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Recently acquired this nicely preserved S&W Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum, it's a dash-4 so a mid-1990s gun with the hammer mounted firing pin and no internal lock. These revolvers are wonderfully balanced and the action on this particular specimen is very smooth. As much as I like Colt Python's, if I'm going to be shooting thousands of rounds of .357 Magnum (and I plan on doing just that with this gun over the summer) I prefer the S&W
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I like them better, too, except for that S&W red ramp fetish. I do better with all black sights, never did like the red ramps (or any other color than black). Ks & Ls fit my hand, the Colts, not so much.
You can roll a turd in peanuts, dip it in chocolate, and it still ain't no damn Baby Ruth.
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There is always the Python's better, the S&W model 27. However, your 586 is a very nice looking revolver!
Last edited by Condition Yellow; 04/30/11.
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Yeah, but I'd prefer not to beat the heck out of my Model 27. It's older than my Dad
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For a gun that will be shot and used a lot I would pick the 586 over the Python, regardless of price.
Ernie
George Washington - �Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire,�conscience.�
God save the Republic
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[/quote] Beautiful! I'd go 586 as well for a high volume shooter. The older I get, the more I warm toward revolvers, and stag grips are the answer to any question!
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Those grips were made from Elk by Patrick Grashorn, who posts here under the screen name "Executioner."
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The various L Frame S&W revolvers are fine shooting, well made, and durable 357 Magnum handguns. They are among my favorite double action revolvers.
μολὼν λαβέ
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The whole thing about Python's being fragile is complete BS, they're VERY strong revolvers. The frame and cylinder are larger and stronger than even the L frame S&W. But, I have to admit, I prefer the S&W also. The DA pull on a Python is nice, but I prefer the constant pressure of the S&W over the stacking pressure of the Python. Python's generally have an edge in accuracy since they have about the best quality barrel you can put on a revolver, but I've never found the L frame S&W's to be far enough behind the Python to really matter.
Even though they made a bunch of 586's, you just don't see a ton of them these days. I'm betting because people tend to hang on to them, rather than letting them go.
Enjoy your 586, that's a GREAT revolver there.
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The whole thing about Python's being fragile is complete BS, they're VERY strong revolvers. The frame and cylinder are larger and stronger than even the L frame S&W.
Very true, Kevin, but I do think Colt's are more prone to getting out of time than S&W's. I'd love to have a Python, but the prices are still too steep unless you luck up on a real deal. I do really like the 586 though almost as well, but the rib just add a special touch on the Python. MM
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Older Smiths for "go", Python for show. I've had several Pythons over the years, never found one that I could consistently shoot as well as the Smiths. The additional accuracy potential of the Python is an academic discussion to me. My 5" M27 that I bought new in 1981 has stayed, while several Pythons were temporary boarders. And by the way, you can't wear it out...I've tried.
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Man that's a good lookin' revolver! I think that blued revolver looks better than its stainless steel counterpart.
Every day on this side of the ground is a win.
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There was a photo in Shooting Times in the early 80's, I've got it in a box somewhere in storage, that was the first page of an article called something like, "Smith & Wesson's Longest L-Frames" that was just awesome. It showed two 8 3/8's barreled guns, one a 586 and the other a 686. I drooled about those for years as a teenager.
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I never could warm up to the L-frames. The full length barrel lug of the Python looks natural there - not so to my eye on the S&W. I had a Python and sold it because the grip was too large for my smallish hands and grip options were too few for me back in the pre-Internet days in my rural Ozark neighborhood. I also had a bit of trouble getting accustomed to the long Colt action as opposed to my more familiar S&W guns. I tried the L-frames when they first came out and even packed one on duty for awhile. No doubt they are beefier than the K-frames, but they just didn't seem to point as well for me and I went back home to my old friends in the K-frame family.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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A poor man's python would more likely be a original Model Trooper; it too is an I frame with Python action, and they cost a lot less than a Python. I know a spendy gun shop here that has a mint 6" model, and only wants $650 for it.
I inherited a 4" from Dad, at some point I'll try to get some photos of it.
"...the designer of the .270 Ingwe cartridge!..."
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I never could warm up to the L-frames. The full length barrel lug of the Python looks natural there - not so to my eye on the S&W. I had a Python and sold it because the grip was too large for my smallish hands and grip options were too few for me back in the pre-Internet days in my rural Ozark neighborhood. I also had a bit of trouble getting accustomed to the long Colt action as opposed to my more familiar S&W guns. I tried the L-frames when they first came out and even packed one on duty for awhile. No doubt they are beefier than the K-frames, but they just didn't seem to point as well for me and I went back home to my old friends in the K-frame family. That's my take on it as well. To top it off, I knew the introduction of the L-frame signaled the demise of the K-frame, and I've held that against the L's ever since. Yep, I'm a vindictive bastid.
Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense. Robert Frost
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The K-frames are great guns, and I own several of them, but I prefer those made before 1965 or so and, consequently, limit the number of rounds I put through them, particularly jacketed loads at high velocity. I have no similar compunctions with regard to this 586
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I don't worry about it. If the day comes when I shoot a K-frame loose I'll cough up the $75 to have it tuned.
Although, I do stay away from light bullets. Part of that is the K-frame's forcing cone, but mostly because I don't have a reason to.
Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense. Robert Frost
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