S&W 586 to buy or not buy?

R

Revoman

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I am considering buying a S&W 586 in very good condition. It was manufactured in 1984. My question is; can it digest 125gr .357 magnum rounds on a daily basis. Someone told me it can't handle a steady diet of magnum rounds without extensive repair work. I am incredulous to say the least!!

Any opinions??

Thanks,

Revoman
 
HOT 125 gr 357 Magnums would be hard on any revolver. +P or +P+ 38 Specials might even be hard to take. Normal pressure SAAMI-spec ammunition can be dealt with well by a 586. I run 180 gr JHPs in my 357s with 0 noted wear or tear. The L frames were designed for better durability and I haven't worn a K frame out, yet. Give me time.
 
The 586 was designed to handle the fast moving 125 grain 357's better than the K frame's.The 586/686 has a full diameter forcing cone where the the K frame 357's (13,19,65,66) forcing cone is squared off on the bottom to make room for the cylinder crane to close.That's the spot that might crack with the use of hot 357's but i've never seen a cracked forcing cone yet.
 
Really the only thing i might be concerned with would be flame cutting of the top strap, but your talking thousands upon thousands of rounds to make it to the point of being unsafe. I personally wouldnt worry about it...i have an older 66 thats seen more hot magnum rounds that i can count and it hasnt failed me once.
 
Revoman,

My question is; can it digest 125gr .357 magnum rounds on a daily basis.
Click to expand...

The L-frame Smiths, of which the 586 is one, were specifically designed to adress durability issues surrounding hot, light bullet loads. It will be fine.
 
So you're the fellow without an L frame. We've been looking for you.... :D


Of course you should buy it. We're all required to have at least one L frame, you know!


Larry
 
At least I'm the next to last this time around. :)
I got my first L-frame out of layaway yesterday, a 586 about 1980 vintage.
Somehow with the N and K frames they just seemed an also ran like the .41 mags I got into late.
After buying way too many of my dealers N frames I couldn't resist asking to handle the 4 inch 586 he'd had in his display case the last few months. (I can look lots and be good but handling is my downfall 99% of the time).
I'll be shooting it tomorrow if the weatherman's predictions are right. It already feels good in my hands, like my M-19 on steroids, has a decent trigger Smith style and has that Pythonish look about it.
It could just be the last gun I'll ever buy, until I hear that little voice out of the display case again. :)
 
I've got stubby fingers-too stubby to be really comfortable with an N-frame for fast D/A work, although I tried.

My all-time favorite revolver is my 4" 686 with Hogue COMPACT grips-absolutely purrrfect for my little paws.

Larry
 
yu damn right..it can eat 125 gr 357 like you eat potato chips.....BUT, I'd suggest you will hit better under most conditions with plus p 38....
 
I have the 586 with the adjustable front sight. That gun will take any factory 357 round you want to feed it. It is a L frame gun bigger than the K frame gun. Top strap cut was a big problem with the 357 max. You don't see that gun much anymore
 
If the price is right....

I had a 686 and found it to be a great one....

Wish I still had it.......

I think an occasional diet change would still give you good practice.... Just my .02 cents worth........ Good shooting........ :D
 
From what i've been told, the K frame wasn't even originally designed for .357mag rounds but for .38's.

I have an early 1970's K frame model 66-2 and while i do shoot a lot of .357mags out of it... things to tend to rattle loose a little. I've had to tighten the spring in the handle on two occasions due to a miss fire. I've shot a few thousand rounds out of this handgun though. Its definately held up quite well.

http://www.kalionzes.com/sw357mag/SWmod66-2.jpg
 
Andrew, the K frame goes back to 1899. The 38 Spl still used black powder back then. IIRC the 357 debuted in the 30s.
 
586. Well, I got it!!

I purchased the 586 for $275.00 in very good condition today. I'm very happy with the purchase.

Thanks to all for your insightful replys!!

I'm gonna run 180gr Winchester Partition Gold ammo through it. I think it might be easier on my battle scarred body. I'll be shooting it almost every day.

My Police Department gives us 100 rounds a day to shoot!

Any opinions on the Winchester 180gr??

Regards,

Revoman :D
 
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