't what they guys that were born in the 80's thru the 90's and into the 20??'s will favor.... ( my kids born in the 70's don't have my passion for revolvers - unless they're free to them, out of my collection ....:cool:)....what will they buy with their own money, or what will my grandkids buy....I don't know..../ but none of my grandkids between ages of 15 and 23 right now are too excited about any "steel" handguns...vs poly..../ ....sadly ...:(
 
Discounting any 27 after 1981, the 27 and variants (going back to the 1935 Registered Magnum) were the top of the S&W line and were deluxe grade revolvers. The 586 and the like were L frame service revolvers that do not compare in terms of finish and deluxe features.

People often think the 586 was meant to compete with the Python because it has a vaguely similar barrel profile but again the Python was the top of the Colt line and the 586 was a service revolver. No competition.
 
I wouldn't worry about the durability of MIM parts, but the hammer and trigger do not have the same appearance as the old color case-hardened parts. S&W tries to "color" them because of the trademark issue, but they don't succeed very well.

Jim
 
Personally I think the L-frame is a better match for the .357 cartridge than the N-frame, which is a much bigger gun. It's also a better fit for most average sized hands.
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Not as much difference as some think. I sold my 686's after buying the 1st N-frame. The N frames are about 1/8" thicker through the cylinder and they fit in many of the same holsters. The factory target grips that used to come on both were pretty close to the same size. With aftermarket options it isn't hard to find something that will work with pretty much all hand sizes. And since the N frames do not have an extended ejector rod housing and thinner barrels the weights are virtually the same. With longer barrels the N frames are actually lighter.
 
Not as much difference as some think.
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I have a 6" 686-4, a 6.5" 629-4 and a 6" 28-2, so I have some basis on which to judge. Perhaps I could have omitted the adverb "much", but unless you have larger than average hands, I stand by my statement that the 686 is easier to handle. I would make the analogy to a pair of shoes that is just a bit too tight for best comfort. While a lightweight .357 J -frame snubbie probably recoils more than most desire, an all-steel K or L-frame with a 4" or longer barrel just seems "right", while the N frame is better suited for the heavier recoil of larger calibers.
 
Service weapon N-Frames just don't work out

The Model 58 Smith was thought to be the ultimate police revolver. Turned out to be a miserable flop.
Many things teamed up to doom the platform, but an N-frame for the cop on the beat was just too big. You could make a case for the L-Frames to be in the (nearly)same boat.
The K-frames are perfect.
Sadly, the days of revolvers issued to police are a thing of the past.
 
I have a number of Smith & Wesson revolvers and I really, really love them all and I shoot almost every single one of them on a semi-regular basis, so I have a decent amount of hands-on experience and my opinions reflect those experiences.

If I'm shooting .38 Special, there is no other S&W that feels more "RIGHT" than a K-frame, and if I'm going to define it further, it's probably going to be a 4-inch heavy barrel K-frame, like the Model 10 or 64. If the task is to shoot 400 rounds of .38 Special and hit my targets to the best of my ability, it's probably going to be that, although a 6-inch K-frame is probably right behind. I don't have nearly as much trigger time on my 6-inch Model 66 just quite yet.

If I'm doing mostly .38 and I want the option of .357 on a rare basis, a K-frame magnum is a fine choice. The Model 19, 13, 65, or 66 will be a great and versatile handgun. And I would consider myself not NEARLY as recoil sensitive as many folks that I know, but I can say truly that .357 Magnum from a K-frame is not comfortable and for me, it is NOT an all day affair. One box is plenty, frankly.

The L-frame does handle the magnum ammo better, both for the longevity of the revolver and the shooter, and for comfort, the added weight helps a lot. But I only have one L-frame and it's a six-inch 686, and there's a LOT of weight out front and the balance on this revolver is simply not there. I have a hunch that a four-inch L-frame would balance far better, but on a range day where I'm shooting 3 or 4 boxes of ammo, my six-inch L-frame is tiring by the end of the day with all that weight out front.

Enter the N-frame. Mine is the FAR more plain version of the beautiful Model 27, I have a Model 28-2 with a six-inch barrel. And when it comes to shooting the heaviest handloads that I build, no revolver I own handles them better and more comfortably than my Model 28. Full-boat .357 Mag from my Model 28 is pure fun & enjoyment to me. I have only one true complaint about my Model 28, and that's the fact that the big cylinder heats up and seems to take forever to cool and I end up burning my hand while ejecting brass because it's so much fun that I don't want to put the revolver down to cool off.
 
If I'm choosing between the two you listed, I would take any pre-lock Model 27 (or Model 28!) before the 586, as long as none of the guns in the running carried barrels shorter than four inches.

However, if we're talking a new "Classic" 27 with the lock on the side, I'm picking just about any pre-lock Smith & Wesson instead. And I do mean almost ANY.

But if you simply want a double action Smith & Wesson that is durable enough to last your lifetime, accurate enough to surprise you on every range trip, and enjoyable enough to shoot so that you'll always put it away with a smile on your face and you want the happy bonus of getting a whole HEAP of gun for low money?

Look no further than a quality used Model 10 with a four-inch heavy barrel. There are millions of them and many are former issued duty guns. Of the ones I have, my absolute favorite is a Model 10-10, circa 1994, and former Ohio Dept of Corrections issued revolver. It's amazing, it shoots absolutely lights out and I spent $250 on it.
 
Well, I did in fact pick up my Colt M1917 from my in-laws last night, and today I took it and a few others to the range.



The range does not allow uncoated lead rounds to be shot there (inside range), and so the S&W Mod. 1902 got left unfired.

The M1917, however, did get shot! It was a joy to shoot. I did pretty well with its double-action trigger, and also had fun thumbing the hammer and shooting single-action.

It is a very soft-shooting handgun.



The sights are slightly off, shooting a bit high and to the right, but not bad.
 
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