Sir, revolvers are excellent tools for beginners. The beauty of the .357 is you can also shoot .38 special. This allows the new shooter to work the basics of grip, stance, sight alignment and trigger management. The other benefit is the double action trigger can also be used in single action mode. The Ruger GP100 or the S&W 686 with a 4" barrel would be great choices to consider. I have reviews of both on my channel. Thanks for watching...
That will be the Colt Python, but hey!! That just me and 5,000,000 more people that feel the same😂 Jk, Smitties are nice looking 2, can’t go wrong either way, wayyy prettier than the Rugers though
Just bought a 4" pre-lock 586-1 and can't wait for it to arrive. In the mid 1980's I owned a 686 and I sure wish I still had it so I'm happy to be able to get another L-frame revolver back in my hands again. One thing I wish was available for the 586 is a target hammer/trigger option like it was for the model 19 & 66. I think the larger target trigger would have made the 586 & 686 even better. If you've ever fired the Colt Python then you know the benefit a large target hammer can have when shooting single action. I'm not comparing the two revolvers, but merely saying how I think a target hammer option for the 586 would have made it even better.
You sir make excellent videos. I have that exact gun. Love it. You are easy to listen to and give us great information. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
Hay Jim. You can get cheap 38.special (non tox) from sellier & bellot.The FMJ 158grains, dont have a recoil at all, out of this 6" Full Metal Frame smithy. Happy Shooting
@@HIblue187 If you’re still interested, a spring closure front-break shoulder holster is a great way to CC a big revolver like this. You can also do an OWB holster on your hip; but I find that in a situation under stress, I can sometimes catch the end of the barrel on the front of the holster if I don’t draw high enough. That having been said, different setups work better for different people. The other thing that I have discovered is that people seem to be more comfortable around a revolver than other types of carry firearms (sort of the same way as lever-actions are), so I have mostly switched to open carry with my 586 in recent months, which mitigates most of the size concerns (I am also a tall guy, so that changes things slightly as well). I personally prefer the Western Images Leatherworks chest rig, worn lower and more off to the side. It is by far the most comfortable way to carry a big gun like this I have ever come across, and because it’s set up as a cross-draw, the long barrel never gets caught when I’m trying to clear my holster.
Thanks for watching. .38 special is a very soft shooting round in this gun. Pretty much any factory loaded ammo will be fine. The 130 grain ball ammo or the 158 gain wad cutters are good. The .38+p will add a bit more recoil but not significant. Even.357 are comfortable is you use proper technique in grip and stance. These are beautiful guns, so buy some ammo and enjoy!
Sir! Your video is VERY informative!! The difference between the 38 and 357 was portrayed perfectly. And as someone who is almost dead set on purchasing a 586, this video tells me what i need to know!
I agree, the 586 is really a beautiful revolver. This one belong to a friend. No doubt about it it’s a classic! I appreciate you commenting and hope you will subscribe to the channel.
Pretty soon somebody will chime in with the misconception of how dangerous the hammer mounted firing pin is dangerous because there is no transfer bar. SMH
I have had a 4" 586 Nickel since 1982. I have put several thousand rounds through it and have never been disappointed in it. Not being a fine pistol shot, its inherant accuracy is somewhat lost..but I love this pistol. Hogue monogrips.
Just ordered my S&W 586 6" .357 - should get in a few days. In my collection my favorite has always been my first gun - a beautiful Ruger Security Six dated 1976 6" .357. I'd be surprised if this new S&W will shoot a tighter group. The Ruger is super accurate. We'll see. Thanks for the video.
