NIB 586+ vs. NIB 686+ Stocking Dealer Special

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Chris17404

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Hi all,

If you had the opportunity to purchase one of these fine two guns (NIB), which one would you choose and why? I am looking at both of them for my first handgun and having a tough time deciding which would be better for my use (learning at the range and home defense). Thanks for your constructive input.

Chris
 
Well...

The 586 would not have the dreaded lock, better (not cast) parts, might have a better trigger (certainly could be made to have a better trigger), and it would be blued which I think rocks.

The 686+ would hold up better finish wise as it is stainless, also holds one extra round, might also have porting, but it would have the damned lock and might be susceptible (although not likely) to lock induced failure.

I would go with the 586. Classic, collectable, a better gun in my book. I don't think the one extra round makes a difference. If you actually care about capacity in a revolver then suck it up and get a 627 ;-)
 
Thanks for your input, kel...

The 586 does have the internal lock and 7 shots since it's that recent limited production one with the half-checkered wood grips.

How does finish matter (blued vs. stainless) when maintaining a revolver?
 
Given that it is a new production 586, 686+ all the way, I would take the extra round and low maintenance finish in an instant. Stainless wears really well if you like your guns new looking (don't much care either way, worn blueing looks as good if not better then stainless to me).

Corrosion really depends on where you live and what you use to protect your guns. I wipe them down with eezox and live in boston and have yet to see any rust on my carbon steel 1911. It is the only gun I own that isn't stainless so I can't say if that is trend :p
 
My Dealer Exclusive 5" half-lug 686+ will be two years old this fall. When I bought it new, it was $30 LESS than a standard 4" full lugged 686+ - which had the usual Hogue rubber grips - and a full lug, a deal breaker here. I really like the traditional looks of a partially lugged revolver - a la the 'Mountain Gun' series. I love those Ahrends square conversion finger-groove grips, although I swapped mine with the non-f.g. grips I had - for a faster 'grab'. The V-notch rear takes some getting used to - coupled with that HiViz fiber optic front sight, they are great for 'steel plate challenge' competition - or plinking. A gold bead Patridge and standard square notch may be better for bullseye. I mainly shoot my downloaded .357 Magnums - 158gr RN, FN, & LSWC @ 820-850 fps. The HKS #587 speedloaders work great with the seven shooters. I do keep a speedloader or two loaded with Rem R38S12 158gr LHPSWC .38 Special +P's, for my second line of HD...

The 586+ is pretty... but I really liked those new fangled SS revolvers when they came out - even if they did cost more. Now, they are less - and the quality of most blueing is 'less', as well - despite their 'premium' cost these days. Blued guns show 'character' much too easily... SS ones can be cleaned easily - and scratches can be buffed away as well. I like my 5" 686+!

Stainz

PS Anyone who questions the dependability of the S&W 'Lock' should read the article in the new J/A issue of AH - including remarks by S&W's Herb Belin. It's a non-issue here, too. New S&W's are supurb revolvers.
 
I would be very intereted in that article

But you'll have to explain to me what J/A and AH is, I am trying to figure it out. We know for a fact that the lock does fail, especially on the lighter guns, but it has happened even on a 625. How often? Only S&W knows, but it does happen. Could you summarize what he said?

I avoid guns with the lock for cosmetic as much as functional reasons, there really seems to be no reason to go for a model with one when you can get a better gun that will hold a better trigger job for the same or less money.
 
Hi, new guy here. Kel, I think Stainz was talking about the July/August issue of American Handgunner. Thanks.
 
Shooting a stainless revolver lets you use those lead removing cloths if you shoot lead. They're great if you never tried them. Otherwise IMO blue looks better.

Randy
 
Regarding ILIF

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/500103904/m/228102718/r/228102718

And the important part that convinces me is the opinion of Randy Lee a former S&W gunsmith who worked in the performance center who is generally well respected and now runs his own operation working wonders with revolvers.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/2521092911/r/9181033911#9181033911
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/2521092911/r/5851073911#5851073911
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/2521092911/r/1501046911#1501046911

I think DHart sums it ups best:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/2521092911/r/8031000331#8031000331

The opinion of a S&W spokesman might not be worth that much. I am not saying he is wrong, and I am sure only they have the true number, but do you trust them to reveal it? I sure don't. Nothing personal, just business...
 
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