SMITH & WESSON 586 CLASSIC
Posted May 26, 2023
6
The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic 6 revolver is one of the company's most well-known and popular revolver series. It has been in circulation for almost forty years since its introduction in 1980, and its reputation as a reliable and durable handgun makes it a favorite of gun enthusiasts and law enforcement personnel alike. The 586 Classic 6 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, and is designed to deliver the accuracy and power of a magnum round in a compact package— perfect for home defense, target shooting, and law enforcement applications.
The design of the 586 Classic 6 is based on the S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum revolver— a military-proven design that was released to the civilian market in the mid-1960s. The 586 is essentially a scaled-down version of the popular Combat Magnum, with a shorter, 3-inch barrel and a more compact frame. The pistol is constructed from stainless steel and is available in either a satin or mirror finish.
The 586 Classic 6 has a smooth double-action trigger pull and a crisp single-action pull, thank in part to its internal hammer block safety. The trigger pull is user-adjustable, making it great for target shooting. As Smith & Wesson is known for the quality and dependability of its handguns, it should come as no surprise that the 586 Classic 6 is no exception. The revolver is well-built and has excellent sight alignment and accuracy. It is also light enough to carry for extended lengths of time without becoming uncomfortable.
In terms of firepower, the 586 Classic 6 is capable of firing every caliber from .38 Special to .357 Magnum. For law enforcement personnel, this means the option to quickly switch from lightweight lead rounds to heavier magnum rounds without having to carry two separate weapons. For civilians, this versatility allows them to use whatever ammo fits their needs and budget the best. Additionally, the revolver can be loaded to capacity with seven rounds in the cylinder when using .38 Special.
The 586 Classic 6 is a popular choice for many shooters due to its affordability and reliability. It is priced well compared to other revolvers on the market, and can be found brand-new for less than $500. The revolver is also relatively easy to care for and maintain, requiring only a basic cleaning after each outing to a range.
For those looking for an accurate and reliable handgun that will never fail them, the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic 6 is an excellent choice. Its lightweight frame and adjustable trigger pull make it suitable for nearly any type of shooter, while its accuracy and power make it ideal for target shooting or home defense. The ability to switch from .38 Special to .357 Magnum rounds means this revolver is suitable for any situation and can be relied upon in a pinch. Overall, the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic 6 is an outstanding choice for the discerning shooter looking for an accurate, powerful, and reliable handgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Robust, reliable construction: The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic is a high-quality revolver made out of solid steel parts that are carefully crafted for maximum durability. This makes it ideal for frequent use and long-term reliability.
• Extremely accurate: The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic is incredibly accurate due to its adjustable sights, well-crafted barrel, and precise quality control measures.
• Variety of chamberings: This model is available in a range of chamberings, including .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, and .22LR, giving users a great variety of options for their shooting needs.
• Interchangeable grips: The 586 Classic features interchangeable grips, which allows users to customize the feel and handling of their revolver.
Cons:
• Price tag: The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic is a premium revolver, and its corresponding price tag reflects this.
• Limited capacity: The 586 Classic holds only six rounds, which limits its potential use for target shooting and hunting.
• Heavier than auto handguns: The 586 Classic is heavier than most auto handguns, so it may not be the ideal choice for concealed carry users who need a lighter weapon.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who has a passion for shooting and wants a dependable revolver should consider buying the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic. It is an excellent handgun for hunting, target shooting, or personal defense. It is reliable and well-balanced, and is chambered in .357 Magnum rounds for added accuracy and power.
On the other hand, those who don't want to deal with the additional cost or complexities of purchasing and maintaining a revolver might be better-served by a semi-automatic pistol. Those who have small hands or limited shooting experience may find the 586 Classic difficult to manage. Additionally, due to its overall weight and length, it may not be the most comfortable pistol to carry for concealed carry.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON 586 CLASSIC | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 6" | 6" | 5" | 4" |
| Action | Single/Double | Single/Double | Single/Double | Single/Double |
| Finish | Blued | Blued | Stainless Steel | Nickel |
| Frame | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Grip | Wood | Wood | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum | .38 Special | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 Special
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Overall Length: 9.8”
• Weight: 43.7 oz
• Sights: Adjustable
• Action: Double Action/Single Action
• Grips: Wood
• Finish: Blued
Popular Accessories
- Custom Grips: Many shooters opt for custom grips to enhance their shooting experience and increase the overall look of the gun.
- Sights: An upgrade to better sights such as fiber-optic sights or night sights can improve accuracy in low-light conditions.
- Holsters: A good holster is essential for securely carrying and safely drawing the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic.
- Trigger Upgrades: Replacing the standard trigger with an aftermarket trigger can improve accuracy and reduce recoil.
- Magazine Extensions: Many shooters choose to upgrade to larger capacity magazines for longer shooting sessions or in the event of a reload.
- Speedloaders: Speedloaders can help you reload quickly and efficiently in the heat of the moment.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic is an incredibly accurate revolver. Thanks to its full-barrel underlug, this revolver has excellent balance and minimal recoil. Furthermore, its double action trigger pull is very smooth and consistent, allowing for very precise shot placement even at long ranges. The adjustable rear sight and fiber-optic front sight make it even easier to line up your shots. Ammunition choice also plays a big part in accuracy and this revolver is suitable for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds, allowing for even more accuracy. Overall, the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic is a great revolver for both range and self defense purposes.
