I read in the comments on another one of their videos that the channel had a problem with S&W not liking the criticism of a gun they got loaned. It had a Q&A problem. So, S&W stopped supporting them.
Great revolvers but a few notes. The L frame was introduced in 1980, so none of these revolvers will "remind you of the 1970s". They didn't exist. I began a career in LE in 1973 and my first duty revolver was a Colt Trooper MKIII. The K Frame Models 15 and 19 S&W were very popular for LE use. The heavier N frame revolvers also, but not as common as the K frame. The Colt I/M frame revolvers (Official Police, Officers Model Match, Trooper .357 and MKIII series) were identical in size to the L frame S&W (holsters interchange) and were very popular with police. The K frame Model was liked by police but S&W had some issues with them when they were used for a lot of shooting with magnum cartridges...something the gun was never designed for. It was designed to be carried a LOT and shot with magnums only a little. For most police officers this was ideal. Our practice was done with .38 Special ammo and we carried .357s on duty (not all departments even allowed .357 ammo at that time and many did not allow hollow point ammo) By the time the L frame was introduced, autoloaders were cutting deeply into the market for police duty. The S&W Model 59 and Browning Hi-Power had been adopted by many departments beginning in the 1970s and in 1983 the Glock 17 was introduced and by the end of the 1980s, Glocks had grabbed more than 50% of the US police market. My department issued us Beretta 92FS handguns in 1989. The L frame Models 586, 686 etc., were never a major player in the police market. I saw very few in use. The writing was on the wall, and many officers had to buy their own revolvers. They weren't going to lay out the money to replace the guns they had been carrying for decades, only to be issued an autoloader in a couple years. Departments who issued revolvers were even less likely to wholesale abandon what they had and jump into issuing new revolvers on a department wide basis, knowing that autoloaders were probably going to be issued within a couple years. In my experience, from what I observed at the time, I doubt the L frames got 10% of the market. S&W had been the envy of the gun industry in the 70s, but by 1986 their revenues were cut nearly in half and the company changed hands twice. The reason was newer 9mm handguns being widely accepted...Glock, SIG, Beretta. The 586 has been popular with hunters and recreational shooters who probably fire a lot more .357 ammo than police ever did. It is a GREAT gun, fantastic gun. Beautiful gun. But it is not a "classic police revolver". If you want a classic police revolver, the Models 15 and 19 are better choices...along with the Colt Official Police, Officer's Model Match, Trooper, Trooper MKIII, Lawman MKIII etc. The Python, BTW, was never a popular police revolver, in terms of market share. WAY too expensive for most officers and certainly too expensive for departments to issue. A FEW officers had them, but they were double the price of our "regular guns" and offered nothing a police officer needed over what much less expensive revolvers offered.
I carried 4 different duty weapons in my career. Model 19, model 586, colt combat elite and glock 22. 586 is by far the finest revolver made. Got it in early 1980. A friend in a gun shop sold me his factory demo. Had it a year before anyone else. Three digit serial number. Still have all four guns.
@@djudson367I have all four pistols. If I could carry one on duty, the Colt Combat Elite would be it. Very accurate, I would use the Hornady Critical Duty 220 grain +P.
I ordered this gun almost two months ago from my local shop, still waiting should be there by the 25th of this month. I've watched this video probably 30 times in the past month. I'm so excited.
Harleyforever20 I agree completely..... get one while they are available. Sig just cut half their pistols from the last couple years that were available. I found that strange. No Stainless 220, or 226..... my dealer has one of each, but I can not find it on their website anywhere. It seems that they are no longer offering them in 2019. Beretta Sr.
Recently sold two 7 shot 686’s so I could purchase the 586. Great revolver. I have NO complaints or issues with the weapon. More re-intros from Smith please! I also want to add, anyone wondering about the bluing on new S&W’s, I believe it is every bit as deep and fine as vintage revolvers.
Yeah they are my favorite guns out of any for their timeless look. I have a model 586 6 inch and a model 57 4 inch. The model 29 and 17 masterpiece are on my whish list.
