S&W 586 3" or 2.5"?

[SDellJunior]

Hi, new to the forum here. I've been doing a lot of browsing and have learned a lot, also love the pictures. I don't currently own a handgun but I've been considering buying one and after researching and browsing I've settled on a revolver, specifically a S & W Model 586 (maybe a 686). I don't have a lot of money to buy multiple guns so I'm look for an all around gun for:

1. Target/Fun shooting at the range.
2. Home Defense
3. EDC CCW (long ways to go but considering getting my permit.)

My question is: For those needs would you guys recommend a 3" or a 2.5"?

I think the 2.5" snub would be comfortable for carry but less enjoyable for a range gun. What are your guys' thoughts, opinions, advice?

Included a vote option as well. Thanks in advance.

 

[Lucky Derby]

The .357 cartridge loses a lot of power when you drop below 3" of barrel. In it's place you get extra recoil and muzzle flash.
The 586/686 is not a pocket gun regardless of barrel. In a well made belt holster the extra .5" barrel is hardly noticed.

Welcome. The L frame S&W is a fine weapon.

 

[SDellJunior]

Thanks for the input. I should have specified that for CCW I'd be looking at carrying in an IWB holster.

 

[buckeye8]

I know I couldn't walk away from a 3" 586... but I have never had to deal with the problem, because I've never actually seen one.

As far as your question, I there isn't a ton of difference between the two. One won't feel much different than the other when you shoot it. They are both hip-carry guns (too much for pocket carry), so you will not notice any difference between the two as far as comfort or the ability to conceal. Because of those factors, the 3 inch would be the best choice, as it would offer a small but measurable ballistic advantage over the 2.5 inch.

Have you ever even seen a 3" 586 for sale? I haven't. Can't imagine what they go for in decent condition. I think you're in for a much more difficult search than you think you are.

Edit: I should also note that I own a 4-inch 586, and while it is one of my favorite guns and I will probably keep it forever, I do not CCW it. Especially with the big walnut target grips, it is not easy to conceal or comfortable. And it is very heavy. I can't imagine the snubs carry too much better. I don't want to dissuade you from buying an absolutely fantastic gun... but if you don't have a big budget, and want this purchase to fulfill all the needs you listed... perhaps you should look at a Ruger SP101, or something similar. JMO.

 

[Oceans]

Of those choices, I would definitely chose the 3 inch. I have a 3 inch model 66 rather than a 2.5 inch model, I want the full length ejector rod to maximise reliable case extractions. Personally, I would just go with the 4 inch version with the round butt. The 3 inch does look good though, I'll give it that.

 

[Ratdog68]

The 586 is so beefy to begin with... 1/2" of barrel length isn't going to weigh you down or make it any "less" visible... and the extra 1/2" of barrel will work in your favor for accuracy and sustained power of the round.

 

[WC145]

You'll never notice a 1/2" difference. It will not affect concealability, balance, or velocity enough to even make it a criteria for choosing your gun.

Also, the 586 isn't made anymore so you're best bet may be to keep an eye on the used market and take the first really nice example that comes along. The 2 1/2" will be much more common, I think the only 3" 586's were limited runs like the PC 586 L-Comp.

 

[Spartacus451]

3" has a full length ejector. Absolutely go with the 3".

 

[18DAI]

I've got the 3" PC 586-5 pre lock L-comp. I voted for 3" based on the full length ejection of spent casings.

Owning both 2.5" and 3" L-frames, they both conceal/carry the same, for me. TJ

 

[Walkalong]

I've never seen a 3" 686. I do really like my 2 1/2" 686. Another 1/2" of barrel would help ballistics and would be unnoticeable when carrying. A 2 1/2" or 3" 19 or 66 (if they made them) would be easier to carry, with the extra recoil of a smaller gun.

 

[ArmedBear]

If your priority is carrying the thing, consider going down a frame size. The 586/686 is a heavy gun for carry. It's probably my favorite wheelgun to shoot, though.

I voted for 3" based on the full length ejection of spent casings.

Yes.

 

[Jimmy10mm]

My 2 1/2" bbl 386PD is fine to shoot with 158grn 357. Love the gun. I don't carry it but it is certainly light enough. The 7 shot cylinder is fat though. Great gun IMO. The FBI carried the 2 1/2" model 19 years ago. Very similar to the 86. A 3" would offer more velocity but I don't know that it would be enough to write home about.

 

[RugRev]

I definitely would go with the 3" to get the longer ejector rod. The 3" PC guns I would think would cost substantially more than a standard one given your budget. The 3" 686 (current ones) would probably be most budget friendly. The 3 " 66's would be about 5 oz lighter and the cylinder is, I believe, about 1.44" dia vs. 1.55" on the 586/686. In my case I went with a 4" 686 Mtn. Gun (early model) as the weight was the same as a 4" 66 I had and the round butt aids concealment if desired. The two advantages a K frame has over an L regardings concealment are cylinder diameter and height in the cylinder window of the frame being smaller. On the other hand some conceal the larger N frame revolvers so it all depends.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Given a choice between a 2 1/2-inch or three-inch, I would take the longer one. The three-inch will have a longer ejector rod that allows a full stroke, allowing easier ejection of even the long magnum cases.

 

[Sniper X]

3in for sure. Looks better, handles better, shoots better, and is more desireable when or if you ever have to sell it.

 

[cougar1717]

OP - in your criteria, items 1 and 3 are usually mutually exclusive. Great ccw's are usually light and not very fun to shoot but are useful when the situation arises. Great range guns are usually larger and heavier than is practical for EDC. A 4" 586/686 is a great range gun and HD gun, but not a good ccw. I agree with the others that you will not notice a very discernable difference between the 2-1/2" and 3" variety. If you are able to, it would be beneficial to handle them for balance and weight to decide.

 

[MrBill120]

Anyone have a pic of a nice 3" 586/686??

 

[dozer d8]

 

[SDellJunior]

Thanks for all the feedback. Based on what everyone is saying I may look at a 4", as I know the 3" 586 exists but are hard to find. I think maybe a 4" would be better because I'm primarily looking for a good range/HD gun and I do live in a state where you can carry openly. Plus, I could always pick up something like the LCR for a CCW.

 

[MrBill120]

I had wanted a 2 1/2" 686+, but maybe now I'll consider the 3"

 

[WC145]

My 586 L-Comp

 

[XDTOM40]

Those are some beautiful 586s. I carried one when I first started with the sheriff's office back in the 80s. I sold it in the mid 90s and wish I never had. I'm picking up another one next week from a guy on another forum. Great revolver for sure!

 

[L-Frame]

There have been runs of 3" 586's in the past, but very few. I bought a 3" about 6 years ago at a gun show. Kept it for about a year and let it go. The only 3" 586's I've seen since then are PC guns.

 

[joe_security]

Look for a 686 CS 1 . One on GB . Customs service with some upgrades. dozer d8, is that what you posted ?

 

[dozer d8]

Yes