I have a 586 (no dash) in nickel plated. The 686 and 586 were sold concurrently starting about 1981. The 686 is stainless steel and the 586 was available blued or nickel. The model number and serial number are visibil when you swing the cylinder out. They made minor changes over the years and they added a - and a number to the model numbers of the new ones. A 586-4 is newer than a 586-3 for instance. I think the - went up to 7 or 8 before they discontinued the model 586. They found the earliest guns had a problem with really hot ammo. When I fired some heavy loads the dent the firing pin made in the primer became an outie instead of an inie due to the chamber pressure. This stopped the cylinder from rotating. Not good if you needed dependability. There was a recall on the guns up to the 586-3 (I think) version. They changed the firing pin and a few other things to solve the problem. If the gun was factory modified they stamped an "M" in the area by the serial number. I sent mine in a few years ago and S&W did the mod for free. It's a great gun and fun to shoot. Made some light loads to target practice, a 158 grain SWC on top of 4 grains of American Select. I save the heavy loads for walks when I might run into a bear.
Yes, that is an excellent (prefered) way to cock the hammer. Also how I teach my students. Unfortunately because of my handicap and limitations with my left hand I can't do that. Thanks for sharing that with the viewers, also many thanks for watching!
I bought one well used in 1986. Many thousands of rounds down range since. When using single action, I was always taught to cock the gun with my weak thumb so that I didn't disturb my grip. Thanks.
Right on about the non-dominant hand thumb cocking the hammer. I had to adapt as I have a handicap with my left hand. The way you described it is the prefered technique.
Ordered mine today, here by Thursday. Interested in doing a head to head with my Ruger GP100. The 586 in 4 and 6 inch are available today to anyone that has $700 to spare. Classic gun! Thanks for the video
Good question... what is fast? Hits on target count more than anything. Its easy to miss and shoot really fast. The real question is what is the mission you want for the gun and how will you use it. Revolvers are a solid shooting platform and should get more consideration. Thanks for watching I hope you'll subscribe to the channel.
Yes, Revolvers can take magnum rounds. Dat's the advantage over semi-auto pistols. And remember. Composite (spelled Plastic in disguise) is for the delicate ladies at TopperWear parties. Do not try magnum rounds in the TW plastic GI Joe guns.
I have the 686 6" and it is a fun gun to shoot plus its accurate. There's virtually no recoil shooting 357 magnum due to the weight and porting since my 686 is a powerport.
Great video for shooting. Smooth trigger. Will be buying the 4 inch in the next month. The 6 inch seems very big and hard to handle? However, looks like an excellent home defense weapon. It goes boom rather than bang.
What a wonderful video. I love Smith & Wesson revolvers. If I didn't already have a 6" 686 I would definately buy the 586. I love my 686 though and my Smith 64 has the smoothest trigger I've ever felt on a revolver.
I would like to see dual target S&W 586 or 686 on one side GP100 on the other. Both 357 's and see what happens. I would like to see the "groups " if the S & W has tighter groups I may sell my GP 100 6 inch barrel one. At 20 yards.
+1digitalwatcher I own a GP100 and S&W 586 both early models. I'm not getting rid of either anytime soon. In single action they seem pretty equal. In double action the S&W is very smooth. The S&W wins in terms of classic beauty, hands down. The GP100 is a very good gun. If it comes down to one or the other, get both.
I absolutely love this gun. In single action I hit dead center bull's-eye at 25 yards on the first shot!!! I'm a combat veteran and a good shot but I didn't expect that accuracy straight from the factory. At the time I was using Monarch .357 Mag 158 grain hollow. I guarantee if you're a good shot and you can hit center-mass with this to at least 50-60 yards.
sir I am not talking abouth how to shoot or people learning to shoot but simply the performance of the gun - ammo combo , every gun shoots groeps like that at 5 yards ( I own more than 20 handguns ) but at 50 meters you see the difference between a good gun and a great gun , that is what I mean abouth gun performence and ammo of course and only then you can make a judgement abouth accuracy , here in Belgium we start with .22 caliber guns at 15 meters , then you see alreaddy the shooters "talent " , if the shooter is not hitting the target , he will shoot next door with the air gun , but again that has nothing to do with a particular gun performence , have a great day ( pardon my not so good writing please )
+EDDY G. We agree. I agree to truly test the accuracy the gun would need to be in a Random rest then ammunition and true distance accuracy at distance can be tested. So my statement about accuracy, was as you noted, somewhat confusing. With my new students I teach people sight picture, trigger control grip, stance and structure. Doing this at short range allows us to help to promote correct technique quickly, efficiently and allow the shooter to gain confidence. Thanks again for sharing your suggestions and ideas. I appreciate your comments. All the best.
