To round out my Smith collection I just put a 4" M586 no dash (obviously a pre-lock) on layaway. The gun is 99%, no box, and was very lightly shot. I paid $499 for it and considered the price fair. This gun will join a 6" 686 (pre-lock) with an unfluted cylinder and a 2.5" 686 Plus. I will eventually add a 8 3/8" 686 to replace one foolishly sold years ago, and am also considering adding a 3". I'm looking to experience the gun in in it's numerous forms and am wondering whether the 3" will provide a significantly different shooting experience beyond what I have already with the 2.5", 4" and 6". The collector in me says to add the 3" no matter what, but these guns are no longer cheap, if they ever were. I started buying pre-lock Smiths a bit over a year ago and I have seen prices jump in a big way.
Also, I have a pre-lock 4" 581. I paid next to nothing for it and the gun is in great condition. The gun sat and sat in the shop I think largely due to the fact that it is double action only. While I enjoy shooting DAO I wouldn't mind having the gun SA/DAO. I'm only inclined to convert the gun to SA/DAO if that's how it came from the factory, or could have come from the factory. Does anyone know whether the 581 was produced as a DAO, or is it probably an aftermarket conversion? The DAO configuration leads me to suspect it might have been produced by Smith that way for a police contract although the gun isn't marked as such and I see no reference to DAO production in the Standard Catalog. Same question applies to a 4" DAO Model 13.
BTW, I am well aware of the Smith Forum but am unable to register there and have found very knowledgeable Smith owners here.
Also, I have a pre-lock 4" 581. I paid next to nothing for it and the gun is in great condition. The gun sat and sat in the shop I think largely due to the fact that it is double action only. While I enjoy shooting DAO I wouldn't mind having the gun SA/DAO. I'm only inclined to convert the gun to SA/DAO if that's how it came from the factory, or could have come from the factory. Does anyone know whether the 581 was produced as a DAO, or is it probably an aftermarket conversion? The DAO configuration leads me to suspect it might have been produced by Smith that way for a police contract although the gun isn't marked as such and I see no reference to DAO production in the Standard Catalog. Same question applies to a 4" DAO Model 13.
BTW, I am well aware of the Smith Forum but am unable to register there and have found very knowledgeable Smith owners here.