Smith & Wesson Model 586

About the Smith & Wesson Model 586

The Smith & Wesson Model 586, known as the 'Distinguished Combat Magnum,' is a six-shot double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, built on Smith & Wesson's L-frame. Introduced in 1980, the L-frame was designed as a purpose-built .357 Magnum platform that split the difference between the lighter K-frame (which wore under sustained .357 Magnum use) and the heavier N-frame (which was unnecessarily large for the cartridge). The Model 586 features a carbon steel frame and barrel with a blued finish, adjustable white outline rear sight, red ramp front sight, and walnut target grips. The 4-inch barrel model weighs 41.3 ounces (1171g) with an overall length of 9.3 inches (236mm). The single-action trigger pull breaks crisply at approximately 4.25 pounds (19 N), while the double-action pull is smooth and consistent. The cylinder chambers accept both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges interchangeably. Standard barrel lengths include 4 and 6 inches, with historical options including 2.5, 3, and 8.375 inches. The full-underlug barrel provides additional weight forward to help manage recoil. The rifling is right-hand twist at 1:18.75 inches (476mm) with 5 grooves. The Model 586 was originally discontinued in 1999 but was reintroduced in 2012 as part of the S&W Classic line with the 586-8 designation, incorporating modern safety features including an improved yoke design.

The L-frame revolutionized the .357 Magnum revolver market when it arrived in 1980, quickly becoming the preferred duty revolver for law enforcement agencies that wanted full-power .357 Magnum capability without the bulk of an N-frame. The Model 586 and 686 were the last widely-issued duty revolvers before semi-automatic pistols swept through American law enforcement in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Smith & Wesson Model 586 specifications

The L-frame was developed with design input from Roy Jinks, the official S&W company historian, to address a longstanding complaint: the K-frame .357 Magnums (Models 19 and 66) were excellent handling revolvers but suffered accelerated wear - particularly flame cutting of the top strap and forcing cone erosion - when fed a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum ammunition. The L-frame provided the heft and durability of an N-frame while handling like a K-frame, using a K-frame-sized grip mated to a larger-diameter cylinder. The Model 586 (blued carbon steel) and its stainless steel counterpart, the Model 686, quickly became the dominant .357 Magnum revolvers for law enforcement in the 1980s, displacing the K-frame Models 19 and 66. The 686 has become the more common production variant. Fixed-sight versions were designated Model 581 (blued) and Model 681 (stainless). Current production 586 Classic models feature an internal lock and improved yoke. The trigger pull specification listed is for single-action; the double-action pull is approximately 10-12 pounds (44-53 N). Loaded weight estimate includes 6 rounds of .357 Magnum at approximately 13g each.