I was left with a '55 M&P .38 and planning on upgrading to .357 to keep the '55 in the great original condition it's in. The new 586 will be perfect from what I've seen all over these vids for the duality, classic looks and durability.
Always got better groups with the black patridge front sight.... gave me a better sight picture with my model 14 and 19. Always wanted a 586 though.....
I have a 586 4", pre-lock, no-dash made in 1986. It was rarely used by the county deputy that owned it. I bought it from a pawn broker in Kentucky on gunbroker for $600. Two of the chambers in the cylinder were out of time with the barrel. Someone attempted to reduce the trigger pull by cutting loops from the rebound spring (bad move). My 'smith corrected the timing and replaced the spring. Recently a RU-vidr used a 686 to qualify a state police proficiency test and passed with 98%.
Could I suggest a Correction: Both the 586 and 686 were introduced concurrently in 1981, just one was blued and the other, SS. There is also a scandium alloy model, 386, all of which are currently being offered for sale. The 586 which was discontinued for a while was reintroduced in 2007 and 2012 as a limited production run.
I have the identical gun, I bought used in the early '90s. NEVER shot it because I was told it could penetrate a 4" concrete sidewalk and was concerned it would kick like an elephant gun. I see by your video that with .38+p it dosen't seem to kick that bad. So I want to pick-up some ammo with the lowest kick. Do you have a recommendation for me? It must be a clean and non-corrosive load too. Thx., Jim.
I just bought one today. I'm in Canada so I'm waiting for the paperwork to go through. Made in 91 so it doesn't have the Hillary hole. 0 rounds fired through it. So far...
Your right, the term "kick like an elephant" was a bit extreme on my part. I wanted a round to shoot that maybe my wife could also shoot with this gun, as were both in our sixties. Do you have a recommendation? Thx., Jim.
I love mine.. my next gun will be colt 45 clone with 8" barrel. Revolvers in my opinion provide a more enjoyable experience when shooting for sport. The Heritage 22lr revolver is another great tinker pistol, and cheap to shoot.
"drool" there's something special about a beautifully blue'd gun...i am very partial to the older smiths like that one..and the older dan wesson revolvers as well
I suggest not to bring ur arms down betwn the shots. It's all about consistency, regardless of whether u need to cock the hammer for single action mode. 2:14 - 2:34 was great. No arms down. 3:10 - 3:30, ur arms r going up n dwn on every shot. 4:16 - 4:37 is a mix. Bc. this gun has a long bbl, the sight radius will help to sight more accurately than the 3" or 4" bbl. U should shoot well in tight groups at 25 and even 50 yrds, not 5, 7 or 10yrds. And bc. it has the long (6") bbl, the bullet should have longer time to get pushed by gas to pick up velocity than the shorter bbl to reach the long distance w higher spd. I'm not an expert, sharp shooter, or marksman grade but in younger days, one of my fellow bullseye guys out shot, outscored w his .22 revolver SINGLE action only Ruger against his fellow autoloader pistoleos, including I w an auto for timed fire, rapid fire at 25 yrds; and slow fire at 50yrds. He was fiercely consistent w his thumb, his trigger finger, grip, and stand. It was fun watching his rotating thumb cocking the SA gun w his stretched arm, steady stand, a mechanical clock work, rock like statue. Our fellow shooters w autos looked down on this wheel gunner, w SA only Ruger until we compared our scores. We shot all of 25 and 50 yrds using OFF HAND (single hand) shootings as the NRA Bullseye required. Of course, .357 Mag or perhaps +P maybe diff bc. of the stronger kicks dan (than) the .22 LR but i bet shooting .38 spcl w the 6" M586 would produce the same result at 25yrds rapid fire as well as .22 LR does as I've seen one of my other friends much