The Enduring Legacy: A Comprehensive Guide to the Smith & Wesson Model 586 Classic .357 Magnum Revolver

Are you searching for a firearm that embodies classic American craftsmanship, combines formidable power with elegant aesthetics, and offers versatile performance for a variety of shooting pursuits? Do you appreciate the heritage of legendary handgun designs, prioritizing reliability and precision in your collection or shooting regimen? If so, the Smith & Wesson Model 586 Classic .357 Magnum is a compelling choice, representing a timeless blend of form and function that continues to captivate shooters and collectors alike.

This detailed guide delves into the essence of the S&W 586 Classic, answering key questions and providing in-depth insights for anyone considering this iconic revolver. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast, a sport shooter, a discerning collector, or someone seeking a powerful and dependable firearm for home defense or recreational shooting, the 586 Classic offers a remarkable experience.

Why Choose a Smith & Wesson 586 Classic .357 Magnum?

The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic stands out for numerous reasons, making it a highly sought-after revolver. It's not just a firearm; it's a statement of quality, history, and performance.

• Historical Significance Meets Modern Reliability: As part of Smith & Wesson's esteemed "Classic" series, the Model 586 revives a legendary design from the company's golden age of revolver manufacturing. It combines the cherished aesthetics and robust construction of its predecessors with modern manufacturing precision, ensuring both authenticity and dependable performance.
• Exceptional Versatility: Capable of firing both the powerful .357 Magnum and the milder .38 Special cartridges, the 586 Classic offers unparalleled flexibility. This dual-caliber capability allows for diverse shooting experiences, from high-energy target practice and hunting small to medium game with magnum loads to more comfortable, cost-effective plinking and training with .38 Special ammunition.
• Superior Accuracy and Shootability: The 6-inch barrel, a hallmark of this particular model (Product Number 150908), provides an extended sight radius and enhanced stability, contributing significantly to its inherent accuracy. This makes it an excellent choice for target shooting, competitive events, and any scenario where precision is paramount.
• Robust and Durable Construction: Crafted from blued carbon steel, the 586 Classic is built to withstand rigorous use and endure for generations. Its solid L-Frame design, specifically engineered to handle the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, ensures longevity and structural integrity.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The deep, rich blued finish, complemented by classic checkered wood grips, gives the 586 Classic an unmistakable look of sophistication and traditional firearm artistry. This aesthetic appeal is a major draw for collectors and anyone who appreciates the beauty of classic handguns.

What Makes the Smith & Wesson L-Frame So Special?

The Model 586 is built on Smith & Wesson's renowned L-Frame. Understanding the L-Frame is crucial to appreciating the 586 Classic's design philosophy.

• Designed for the .357 Magnum: The L-Frame was specifically developed in the early 1980s to bridge the gap between the K-Frame (often used for .38 Special and lighter .357 loads) and the N-Frame (designed for much more powerful cartridges like the .44 Magnum). This intermediate size provides a perfect balance, offering the strength and mass to comfortably handle the .357 Magnum's recoil while maintaining a more manageable size than the larger N-Frame revolvers.
• Durability and Longevity: The robust construction of the L-Frame makes the 586 Classic a highly durable firearm, capable of enduring countless rounds of .357 Magnum ammunition without excessive wear or mechanical stress. This contributes to its reputation as a long-term investment.
• Comfortable Handling: Despite its strength, the L-Frame's ergonomics are well-thought-out. The frame size, combined with the classic wood grips, offers a comfortable and secure hold for most shooters, reducing felt recoil and enhancing control during rapid firing.

Key Features and Specifications of the Smith & Wesson Model 586 Classic (Product 150908)

The specific configuration of the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic (Product 150908) is optimized for precision and classic appeal.

• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P
  • This dual-caliber capability allows for both powerful performance and economical practice.
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
  • A standard capacity for a medium to large frame revolver, balancing sufficient firepower with a classic profile.
• Barrel Length: 6 inches
  • The longer barrel contributes to increased muzzle velocity, a longer sight radius for improved accuracy, and a distinct, authoritative appearance.
• Front Sight: Black Blade
  • Offers a clean sight picture, often paired with an adjustable rear sight for precise zeroing.
• Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
  • Allows shooters to fine-tune the point of impact for different ammunition types and distances, crucial for target shooting and hunting applications.
• Grip: Classic Wood
  • Typically checkered, these grips provide a firm and comfortable hold while adding to the firearm's traditional aesthetic. They are often preferred by enthusiasts for their feel and timeless look.
• Action: Double Action / Single Action (DA/SA)
  • Double Action: Pulling the trigger cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder, then releases the hammer, allowing for quick, successive shots.
  • Single Action: The hammer is manually cocked, resulting in a much lighter, crisper trigger pull ideal for precision shooting.
• Frame: L-Frame
  • As discussed, this intermediate-sized frame is perfectly balanced for the .357 Magnum cartridge.
• Frame Finish: Blued
  • A deep, lustrous blued finish on carbon steel, known for its classic beauty and corrosion resistance when properly maintained.
• Cylinder Finish: Blued
  • Matches the frame for a uniform, elegant appearance.
• Overall Length: Approximately 11.8 inches (for the 6-inch barrel model)
• Weight: Approximately 46 ounces (unloaded)
  • The substantial weight helps absorb recoil, making the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge more manageable.
• Material: Carbon Steel
  • Used for the frame, cylinder, and barrel, ensuring maximum strength and durability.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic is a versatile revolver, suitable for a range of activities:

