Smith & Wesson Model 586
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The Smith and Wesson (S & W) Model 586, is a six or seven shot double action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges, as the .357 Magnum was developed from the .38 Special. The magnum case is slightly longer (0.1 in) to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .38 Special. The 586 has been available with 2-1/2 in. (64 mm); 3 in.; 4 in. (102 mm); 6 in. (153 mm); and 8-3/8" in. (214 mm) barrel lengths as standard models and other barrel lengths either by special order from S & W's Performance Center custom shop, or acquired from or built by after-market gunsmiths.
The Model 586 uses S & W's L (medium) revolver frame, with a K-Frame sized grip mated to a larger diameter cylinder. During the 1980s, Smith & Wesson developed its L-Frame line of .357 Magnums®: the Model 581, Model 586, Model 681 and Model 686. These Magnums® had a major effect on both law enforcement and sporting markets. In addition, these revolvers became the most popular revolvers ever made.
According to Jim Supica and Richard Nahas in their Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson; 3rd Edition(Gun Digest Books, Lola WI. 2006)
The K-frame .357 magnum revolvers became immensely popular as police revolvers. However some felt that extensive firing of full power .357 ammunition in the relatively light framed guns was wearing on both gun and shooter.There appeared to be a demand for a .357 that handled like a K frame but offered the heft and durability of an N frame. The L frame was introduced as this compromise size, with design input from Roy Jinks (official S&W company historian), and quickly established itself in the law enforcement and hunting markets. L frames also generally feature a full-length under-barrel lug, which adds recoil absorbing weight to the gun.
It was available in either blued or nickel-plated versions. A stainless steel version exists as the Model 686. Other variations, such as the Model 686+, chambered for 7 rounds are also available. In the late 1980s, Smith and Wesson discontinued production of all but a few blued revolvers, thus the model 686 and its variants are the only models currently produced.