later in my life, done it w my S&W M52-2 .38 Spcl Wad cutter auto (nut a wheel gun) at 25yrds rapid fire, very tight group, and also great score at 50yrd slow fire, both OFF HAND. M52 has only 5"bbl w shorter sight radius than ur friend's .38 spitting Long John. That man said to me, hey, u don't need to shoot bench mode, just look [at me]. Well, life had other priority than 20 yrs ago or even 35 yrs ago w those 2 shooters and i. I hope u n i can continue to enjoy shooting, regardless of grouping or nut (not)... Oh, one more ding (thing). .38 wad cutter travel so slow inside the bbl. Thus, u must hold it steady till the snail (slug) leaves that 5" bbl. .22LR w same bbl length would b traveling much faster than that!!! I don't know the speed diff betwn ur .38 spcl jacketed bullet coming out of ur (or ur friend's) 6" M586 and my M52's but i bet it's faster than my M52-2's wad cutter (it can't shoot any other bullet type, no streamlined pointed rounds) bullet. I wonder if the +P bullet, which supposedly is faster than the .38 Spcl provides more accuracy against follow thru on the M586??? Can u or anyone else out there try it out? +P more accurate than .38 Spcl shooting manually? Dat'll b very hard to prove/ disprove as bench rest shooting can't test the human shake follow thru. As a human, can't consistently hold the gun exactly the same way but we should get close to get the innate characteristic of a pistol-bullet combo as u add more shots (get better average). Thx 4 ur video. It triggered my old memories of my youth w fine shooting friends and to think about 'consistency' n follow thru if the bullet leaves the bbl too slow.
Thank you for your suggestions. I think part of my challenge is the handicap I have with my left hand and arm. Nevertheless, the points you make are right on target! Thanks for watching. I hope you will subscribe to the channel.
357 magnum moves ya back a bit doesn't it? lol... Try a 44 magnum. Buddy of mine brought his for a bowling pin match. The recoil was insane. Overkill on the pins...
I have had a 686-3 for a few years and love it! I just picked up a 586-3 today and boy do they look good sitting next to each other! I took them both to the range. Once I got the 586 sights adjusted to me they both grouped the same out to 50' I have an older 1988 GP100 357 that I also love, but you just can't beat the beauty of the Smiths. By far my 3 favorite revolvers.
Right on, the 586 is classic. I’m a big fan of quality Smith & Wesson revolvers. I appreciate you watching and commenting and hope you will subscribe to the channel.
I am blessed to own the 4" version of this handgun, since my cat peed on my 6" Python and totally destroyed its finish. Believe it or not, but I do like my 586 better than my Python; trigger and all. I like the Smith's double lock-up on the cylinder vs the Colts single lock-up. It does make a difference....IMO. Do I dare say it? Yes I am a S&W Revolver Fan. Except for my 2" Colt Detective Special. My Colt DS will always be my love. Heck, I may even be buried with it fully loaded in my long-time shoulder holster.
I have a 586-2 in nickel finish... 6" square butt.. And before and tell me that it only comes in blue steel. They made a few in nickel and Im one of the few lucky ones to have one....
accuracy test at 5 yards ????? in my club we are not allowed to shoot that close , we are doing our accuracy test at 50 meter , then you really see what a gun - ammo combination can do , 5 yards ???
+EDDY G Thanks Eddy, I appreciate your feedback. Frankly its too bad you can shoot that close. It would save people lots of time and money to get an ideal of where the gun and sight shoot and then work the way out to distance. In our classes we start people at 3 yards and work on trigger management and sights until they can place each shot in the same hole. Once that is done we work them out to distance. This allows shooters to gain core skills and understand the root cause of any misses.
