586 Evaluation

R005t3r

R005t3r

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Recently had the opportunity to purchase a S&W 586-3. It has been used and enjoyed with some enthusiasm. Any input regarding the safety and value of the revolver is appreciated. Frankly, the topstrap of my Model 27 (No Dash), looks nothing like the 586 pictured.

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It's a -3 so no need to worry about the issues that caused the earlier models to get recalled, as always with used revolvers check timing, end-shake, hammer set-off and if it has been excessively used then crack out some feeler gauges and check the cylinder gap distance

The topstrap looks like it has sustained a bit of flame cutting, the usual culprits of this are light bullets (125gr magnum loads) and ball powders, while I am sure that users here have various opinions on flame-cutting in my experience and in the opinions of most of the folks on the S&W and Colt forums agree that it isn't a serious hazard (Rugers seem to suffer worse from this possibly due to their cast frames?)

The 586 is a great platform for .357 and I have shot plenty of rounds through a 4" model, for a fair price I'd ballpark it somewhere around $600-900 depending on extras like the original box, speedloaders, holster, etc
 
Milspectacles said:
The topstrap looks like it has sustained a bit of flame cutting, the usual culprits of this are light bullets (125gr magnum loads) and ball powders, while I am sure that users here have various opinions on flame-cutting in my experience and in the opinions of most of the folks on the S&W and Colt forums agree that it isn't a serious hazard (Rugers seem to suffer worse from this possibly due to their cast frames?)
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I think that is a pretty fair assessment. Also, the cutting typically only goes to a certain point and no further.

The forcing cone looks good and that would be a bigger problem. That is another area Rugers tend to be weaker - they have thinner forcing cones that are more prone to early wear.
 
Milspectacles said:
It's a -3 so no need to worry about the issues that caused the earlier models to get recalled, as always with used revolvers check timing, end-shake, hammer set-off and if it has been excessively used then crack out some feeler gauges and check the cylinder gap distance
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If I had the opportunity to physically examine the revolver I'd be more inclined to purchase it. This however is not the case. The marring of the screws on the sideplate are another reason for my concern as it implies it may have been "tuned" by someone other than a gunsmith. Sadly, not a mailorder purchase.
 
You can buy a brand new 586 from a site sponsor for about 1K. That is what I did a few months ago. Of course it is recent production. Some frown on the recent production Smiths, not me. The fit and finish of my revolver is very nice and I don<t care about the security key hole over the cylinder release.
Gilbert
 
The side plate is dinged at the top from incorrect removal. A sure sign of an amateur gun smith. The ejector rod has little bluing left, and the cylinder shows a lot of wear, so it's been shot a bunch. However if the revolver is tight, and passes the check out inspection, it might be a fine shooter. I wouldn't pay more than $500 for it.
 
I think you got a pretty fair shakedown on the 586 in the comments already posted. The side plate screws would make me a bit cautious too though, anyone competent enough to work on it should be competent enough to not damage those.

I (also) have a 686 no dash, was lucky to trade for one a few years back with an 8 3/8" barrel. Great fun busting clays at 50 yards with it.
 
I sold one just a bit better than that , without that front sight, I don't like, for 650.oo it was the longer barrel, which I don't like myself.
over all it looks fine, but not 8-900 fine.
 
Nailed it! (M stamped) 586-1. Bushing and firing pin replaced at factory. $900.- shipped.
I have always been partial to the roll stamped barrel. The early models seem to have a nicer, bluer finish.
Could just be the infatuation talking.

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R005t3r said:
Nailed it! (M stamped) 586-1. Bushing and firing pin replaced at factory. $900.- shipped.
I have always been partial to the roll stamped barrel. The early models seem to have a nicer, bluer finish.
Could just be the infatuation talking.

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Sure is purdee. Nice to see them looked after, not sure who to send them vintage Smith’s in for servicing now that Murray retired.
 
I was close to getting 586-3 for $800 in worse shape but the deal fell through.
From the picture I think you got your moneys worth. Beautiful revolver.
 
The firing pin bushing and the hammer nose need to be replaced on some because of the issues with Federal ammunition. The hammer would punch through the cartridge primer and lock up the cylinder. I have a used 586 with 6" shrouded barrel, purchased in the 90's, and it was fully covered by the warranty for the recall. Smith and Wesson covered the cost of the shipping, parts and gunsmith service. Now that is a manufacturer who stands behind their products.
 
Kopanoak said:
The firing pin bushing and the hammer nose need to be replaced on some because of the issues with Federal ammunition. The hammer would punch through the cartridge primer and lock up the cylinder. I have a used 586 with 6" shrouded barrel, purchased in the 90's, and it was fully covered by the warranty for the recall. Smith and Wesson covered the cost of the shipping, parts and gunsmith service. Now that is a manufacturer who stands behind their products.
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Not any more. It was a sad day when Murray Charlton retired. Now S&W seems fine to say Gretch Outdoors is their only Canadian Warranty center and.... well.... read their reviews and you’ll get the picture. It’s like not having warranty at all. I’ve used them once a year or so ago and my experience would echo all the negative reviews you’ll read.

I ended up ordering the parts myself and and doing the repair myself after Gretch had it.
 
Kopanoak said:
The firing pin bushing and the hammer nose need to be replaced on some because of the issues with Federal ammunition. The hammer would punch through the cartridge primer and lock up the cylinder. I have a used 586 with 6" shrouded barrel, purchased in the 90's, and it was fully covered by the warranty for the recall. Smith and Wesson covered the cost of the shipping, parts and gunsmith service. Now that is a manufacturer who stands behind their products.
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Do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over or before the model number until you have had the revolver modified.

Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.
 
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