Choosing Between these 3 Revolvers

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CTGunner

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If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Here are the options, are all used:

Model 686+ with 2.5" Barrel. $499. I have always liked the 686, espeically the + models. However, compared to the other two options, the trigger felt unimpressive.

Model 586 4" $499: This gun is in nice condition. Trigger feels good and the gun appears to not have been shot much BUT the cylinder is difficult to open and I don't know why - I really have to apply some force to open it up, more so than any of my other revolvers. I'm not sure if this is something that would be easily addressed by a gunsmith or if it would just break in with time.

Model 19 4" $380: The Bluing on the gun isn't perfect and the big wood grips have some chips but the trigger feels very smooth. The cylinders are recessed. The gun has a very wide and serrated trigger (I'm not sure if this was a standard feature or not).

I'm mostly looking for a good reliable revolver that either myself or my wife can use for home defense and have some fun with at the range. Most shooting will be done with .38s.

Overall, I'm leaning towards the Model 19 for the smooth trigger and vintage look, and the price seems reasonable.
 
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The 586 extractor rod could be just slightly unscrewed.

You didn't mention barrel length on 2 of the choices ... longer is generally better for range target shooting while shorter is handier as a HD gun.

There's a sticky on checking out used revolvers up above somewhere.

/Bryan
 
I would take Model 19 with 4" barrel and serrated target trigger. It would be nice if it also had wide target style hammer spur.
 
Noooo. The 19 is amongst best balanced and fastest on draw .357 combat DA revolvers ever made anywhere.....and .38 or .38+P loads are more fun to shot at the range anyway.
 
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I would definitely go with the Model 19.

Don't worry about the grips. They are easy to replace. None of my shooting S&W revolvers still wear their factory wood.
 
I would probably opt for the Model 19. It's in decent shape, it has a nice action, you state that you'll mainly be using .38's through it (the L frame would be better suited if you were primarily shooting .357's), and the price is right. Let us know which one you go with.
 
The shop reopens tomorrow and I will have to go handle all three again...but I can't get the 19 out of my mind.
 
IF the model 19 clears the "Revolver Checkout", then
that is the weapon of 1st. choice. GOOD PRICE
for and excellent platform for your stated needs.

The 19 will resell quickly if it does not work out.

If it does not work out for you or your wife, you
will be able to find a 5/686 quite easily.
Also,
these are fine revolvers, just a bit bigger than I
prefer.

Regards,
Old 112
 
I personally have little use for a .357 with less than 3" of barrel, so that eliminates the 686.
The ejector rod probably just needs to be screwed back in on the 586, not a big deal if that is the problem.
If I was going to carry the gun I would opt for the M19. If I was going to use it as a range gun/HD gun then I would opt fot the 586.
 
Another vote for the M19 if it passes the revolver check out. Pay attention to the forcing cone at the six o'clock position to make sure there are no cracks. Blueing is cosmetic and new grips are easily found.
 
The only part of the revolver checkout list that I'm not sure the 19 meets is the cylinder barrel alignment. The alignment appears (to me) to be off very slightly on each cylinder. I don't know what's typical or expected on a gun like this. If you say NONE then I will take your advice and leave it. When I go back I'll bring a better light source too and recheck it.
 
Honestly Id forget any of the used Smiths you mention and get a new 4 inch GP-100. Look on Gunbroker and you can probably get a new stainless one for less than $500. Plus, the new GP-100 triggers are awesome.
 
I have a 4" 19 with TT and TH if you take the position that single action will be your principal mode and double action is a bit secondary, it is one fantastic piece.

I would pass on the larger frame/shorter barrel option. I've tried that a few times as a CCW. If I have a jacket on I can conceal a 4" just as well. Open carry I'd opt for the 4" for certain.

Otherwise a J frame.
 
Get the 19. It is a classic and there ain't gonna be anymore of them.

It will be enjoyable for both you and your wife to shoot.

I've got a 2.5", 4", and a 6" Biased?? Nah, not a chance!!
 
The 586, and use the probably slightly unscrewed extractor rod/sticky cylinder opening as a way to negotiate the price down :).
 
CTGunner, any S&W revolver will have some slight play with the cylinder even with the hammer down and the trigger back. Don't worry about it. Model 19 revolvers have been around for years and are not known for getting out of time.
 
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