I love your revolver videos, both of you handle a revolver the way it is supposed to be handled, none of that single action on every pull crap , young B is a natural with that wheel gun ! Keep these coming guys !
DMG Three We agree with you 100%!! I get frustrated by lots of Gun Channels shooting completely or mostly in Single Action. Just because it is easy does not make it the correct way to show all your Subscribers and Viewers. All Revolver guys need to spend time mastering the double action..... it is just the smart thing to do in my opinion. Thanks very much for watching and sending in the comment. Beretta Sr.
My brother has a Python, but I chose the 586. Always preferred blued to stainless anyway. Great video even 3 years old. Thank you for not spending half of it whining about key locks and pinned barrels.
i had a python and a smith 586 that i took out and shot side by side. the smith beat the pants off the python in EVERY way. i laugh at folks that think the python is THE revolver to judge all others by. nope!
Glad they brought back the carbon python. Bought mine. And today I got a model 25. One day I’ll get a 586 too. Currently I’m looking at a 629 and a .22 trooper.
It takes a bit of time and effort to manage a DA trigger, but I think it’s well worth it. It’s made me a better shooter with all different kinds of guns.
Tim Sharkey I agree Tim, and its fun leaning to master it. When I finally started getting good with it, I have to say I was proud of myself for sticking with it. :) Beretta Sr.
It’s the one thing I have over my oldest son, shooting-wise. He’s a Marine veteran who earned his Expert badge, and he can shoot rings around me with everything except my DA revolvers. 😄 I’m sure he’ll catch up some day, so I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.
Big E yes, indeed. I’ve put in some time with my three .38 snubs, and now I can consistently knock over a lineup of 16-oz pop bottles at seven yards. Not exactly Jerry Miculek, I know, 😄 but I feel good about being able to get hits at typical self-defense distances.
I have a nickel plated 586 4 " revolver it's in mint condition, it's my favorite pistol in my collection.... I plan on passing it down to my son when he gets older.
S&W make the best revolvers on the planet if you ask me. I haven't had the pleasure of shooting this particular model, but I do own a few Smith's, Model 10, 19, 627, 686, and 29 and this is anything like those, I am going to love it when I get on.
I LOVE mine! I practice shoot with 38 special and for home defense I use hollow point 357. It's nice and heavy and very accurate! Doesn't kick too bad either! Wrists aren't sore as compared to my smith&Wesson 44. Speed loaders are always nice.
@@exploringhistory5796 "Exploring history" perhaps explore why L frames were made specifically to handle 357 loads thats cracked K frames more often. its not just a shape difference.
I have a 4” 586-1 that I picked up used. Whoever had it before me used it well and took good care of it. They had the action slicked up on it, and it shoots like a dream. It is a tack driver. Your groups look like Clover Leafs with it.
I love colt and smith revolvers. I have two classic line smiths. 586 and m29. There’s just something about a blued smith and shooting full house 357 and 44 mag that’s just so much fun. Great vid enjoyed it very much.
I'm a Smith guy. I have a collection of older smiths including a 686 combat magnum. the one thing you could do to help the video is to show accuracy on paper @25 yards, Now some people think that isn't reality at shooting that distance, However, there is a flip side, "if you can put them into paper clustered together within say 2 1/2 to 3 inches, that is the true test of what its got down underneath". Just a suggestion. Dave
Shawn Kuse Both were ultra fantastic, I own the 686 3 inch and I Love It! Young Beretta owns this 586 Classic, and I took a pass on one a year ago..... now I am crazy jealous and I want one. I give a slight edge to the 686 3 inch. :) Beretta Sr.
I own a 586 classic 6 inch and a 686 3-5-7 series in 5. The trigger on the classic is waaaay better for some reason and it’s not a forged part like the latter.
Just wanted to say bravo on a great video. I love the format. No unnecessary chatter and blabbering, just straight up good information and review about the revolver in hand with the hands on firing mixed in throughout in the right proportion
Hey guys, went with your recommendations lately. Own the S&W 686 plus, S&W 66 & just ordered the 586 Classic 4 ' from my dealer Bob's Little Sport Shop in Glassboro N .J. Your production is top notch and your opinions have been spot on! Keep it up Fellas!!
john d gurk Hi John, yep you picked out some of the very best for sure. Congratulations is in order. Stay safe and enjoy your wonderful Smith&Wesson Revolvers. 🤗🥳😎👍🇺🇸. Beretta Sr.
