K or L Frame S&W?

As to the k vs L question, the L frame was adopted when the K frame couldn't stand up to a steady diet of police qualification with high pressure light bullet loads. (usually the 125 hr JHP, which was the "stopper" bullet of the time). For most of us, the K will stand up to a lifetime of use, and some pretty stout loads. My brother carried a 180 gr handload for bears in his 4" Model 19 in the NWT back in the day, worked quite well. The L frame went to a slightly larger frame and lockworks, with the same size grip as the K. The underlug on the barrel was added to help it compete with the Python, which was S&W's major competition for police guns back then. It also made it easier to shoot (not to carry though). Anyway, unless you are shooting daily with heavy loads, the K will work fine, and it does balance better then the longer L's. A 4" L has a nice balance, but as the communists banned those we're stuck with what we have. As an aside, if you have the hands for it, a 5" N frame is a very nice 357, and will most likely outlast you and me by a good while. - dan
 
swampdog said:
Maybe I missed something, but why not just buy an N frame, like a Model 27. No worries about durability or recalls.
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I'd be happy to take a look if you have one! Nothing out there just now though...

I'm leaning towards the Ruger. Very strong & looks good.

S.
 
Try looking for a Model 28 Highway Patrolman. They are the utility/working man's version, it is the same as the 27, but in a less polished finish. Cheaper to buy.

My comment on the large N-frame is that the cylinder notches peen sooner if you like fast DA shooting.
 
There's a Model 28 in the EE right now.

"Quote:
Originally Posted by dan belisle View Post
Actually they do, but they aren't the same as ours. They can still own under 4" guns, and buy and sell them, but no new ones can be sold there. - dan
Care to cite a reference? "

Nope, I'm lazy. Google it. - dan
 
The model 28 for sale in the EE was the one I was trying to get, but it is SPF & the guy never got back to my PM's or emails. It came with holster, speedloaders... Would have been perfect. $425. Would have been perfect
S.
 
Well I just pulled the trigger on a 586. I was gonna get the Ruger but I opened up the email to check the pics one last time & it is just such a beautiful gun that I ponied up.
S.
 
It was a close race between it & the GP100, but the Ruger was priced too close to new. One just got listed today for $450, but the decision is made & I feel good about it.

The 586 hasn't had the recall done, but I figure that I'll shoot it a bit, then send it in to have it done & potentially get a trigger job at the same time.

S.
 
sharp21 said:
The 586 hasn't had the recall done, but I figure that I'll shoot it a bit, then send it in to have it done & potentially get a trigger job at the same time.
S.
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Just my .02 The service center will not do a trigger job when they fix the no-dash recall issue.

A lot of people feel a trigger job is necessary for every gun, even myself until three yrs ago. Then it dawned on me that we are normal men, not wimps. So what if the DA pull is 12 lbs and gritty? Get used to it.

Don't worry, the stock S&W 586 trigger is great in both DA and SA.

Just practice shooting DA all the time. Forget SA, that is only for bullseye.
All other shooting is done DA. Your trigger finger will be tuned up in no time and the stock DA/SA pulls will feel much lighter as your trigger finger muscles get stronger.

With revolver training, shooting semi-autos will be a breeze, even stock Norkies.
 
sharp21 said:
Well I just pulled the trigger on a 586. I was gonna get the Ruger but I opened up the email to check the pics one last time & it is just such a beautiful gun that I ponied up.
S.
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Good call! I think you'll enjoy it more than you would have the Model 28, too. I do like my Model 28--they're a neat revolver an interesting history--but as a pure shooter I much prefer an L Frame.
 
Thanks!
It was a bit nerve racking trying to decide, as I've never shot one before & wasn't able to check out any examples first hand. But I've been promising myself one since I got my restricted over a year ago & Christmas was when it had to happen!

I've got a pistol range by the house so I'm looking forward to burning through some boxes.

S.
 
RememberTheSomme said:
I owned a 6" 586 from 85 till 89, didnt realize there was a recall. When did it come out and what was the problem?
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It was the mid-80s, and the problem was that with certain revolvers, primers on some types of magnum ammunition could flow back into the firing pin hole, locking the revolver up. Fixed by replacing the firing pin bushing (or whatever the actual name is).
 
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