Entering the world of full-sized revolvers.

[Deus Machina]

I put a small lathe for sale on Craigslist recently, wanting $375 toward a larger one. A custom knifemaker didn't want to spend $375, but he did have a revolver he didn't use.

586-no-dash. Three-digit serial (ACH01xx). Faint line on the cylinder and what looks to be a few very tiny points of honest wear at the muzzle. I think I got my money's worth, at least.

Now, having been completely outside the world of full-sized revolvers, is there anything I should be careful about or avoid with the first-run model? And, if I revert to the original plan and sell it, what would be a fair asking price?

I'm not planning it on selling it soon, if I can help it. It makes me want to go out and buy the Dirty Harry box set.

 

[MrBorland]

Nice gun! I generally see 586s sell for $500-ish.

is there anything I should be careful about or avoid with the first-run model?

Funny you asked...

There's actually a recall on 585/686 no dash and -1 variants (not the later versions). Seems there was a problem with primer flow back into the firing pin hole locking up the revolver when shooting .357mags (but not .38spl). Back flow was pretty rare, but it would tie the gun up - bad news for anyone using it in a SD or LE situation.

To fix it, S&W installs a re-designed firing pin and bushing, then stamps a letter "M" into the frame above the model # behind the yoke. If the "M" stamp isn't there (I don't see one) could mean the work wasn't done, of course, but also that the gun is outside the recall serial # range and was fixed before leaving the factory. A call to S&W ought to clear it up.

 

[BossHogg]

Very nice trade. I think you came out waaaaay ahead on the deal. Even if you just flip the gun it should be money ahead of $375.

I would keep it though you won't be able to replace it for $375.

 

[Sam1911]

Wow. That's a deal and a half! A gift, if you will.

If I were you, I'd take it as a sign from Asgard that you need to devote significant effort to learning the art of wheel-gun shooting. If I may be so bold, it is an elegant weapon from a more civilized age. (Though I think someone else thought of that description first...)

Mastering DA revolver shooting fundamentals will make you a phenomenal shot with almost other kind of trigger system.

That is a NICE gun.

 

[Walkalong]

Very nice. You definitely got your monies worth. A 4" 586 is hard to beat.

 

[dewalt-2]

You Win! Keep it, you may never come across another like it.

 

[bannockburn]

You definitely got the better part of this deal. My Model 686 is my favorite DA .357 and has one of the nicest out-of-the-box double and single action trigger pulls of any S&W revolver I've ever had.

MrBorland is correct about the firing pin/bushing recall. I had mine done locally by a factory authorized gunsmith. If the recall was done, the letter "M" should be found in between the model designation and the serial number. Might want to contact S&W to see if this recall modification is still available.

 

[MrBorland]

If I may be so bold, it is an elegant weapon from a more civilized age. (Though I think someone else thought of that description first...)

Mastering DA revolver shooting fundamentals will make you a phenomenal shot with almost other kind of trigger system.

...and revolver shooters are better looking, too.

 

[Sam1911]

...and revolver shooters are better looking, too.

And exceedingly, ... no, SUPREMELY humble.

 

[2WheelsGood]

...and revolver shooters are better looking, too.

I don't know about that, but they are on average 40 years older.

 

[Sam1911]

I don't know about that, but they are on average 40 years older.

I'm guessing I'd fail at that criterion! Though I feel like it a lot.