Description
I was at the range last week, breaking in a new revolver, and a guy on the next lane kept glancing over. Finally, he walked up and said, “That’s the one I’ve been looking for. The classic one.” He was right. The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic 357 Magnum/.38 Special +P 6″ Barrel isn’t just a gun; it’s a piece of American firearms history that still absolutely delivers on the firing line. It’s the modern iteration of the legendary L-Frame, built to handle a steady diet of .357 Magnum without the bulk of an N-Frame. This 6-inch model, with its full-length underlug and timeless blued finish, balances like a dream and points with an intuitive authority that only comes from a design perfected over decades.
So, what is the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic? It’s a 6-shot, large-frame double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum (which also handles .38 Special +P). It features a 6-inch barrel with a full underlug, adjustable target sights, a blued carbon steel finish, and a classic wood grip. It’s built for precision, durability, and that quintessential S&W feel, making it a top choice for serious revolver enthusiasts and discerning shooters.
Let’s talk about what makes this revolver stand out. First, the balance. That 6-inch barrel with the full underlug isn’t just for looks—it tames recoil phenomenally well, making follow-up shots with full-power .357 loads surprisingly manageable. The single-action trigger break is crisp and clean, right around 4 pounds on my gauge, while the double-action pull is smooth and consistent. I’ve put several hundred rounds of everything from light .38 wadcutters to stout 158-grain magnums through it, and the action just gets better. The point of impact with the adjustable rear sight was dead-on for me with 158-grain ammunition, fitting out of the box with no gunsmithing required for a solid zero.
Here’s the thing—this is a working man’s target revolver. The blued steel and checkered wood grips feel substantial in the hand, conveying a sense of rugged quality. The sight picture is excellent, with a red ramp front and a white-outline adjustable rear that pops against most targets. At 45 ounces unloaded, it’s not a lightweight, but that heft is your friend when shooting magnums. It soaks up energy and makes for a very stable platform. The cylinder locks up tight with that satisfying S&W click, and the timing has been flawless. It’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket grips from companies like Altamont and Hogue, allowing you to tailor the fit to your hand.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Barrel Length | 6 Inches |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 11.5 Inches |
| Frame Material | Carbon Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
| Sights | Adjustable Rear, Red Ramp Front |
Pros: Iconic, timeless design and superb balance. Exceptional build quality and a fantastic trigger right from the factory. The versatility to run mild .38s for practice or full-house .357s for serious work. Incredibly durable L-Frame construction built for longevity.
Cons: The classic blued finish, while beautiful, requires more care to prevent rust than a stainless model like the 686. At 45 ounces, it’s not a concealed carry piece for most people. The price point of $798.90 reflects its premium positioning in the market.
Who is this revolver for? It’s for the shooter who appreciates heritage but demands modern performance. It’s for the hunter who needs a reliable sidearm, the target shooter who values precision, and the collector who wants a shooter-grade classic. It’s also an ideal platform for those interested in action pistol sports like ICORE, where its balance and sight radius are major assets. This is a lifetime firearm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between the 586 and the 686?
A: The core difference is the finish. The 586 has a classic blued carbon steel finish, while the 686 is stainless steel. They are otherwise identical in dimensions and performance. The choice comes down to aesthetics and maintenance preference.
Q: Can I use .38 Special ammunition in it?
A: Absolutely. The 586 is chambered for .357 Magnum, which means it can safely fire the lower-pressure .38 Special and .38 Special +P rounds. This is a huge advantage for affordable practice and reduced recoil training.
Q: Is this suitable for home defense?
A: With the right ammunition selection, yes. The 6-inch barrel provides excellent velocity, and the revolver’s reliability is legendary. That said, its size makes it a dedicated bedside or home defense option rather than a portable one. Practice with it is key.
If the idea of owning a piece of revolver history that shoots as good as it looks speaks to you, this Smith & Wesson 586 Classic is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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