Poll for S&W .357 L frame fans

[silicosys4]

I was at a crossroads last night with these two L frames. A 586 no dash or a 686-3. The 586 is a bit more rare, the 686 is more original, $100 cheaper, and in a little better shape.
I eventually made a decision, I'm curious what the forum thinks.
Assuming you had to choose one, which would you have chosen and why?

This 686-3 for $699,

Or this 586 no dash for $799?

 

[jmorris]

Probably the 686. Did the 586 have the M stamped in it or did it never go back for the recall?

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I would take the 686 as well. I have one at home. If it's to be an all purpose gun then I want the stainless one over the 585, I would prefer the target grips on the 686 to the Houge mono's also, with these two being the only choices.

 

[Mark_Mark]

586! good condition Older Blue Smith are cooler. Those Prelock 686 are a dime a dozen here in PNW

 

[ksh]

Both are nice additions

 

[Slamfire]

The 586 with a pinned in partridge front sight. As I shoot against paper or steel targets, the partridge sight provides better definition and is by far the better front sight. If you notice, the dash three, you cannot do anything with that red/orange insert sight, other than paint it, it is integral with the barrel. If you don't like the partridge, you can knock out the pin and install another. Much better system.

I have one stainless M686 and one blued M586. They both shoot well, so functionally, no difference on target.

 

[catspaw]

I started with a M28 50 years ago. Foolishly sold it and later picked up a 6" 686 which I dearly love. But I would take the 586. Unless there was a M27 or 28...

 

[Mark_Mark]

Both are nice additions

Both is Always the right answer here on THR!

 

[nofendertom]

Agree^^^^^^^ Buy both for $1500 or Make an offer for less.

 

[bannockburn]

Well since I already have a Model 686-no dash 4" barrel, unless the 686 you were considering had a 6" barrel, I would go with the 586-no dash. Have only seen a couple of them at gun shows and I simply like the look of the blued 586.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

586, harder to find.

 

[wayneinFL]

What do you want it for? Collector value? 586 maybe. Something that will wear it out or get it dirty? 686.

 

[Mark_Mark]

What do you want it for? Collector value? 586 maybe. Something that will wear it out or get it dirty? 686.

if OP don’t already have one or the other. then both makes sense, 586 to polish and shine… 686 for hammering nail and still shoots bull-eye!

 

[eastbank]

i have a 686 six inch and a 686 three inch and like them, but i shoot a md 28 six inch highway patrolman. buy them both if they talk to you if you can.

 

[jmorris]

586! good condition Older Blue Smith are cooler. Those Prelock 686 are a dime a dozen here in PNW

I’ll take a dollars worth of them and pay you $1000 to send them to my FFL.

 

[argonn]

I’ve own them both, the 586 was a lot smoother shooting gun, I still have two of them. I did keep one 686, though 2.5 inch early Lew Horton, good darn shooter. My advice, get one of each.

 

[Tomklra14]

I'm a 686 fan and those grips look good

 

[stonebuster]

Tough call especially with the Hogue on the 586. Two fine looking L frames at reasonable pricing. I think I would go with the 686 and I like blued revolvers. If they're going to be shooters, it's easier to maintain a nice finish on a stainless revolver. Can't go wrong either way. Good luck.

 

[Riomouse911]

To me, if both appear and operate as if well taken care of, it’s more of a “what do you intend to do with it” choice.

CCW, backpacking, car gun, boat gun, etc.: stainless 686.

Range toy, fill out a collection, own and shoot something different: the 586.

They’ll probably feel and shoot the same, so when picking blued vs stainless it’s the intended usage as my determining factor.

Stay safe.

 

[ms6852]

You can't make a wrong decision. I own 2 686's but would easily jump on the 586 because of the front sight that can be replaced if you want a different one. Also I like blued revolvers.

 

[silicosys4]

Hah, the correct answer of course is one of each.
The 586 was very tempting. But at this point I will admit I already own two shooter grade 586's, and I've never owned a 686 so ultimately the 686 is the one that I bought.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Hah, the correct answer of course is one of each.
The 586 was very tempting. But at this point I will admit I already own two shooter grade 586's, and I've never owned a 686 so ultimately the 686 is the one that I bought.

here my 686-1 6”

you are going to LOVE it

 

[argonn]

here my 686-1 6”

you are going to LOVE it

View attachment 1255151

Very nice!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Very nice!

like I said on a top post: they are a dime a dozen here in the PNW. Got my 686 for the same price as OP

They are so nice tho, almost as smooth as a old Python but way more durable & tough

 

[argonn]

My short snotted one