S&W 357 586 Combat Magnum

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The 66 is a k frame the 586 is a l frame
I'm aware of that, though my reply doesn't make that very clear. My point to "nuclear meltdown's" post was that the model 66 is available for someone desiring a S&W .357 magnum without a full length lug.
 
Someone told me once, “The lugged barrels are great when you’re shootin’...the unlugged barrels are great when you’re carryin’. “

I like them both, and I agree the unlugged ones carry easier on the hip all day... and the lugged ones feel better to me when I’m shooting them.

Stay safe!
 
Ohhh...beauties! Wish I had thought of a 4" 586 at the time. Was not aware what finish offerings were available, my 586-3 is a matte blue.
 
I would second that. My only real complaint about the L-frame was the weight. The 4 inch and especially the 6 inch are as heavy as the N-frames!

If I come across one of the HALF LUGGED 696's with a 5 inch barrel and 7 shot cylinder, I will buy it on the spot. I have also looked at the RUGER Match Champion and the limited edition GP-100's in a 5 inch half lugged barrel and may go for that, though it is blue, not stainless.
I handled a 5 inch-7 shot 686 limited edition up in Canada many years ago and still wish I bought it. On the other hand, I was able to get 2 BROWNING Nomads as gifts for my nieces instead, so it was a fair deal for me.
The reason I mention a 5 inch barrel instead of a 4 inch is that the longer (up to a point), the better. Less flash, muzzle blast, longer sight radius and higher velocity. When firing a .357 magnum, I want all I can get to compensate for the heavier recoil, noise and muzzle blast. I won't own a .357 with less than a 4 inch barrel. It is just not worth the effort for me.
I also don't have to worry if the barrel is long enough when I go to CANADA which requires a 106mm barrel (about 4 1/8 inches). It is a stupid law that bans 4 inch revolvers and semi-autos, but allows 4.2 inch revolvers and 4 1/4 inch semi autos.

Jim
 
But why can't the 586 and 686 come with a half-lug barrel option? Ruger does it with their GP100.
I agree, I like the looks of the half-lug much better. I do have two 686's though (a 4 inch 686-1 and 3 inch 686-6 plus) and I really like them.

Fixed sights on combat handguns, Smith&Wesson's 581-681 are the Ultimate Combat Magnums.
I have been wanting a 681 for some time now and I like the simplicity of the fixed sights. I have two 4 inch model 65's (65-1 & 65-2) and I like the fixed sights. The 65-1 has been my carry gun most days for the last 6 months or so. Prior to that it was my 3 inch 686+.
 
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I carried a 681 on duty when I worked for the INS in Miami in the 1990's. It was a superior gun to the issue model 13's we were given. It was easier to shoot with heavy loads and I had the gun MAGNA PORTED and a trigger slick done after switching to HOGUE rubber grips. I even tried it with BIANCHI Lightning grips, but they did not fit my hand as well. I still have it. The only complaint was at the end of a the day, it was heavy and seemed a LOT HEAVIER than the model 13 with it's 3 inch barrel and round butt.
I bought a nickeled 581 for a house gun because the price was right and then later bought a 586 with a six inch barrel when I looked in the display case and noticed it had already been MAGNA PORTED. I tried the trigger and had to buy it. It was just perfect for a double action, even if the gun was long and heavy with the 6 inch barrel. I still have that one as well. The K-frame was just not up to a steady diet of .357 magnums, while the L-frame could be shot all day with them.
The only problem that the L-frame ever had, as far as I was concerned, was the weight. I wish S&W would consider a scandium 696 with a 5 inch barrel or bring out a a . 41 Special. I think a 10m.m. would be fine if someone brough out a 10m.m. AUTO-RIM round. I just do not like the moon clips.

Jim

Go to ammoguide.com and search for 10mm Auto Rim RMS...strictly a wildcat/reloaders option of course. Based on the .41 Magnum case.

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Everybody is different. I like the full lug on the 686 and 586 in all barrel lengths. I like the muzzle heavy feel and it certainly helps with recoil when shooting full loads.
 
The 586/686 with that lug adds a wee bit more weight that does help. The same loads in the 66 I'll have to hold on for that ride. Isn't fun either...
 
I really like my 586. For the longest time I disliked the looks for a full-lug on a revolver, but I can't deny how much better the extra weight helps with firing Magnum loads or fast DA-shooting. Still not sold on a 6" full-lug barrel, they feel very front-heavy to me. A 4" full-lug barrel on a square-butt frame to balance it? Yes, yes please very much!

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For all of you mentioning the 581/681, that brought back memories of a co-worker who had a barely used 581 years ago. I think I could've had it for $300 or so at the time. I don't think I've seen another one in person since.
 
A 4" full-lug barrel on a square-butt frame to balance it? Yes, yes please very much!

I went out of my way for the same reasons.

I coulda saved alot of time picking up a newer RB, but specifically wanted a SQ. The only reason I stupidly moved my 681-1 on was because I wanted adjustable sights. The balance was perfect. The only gun that's had a better trigger is the 686-0 I replaced it with.

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Last year I sold a 2 1/2" 586. Made 51, mine was lettered #50. Yes it was $$$$$$$$$$$$
 
Walnut,

Thanks for the info, but I will stick with factory ammo for the moment. I am going to load up on .45 Auto Rim for my 625.

Jim
 
I went out of my way for the same reasons.

I coulda saved alot of time picking up a newer RB, but specifically wanted a SQ. The only reason I stupidly moved my 681-1 on was because I wanted adjustable sights. The balance was perfect. The only gun that's had a better trigger is the 686-0 I replaced it with.

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I did the same thing with a 581 and a 681. Great guns, just thought I wouldn't be happy with the fixed sights. Now over the years I have found especially for defense purposes, I would rather have fixed sights. Also up to 25 yards, I can shoot fixed sights just as accurate, just don't have the ability to adjust sights to different loads. I'm a 3" fanatic and I love to shoot my 3" fixed sight guns. Wish I had my 581 and 681 back. Have not seen a 581 in several years and the few 681's I've seen are either beat all to hell or someone wants way too much for them.
 
It is my opinion, unpopular as that may be, that the S&W Model 586 is the best double action to come down the pike yet. Prefer it over the vaunted Model 27 and the Colt Python.

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Bob Wright
Nice! I've never fired a Model 27 but I absolutely prefer handling and shooting the 586 and 686 more than the Pythons that I've fired. My 686 action and trigger is a work of art. I don't know how it ended up so light and perfect (I just lightened the springs about 30-something years ago, didn't stone the parts or anything), but it's head and shoulders above any other revolver I've handled.

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