• Target Shooting and Competition: The 6-inch barrel and adjustable sights make it a superb choice for achieving tight groups on paper targets. Its smooth DA/SA trigger allows for both rapid fire and precise single-action shots, making it competitive in various shooting disciplines.
• Recreational Shooting and Plinking: Enjoyable to shoot with either .38 Special or .357 Magnum, it's perfect for a relaxing day at the range, honing fundamental marksmanship skills.
• Firearm Collection and Investment: Its "Classic" designation, combined with Smith & Wesson's legacy and the timeless design of the 586, makes it a highly desirable piece for collectors. These models tend to hold or increase in value over time, especially when well-maintained.
• Home Defense: While larger than some dedicated defensive handguns, the stopping power of the .357 Magnum and the inherent reliability of a revolver make the 586 a viable option for home protection. Its weight helps mitigate recoil for follow-up shots.
• Small to Medium Game Hunting: With appropriate .357 Magnum loads, the 6-inch barrel provides sufficient ballistic performance for ethical hunting of game like deer, hogs, or coyotes, within responsible distances.
• Learning Revolver Fundamentals: Its comfortable grip, excellent balance, and clear sights make it an ideal platform for new shooters to learn the basics of revolver operation and marksmanship.

Maintaining Your Smith & Wesson 586 Classic

Proper maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and functionality of your blued carbon steel revolver.

• Regular Cleaning: After every shooting session, thoroughly clean the bore, cylinder chambers, forcing cone, and action. Use appropriate solvents and lubricants designed for firearms.
• Corrosion Protection: Blued finishes are susceptible to rust. Apply a light coat of rust preventative oil to all external metal surfaces, especially in humid environments. Store in a dry, temperature-controlled area.
• Grip Care: The wood grips may benefit from occasional cleaning and conditioning with a suitable wood oil to prevent drying and cracking.
• Professional Servicing: Periodically, consider having a qualified gunsmith inspect your revolver to ensure all internal mechanisms are functioning correctly and to address any wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the S&W 586 Classic

Q: Is the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic a good choice for a first-time gun owner?
A: While powerful, the ability to shoot lighter .38 Special ammunition makes it manageable for learning. Its classic appeal and reliability are strong points. However, new shooters should always seek professional instruction to safely handle and operate any firearm, especially a powerful magnum revolver.

Q: How does the S&W 586 Classic compare to the S&W 686?
A: The 586 Classic and 686 are essentially the same robust L-Frame design, with the primary difference being their finish. The 586 Classic features a traditional blued carbon steel finish, while the 686 is made from stainless steel. Stainless steel offers greater corrosion resistance, whereas the blued finish provides a more classic, traditional aesthetic. Performance-wise, they are very similar.

Q: Can I use +P ammunition in my Smith & Wesson 586 Classic?
A: Yes, the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic, being an L-Frame .357 Magnum revolver, is fully capable of safely handling .38 S&W Special +P ammunition. The robust construction is designed for the higher pressures of the .357 Magnum cartridge, making +P .38 Special loads perfectly safe.

Q: What is the benefit of a 6-inch barrel on a revolver?
A: A 6-inch barrel provides several advantages:

• Increased Muzzle Velocity: Longer barrels allow more time for the propellant gases to accelerate the bullet, resulting in higher velocities and energy.
• Enhanced Accuracy: A longer sight radius (distance between front and rear sights) makes it easier for the shooter to align the sights precisely, leading to improved accuracy.
• Reduced Recoil: The added weight of the longer barrel helps to absorb and mitigate felt recoil, making the powerful .357 Magnum more comfortable to shoot.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Many enthusiasts appreciate the balanced and authoritative look of a long-barreled revolver.

Q: Where can I find the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic and other Smith & Wesson products?
A: These products are all available at DEGuns.

A Legacy of Excellence, Ready for Your Hands

The Smith & Wesson Model 586 Classic .357 Magnum (Product Number 150908) is more than just a revolver; it's a testament to enduring quality, classic design, and versatile performance. It speaks to those who value the rich history of firearms, appreciate meticulous craftsmanship, and demand reliability in their shooting experience. Its ability to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, combined with its robust L-Frame construction, 6-inch barrel accuracy, and stunning blued finish, positions it as an exceptional choice for collectors, target shooters, and anyone seeking a truly iconic handgun. When you acquire a 586 Classic, you're not just buying a firearm; you're investing in a piece of firearms history, ready to perform and impress for generations to come.

Smith & Wesson Model 586 Classic Specifications

Feature	Detail	UPC
Model	586 Classic
Product Number	150908
Caliber	.357 Magnum
Also Fires	.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity	6 Rounds
Barrel Length	6 Inches
Frame Size	L-Frame
Action Type	DA/SA (Double/Single)
Sights	Black Blade Front
Sights (Cont.)	Adjustable White Outline Rear
Grip Material	Wood (Checkered)
Frame Material	Carbon Steel
Frame Finish	Blued
Cylinder Finish	Blued
UPC		022188147827