I was fascinated by this revolver . I can't buy one as I live in the UK , but it would be one to seriously consider otherwise . Never seen the reloading method before either . Interesting how it's done . I did feel that taking that 7 th trigger pull is a good idea in practical safety , whilst aiming downrange . Thank you for an interesting display and test of this firearm .
A couple of years ago I picked up a ‘84 6” 586 in a pawn shop find. It is a beast & a lot of fun at the range. Definitely an attention getter. Like you, I shoot it mostly in double action. Bought it as an heirloom piece & something to serve as a backup while hog hunting. Great video. I could tell you loved this one.
bigB6flyer Great find at that Pawn Shop Sir. A lifetime of fun for you and worth every dollar for sure. Thanks for watching our Channel, I appreciate it very much. Beretta Sr.
I have the 6-inch 586-8 and love it. I had a 586 no dash 6-inch back in the mid 80's that I let get away and regret to this day. This is why I picked up the Classic 586-8. They are some of the best-looking and shooting revolvers of all time in my opinion.
Some get their panties in a wad about the "keyhole" and truthfully I would rather not have it in these guns, BUT!!!!, Smith&Wesson still produces very fine revolvers, period. I own a 686plus 3"barrel and a 617 ten shot 4"barrel and I absolutely love both. Great video as usual, I hit the like before it even started ;-) and you and Young Beretta delivered another ,👍👍,review video. I really enjoy Father and Son interactions such as your's.
Paul Ruth Thanks very much Paul. We both appreciate your comment. I also agree with the Keyhole in the Smiths, but I overlook it at this point. The best I can anyway. Beretta Sr.
@@rapidrrobert4333 May I also suggest a S&W model 67. I see you already have a model 15 . The model 67 is the stainless version of that gun but it's still a very sharp looking revolver and it shoots like a laser.
Those are beautiful grips. They came with my 29. The problem was they were too thin for a weapon of that power. I wanted the Dirty Harry look anyway so I swapped them out. For a 357 those grips, by watching your video, seemed to be perfect. Gr8 vid. 🔫
The benefit to speed strips are that they are less finicky than speed loaders, they also make a hybrid between a speed strip and speed loaders that I've been eye balling for carry. They load 6 at a time like speed loaders but they work the same way speed strips do so they are less sensitive to work with
DPS, I agree. The lock, completely ruins it for me. I’ve experienced too many problems with them. People who say they’re made today just like the they did back in the day, apparently have never owned or handled older S&W revolvers. The fit, finish, and quality control just isn’t there today as they once were.
@@j.robertbragg4015 True. So people need to look for S&W revolvers made before 1988 or 1989 to find them with out the lock or MIM parts. I found mine on Gun Broker after searching for five years. There are kids out there to remove the lock and plug the Hillary hole but you really don't want to get into modifying guns like that if you ever had to use it and the prosecuting attorney ever found out that you modify to remove the safety feature on the gun that could definitely count against you in court. Brownells sells a kit to modify or remove the Series 80 firing pin block I opted to buy a Series 70 Colt.
I have been saving up for a 686. I might have to order this instead. This is such a good looking gun. I have always prefered blued over stainless as far as appearance goes.
Smooth trigger makes follow ups fun!! Have 6" & muzzle whip manageable. & accurate. Early production w/ exposed pin on hammer, - yours is newer production. Should be "bulletproof".
Was in my local gun store looking at a used model 19 which had some issues and even a new combat 66 which to me looked like a toy. Was about to give up when the guy behind the counter showed me the 4” 586 I walked out with it that day!! Everything you said is absolutely correct!! Great gun!!
You Fella's never disappoint... Class Act! Oh', by the way. Mr. Young Beretta, Cherish these times with your Dad... You will count them as the best memories of your life.. I can tell you from experience, having just lost my Dad... ~Best.
