I'll Take a Smith Model 586........

B

Bob Wright

New member
While ya'll are waxing eleoquent about the Highway Patrolman Model 28, take a look a my preference, the Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum:

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That's my two on the left, next to a couple of my Model 19s. I latched onto the 4" gun shortly after Smith & Wesson introduced them, and never looked for another DA .357 Magnum.

The N-Framed Smiths were a little too large for my hand for good DA shootiong, the L-Frames just Wright. And the 586's longer cylinder digested my 173 gr. cast bullets crimped IN THE CRIMPING GROOVE.

As far as I'm concerned, the L-Framed blued Smiths are the ultimate DA .357 Magnum revolver. There's not a finer smallbore revolver made.

Bob Wright
 
The premier S&W .357 was always the gun that was just called the "357 Magnum", later called the Model 27. The Model 28 was the "low priced spread"; identical to the Model 27 but not as nicely polished and blued, it was intended for sale to police departments who wanted the .357 Magnum capability, but had to work within budgetary constraints. Both are fine guns, but most folks who own pre- and Model 27's rarely shoot them as they are quite valuable, especially the early "Registered" ones.

Then S&W had requests from law enforcement agencies, notably Bill Jordan of the Border Patrol, for a lighter .357. S&W obliged by making one on the K-frame, the Combat Magnum, which later became the superb Model 19.

But the configuration of the K frame meant that the forcing cone area of the barrel was not as strong as in the larger revolvers, and a diet of full house magnum loads tended to crack it. S&W's response was the 586/686 (5 means carbon steel, 6 means stainless), which has the grip size of the K frame but a larger top, though not as large as the older N frame.

They are all fine guns.

Jim
 
I like a muzzle heavy revolver, thus my preference for the Model 586. I had hoped at one time to build up a Model 19 with a 4" full lug barrel, as the Model 19 had a slightly lower sighting plane. I carried both the Model 586 and the Model 19 (2 1/2") for a long time as my daily carry guns until going to the Ruger Blackhawk .44 Special.

I've had considerable experience with both the Model 27 and Model 28, as well as a Colt Python, but still consider the Model 586 the ultimate .357 Magnum DA revolver.

Bob Wright
 
I'm in agreement with Mr.Borland. I love the full underlug. But I don't love me dinging up the bluing. Thus, I'll take the 686. But those are some nice looking irons you have Bob.
 
Very nice sixguns Bob Wright. The 586 is a beautiful revolver, no doubt.

I'll take the snubby 19 on the right though. ;) Regards 18DAI
 
You have excellent taste Bob! That's a good-looking stable of workhorses there!

I'm also a sucker for the old 586/686 and Model 19's. I passed on a gorgeous Model 19 at a show in Mesa once. I walked around a bit and then came to my senses and rushed back with the $400 in my hand only to see the seller handing across the table to an old man with a great big smile on his face. :(

I was saving up for a new truck at the time or I wouldn't have made that mistake!

Thanks for sharing your nice pics and welcome to the forum!
 
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