New to me 586-3 nickel

4

4D5

New member
I found this on my weekly trip to the LGS.

It was just put on consignment the day before.

Looked it over and everything checked out ok.

It appears to have been shot very little and does not have any cosmetic issues.

I didn’t really need another 586, but then it being nickel and all, and so clean, I couldn’t pass it up.

I gave it a quick cleaning and took it out for a test drive. There was a 30-35 MPH cross wind so I didn’t do much for accuracy.
But even with the wind at 7 yards I kept everything inside the size of a baseball.


S&W model 586-3
SN BBJ38**
Box & Tools
DOB 1987-1991
Nickel
6” bbl

Here are some pictures



 
perfect.

Can't do much better then that. rub the next 686 owners nose in it too. Stainless!? this here is nickel FOOL!:D
 
Very nice.

That would be very hard to pass up especially with the extras that came with it. Congrats on a great find. :cool:
 
Nice. Just curious, but I thought that the 586 was blue and the 686 was stainless. Is nickel just a special run of the 586?
 
Kreyzhorse
Nice. Just curious, but I thought that the 586 was blue and the 686 was stainless. Is nickel just a special run of the 586?
Click to expand...

Here's the box label less legible S/N

And according to Standard Catalog of S&W
Product code 103543 6" N TS RR WO, 1987-1991

 
Just curious, but I thought that the 586 was blue and the 686 was stainless. Is nickel just a special run of the 586?
Click to expand...

It has been my understanding that the "5" and "6" dictates the material the gun is made from, not the coating or appearance. A "6" (as in 686) would mean that the gun is stainless, not simply shiny. Someone else might be able to explain better, or tell me I'm wrong. :D
 
C5, makes sense to me.

That's a heck of a find 4D5. The first gun I ever shot was my Dad's 586. He still has it and we had it out last weekend. The trigger is the best I've ever seen.
 
I could very well be mistaken, but I don't believe those are the original stocks (as pretty as they are.) I'm sure someone else will have a more solid answer.

Also, a bit about the serial number: I have two S&W revolvers from that same time period. My 686-3 is a BEBxxx serial number, but my K-frame 17-6 is a BBJxxx just like your 586. And I can tell you that it was purchased new in the late fall of 1988 as a Christmas present. And though I don't know how often Smith & Wesson ever chose to do this (or why?), there is a stamping on the inside of the left wooden stock that clearly says "March 11 1988" on it.

That may give you a more specific idea on dating your 586.

Of course, the born-on-date for a wooden grip won't likely match the born-on-date of the revolver itself, but it's still some real information from a day gone by.

NICE revolver you found!
 
Well I had it out for a little range time.

And I'm very happy with the accuracy.

586-3Nickeltarget_zps308d9ec0.jpg
 
I don't believe those are the original stocks (as pretty as they are.) I'm sure someone else will have a more solid answer.
Click to expand...
According to the box, they are not original. Those are combat stocks, which had a CS code on the box-end label. The TS code denotes target stocks.

The good news is that original-style replacements are not a tall order, since later-style target stocks are relatively easy to find, and generally are not numbered to a particular gun. This 596-3 most likely shipped with checkered target stocks made of Goncalo Alves, with a large "C"- or elongated reverse "L"-shaped speedloader cutout on the LH panel. These stocks can be picked up inexpensively on GB or Fleabay, but you need to be careful that they're not sanded or refinished.

FWIW S&W currently sells original-style target stocks as a factory accessory, but they are made of laminated wood with a notably different appearance than real vintage S&W stocks, and will not fool any knowledgeable collector. :rolleyes:

[EDIT] Pardon my failure to notice this thread when it first went around. :o
 
Last edited:
carguychris, thanks for the input and my missed observation.
Click to expand...

Well I sure wasn't paying attention about the stocks, wouldn't be the first time I wasn't paying attention.
The not paying attention started early, way back in grade school:D

Stocks aren't a problem as I have quite a few squirreled away.
I have the disease when it comes to nice pre-lock S&W wheel guns :eek:

Except for safe queens, the revolvers all get Hogue/Pachmyar and the wood goes in the safe.
I just shoot much better with rubber grips.


.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top