Absolutely perfect review. I love the 586 so much that I have two of them (one 4" and one 6"). I fell head over heels with the 4" barrel length ages ago when I got 686 with a 4" barrel. However, it's the polished carbon steel and walnut grips that make my heart pitter patter.
cmonsterz Always good to see that some of us really dig these Revolvers. I am trying to pass the word and get other folks to give them a try. Lots of folks do not know what they are missing. :) Beretta Sr.
nice review as usual. i agree regarding the fine trigger on this particular model. feels like a performance center tune at a floor production price. dig it.
S&W are terrible nowadays. Their quality is non existent. All you need to do is look at their classic line. I’ve never seen one that didnt have an issue. Scratches everywhere around the yoke, zero filing of the yoke chamber-like they didnt give a shit, small ass thin grips with shit stained wood, barrel sleeve uneven and sticking out of the barrel, uneven bluing…..and they sell this shit for 950 and above. More like 150 out the door is what they should get.
My wife got this for me for Christmas........I love it. If you ever get the chance to try a 620 its also terrific. Thanks for all you do.........enjoy your Memorial Day.......love your channel stay safe
Love it! I have the model 29 classic 4 inch. Great revolver as well. Even if it has the stupid key lock. Check out ruger revolvers some time. Absolutely great as well
When I take mine to the range, (Indoor) I tell the Kids watch this, .. with 125 grain 357 mag Federal everyone stops they think something blew up . LOL....
Plenty of "Man Card" shooting today with those .357 mag rounds and the bluing looks great on this 586 Classic, too. Did I see a pocket clip on those speed strips? Nice!
I wish I had the money to buy one rn. But I do have one question: I have some experience with magnums (limited but I’m used to 44 full house magnums) and I already have a 44 mag. Which would be better for carry and shootability the 586 or the 66/19?
When the L frame 586 / 686's came out in the early 80's, it was meant to directly compete with the Python. They basically took their K frame 19 and increased its dimensions to handle a steady diet of hot .357. That gave a frame very similar to the Python's, from which they definitely drew some inspiration for the full length underlug.
Get a S&W master action job (trigger stop, chamfered charge holes, action will be smoother than a colt python). You won’t believe it’s the same gun. Worth every penny.
Great video! Makes me happy with my purchase....I just got a 6" 586. Haven't fired it yet, but it holds really nicely. I wanted a new Python or a 686 with a 6" barrel....having trouble finding either. A local shop had a 586, and I'm not sure I don't like the polished blue finish better than the stainless 686. Hope to fire it over the weekend. I'm liking it so far, and your review makes me think I chose wisely :) Keep making good videos !
I just recently found your channel a few weeks ago and I absolutely love the raw and real reviews that you guys do much better than all the other gun RU-vidrs on here keep up the good work I have the same revolver I bought about seven years ago absolutely the quintessential revolver and caliber love Smith & Wesson revolvers pure class all the way
If you get a good S&W Revolver they are pretty awesome! Congratulations on yours. We appreciate you watching & Subscribing! Stay safe out there. You have 600 Videos to catch up on. I hope you like 50% of them. 😊😎🇺🇸👍 Beretta Sr.
Even the old style 581 fixed sights ones with round butt are great to shoot (including magnum loads)! Thanks for this nice video and your enthusiasm for revolvers.
sky4149 Both Are Excellent!! We differ on our first picks however. I prefer the 586 Classic and Young Beretta gives the #1 spot to the Model 19 Classic. The main reasons why are kinda personal choice in which looks better to each of us, and then the “feel” of the handgun when shooting it. Balance, control of recoil, trigger pull, and grip feel. You have it narrowed down to 2 winners..... I think you will love either one. One in 2020 and the other in 2021. :) 🤗🥳😎💯👍🇺🇸. Beretta Sr.
I see this classic model has the Cylinder Burn Issue as well. A longer front sight screw, filed even with the bottom, will eliminate the dimple that causes the gases to make that mark. Not sure why S&W drilled that hole all the way through. The older models didn't have this issue.
