The venerable 586.

[Jeff]

Besides a new USP .45 I just purchased, I also own a Ruger Mark II Target model with bull barrel and a S&W 586 w/6" barrel, for handguns.

The 586 was the first handgun I ever owned, and maybe the first new gun I ever bought. It has been a very fine piece. I was just doing some searching here on the boards and didn't realize the 586 is such a respected revolver. Almost like a minor cult following.

I bought mine in 84 or 85. Back then, they were also known as the Distinguished Combat Magnum. Anyboby else remember that label?

 

[NoBite]

Absolutely!!!

The 586 was my first handgun, also. I have a very early edition. No red insert on the front post. This has been a very sturdy and dependable gun. I continually enjoy shooting it. Mine has a 6" barrel, too. Love it. A classic through and through.

 

[Jeff]

Yup. Mine doesn't have that red insert either. I always wanted one, though.

Now I think they look too bright.

 

[chaim]

I absolutely love mine. Also a 6". It is from the early to mid '80s but I didn't buy it until last summer. It does have the orange insert but I don't think you guys are missing anything there- it has become very darkened (and I'm not sure if it is worth having the insert replaced). The trigger on this thing is incredible and it is very accurate. I find this gun to be a blast to shoot. I might even like this more than my K-frames, but it is hard to choose.

 

[firestar]

I loved mine. I traded it for a another gun. I didn't fully realize what a great gun it was until it was gone.

It is hard to find anyone who can say a bad word for the 586. Some people don't like the underlug but that is also what makes it shoot so nice.

 

[RON in PA]

Got a 4" 586, purchased in 1995. One of the few Smiths that I have purchased new. Unfortunately they don't make them like that anymore. Fantastic DA.

 

[tech]

I have an older nickle 4" and a newer blued 6". The trigger on the newer one is a little better but they are both keepers.


Mike

 

[L Frame]

I too own an early '80s 6 inch with a Patridge front sight. It was my first wheel gun and it still remains my favourite ! The more I shoot it ..the better it gets.
Best Regards..Harley

 

[caz223]

I got a 6" 586 from '91 and it has the 4 position "click" sight.
A better 50 yard iron sighted revolver cannot be had for the $350 that I paid for her.
Nice trigger, too.

 

[NoBite]

Hey, fellow 586-owners...

... I'm wondering if you can recommend a nice holster to go with the 6" 586? I have had an inexpensive Uncle Mike's for some time. Hardly ever put the thing on. Usually just keep the 586 in it. But, I have often wondered where to get a nice holster for this gun. Something nice to wear at the range or in the woods.

Any ideas?

thanks,

 

[Jeff]

A lot of friendly greetings here.



NoBite,

My 586 has found a permanent home in a Bianchi 5BH. It is a beautiful leather holster, and is extremely well made. I have had it for over 10 yrs and I have no idea if it is still made.

It fits perfectly.

My 586 also has the finger groove Goncalo Alves with recessed S&W logos.

The whole package is pretty nice, I must say.

 

[Mike Irwin]

"Back then, they were also known as the Distinguished Combat Magnum. Anyboby else remember that label?"

Yep.

Trivia question.

What was the model name for the 581?

 

[Brian Williams]

Distinguished Service Magnum

 

[Penman]

Got a 4" that I'll always keep. Bought it when dealer price was $185, and had Richard Aldis do a duty tune on it. A few years later I was coaching a couple of new Deputies, before they went to the academy. One had a new 686, and I got him set up with an action job by Aldis, and he had the red insert removed and replaced with a black one. Joe outshot all the other revolver shooters and most of the auto shooters in his academy class. He's since retired the 686, but will always keep it.

 

[Monkeyleg]

I've had a 6" 586 since sometime in the early 1980's (it's so long ago that I can't remember). No orange sight inserts; I had to use fingernail polish to paint the front sight.

Had I known that my $200+ was buying such a fine handgun, I would have taken better care of it. It's been thrown into my motorcycle bag, been holstered in every kind of weather (even sandstorms), and still functions flawlessly.

As much as I love my Python, the 586 is a better revolver.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Poo.

Perfessr nails it.

 

[Brian Williams]

Thank You, Thank You .
(bows to audience in the computer)


But I have to give credit to my friends Supica and Nahas, The book was open to that exact page as I was reading about my 586 at the time.

I have a 586-1 that is a great gun.

 

[Z_Infidel]

Another 586-1 owner, here. I tend to shoot my GP-100 more nowadays, but I consider the 586 a fantastic revolver.

 

[kalibear45]

I have one with the 4" barrel that I bought used (99% condition) and just shot it for the first time yesterday.

Best DA trigger pull in a revolver I've ever shot (2 clicks, bang! 2 clicks, bang!). Very accurate - I was able to group 2"-3" consistently from a 25yd target bullseye shooting .38 spls. I like the blueing on this revolver, almost like a polished blue, very attractive.

Now I want another one with a 6" barrel

 

[CWL]

Got one in 6", beautifully blued and slickest trigger this side of my custom .45s. One of three "never sell" guns I own.

 

[JDSlack]

Carried a 686 on duty for many years, love to shoot it. Great gun, thought nothing was nicer, until I shoot a friend's 586. Don't know why (both being similar guns and all), but that was a great gun to shot. He won't give it up (hmmmp, some friend) but I've got my eye on a 6inch in a local shop...Hmmm, honey, remember when you asked what I wanted for Father's Day?