From the Vault: Smith & Wesson 586

Published on September 17, 2018
Duration: 6:04

This video provides an expert-level review and technical breakdown of the Smith & Wesson 586 revolver, presented by Steve from Brownells. It details the L-frame design's advantages over the K-frame for handling heavy .357 Magnum loads, discusses its historical context in law enforcement, and even demonstrates a custom 9mm moon clip conversion. The review highlights the 586's balance of size, weight, and durability for extensive shooting.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 586's L-frame design offers superior durability for .357 Magnum loads compared to the K-frame, featuring a beefier forcing cone and barrel area to prevent cracking. It balances the portability of the K-frame with the strength of the N-frame, making it ideal for extensive shooting and law enforcement use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & S&W 586 Overview
  2. 00:15Introducing the Smith & Wesson 586
  3. 00:38L-Frame Design Advantages
  4. 01:15K-Frame vs. L-Frame Comparison
  5. 01:53L-Frame Ergonomics and Weight
  6. 02:27Comparing K, L, and N Frames
  7. 02:48L-Frame's Role in Law Enforcement
  8. 03:05Caliber Variations and Modern L-frames
  9. 03:24Custom 9mm Moon Clip Conversion
  10. 04:07Durability and Extended Cylinder
  11. 05:00Aesthetics, Modern Features, and Conclusion
  12. 05:41Stainless 686 Option and Finish Preference

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson 586's L-frame design advantageous?

The L-frame is specifically engineered with a beefier forcing cone and barrel area compared to the K-frame. This enhanced construction prevents frame cracking when firing frequent, heavy .357 Magnum loads, offering superior durability for magnum use.

How does the Smith & Wesson 586 compare to the K-frame Model 19?

The 586's L-frame is thicker around the forcing cone than the K-frame Model 19, making it more resistant to damage from hot .357 Magnum rounds. While sharing similar grip dimensions, the L-frame provides greater longevity under heavy magnum use.

Can a Smith & Wesson revolver be modified to fire 9mm ammunition?

Yes, a custom modification can be performed on a 686 cylinder to accept moon clips for 9mm ammunition. This allows for reliable feeding and extraction, achieving decent accuracy despite the inherent free bore in a .357 Magnum chamber.

What is the historical significance of the L-frame revolver?

The L-frame was developed during a time when revolvers were standard issue for law enforcement. It was designed to be durable enough for frequent .357 Magnum use without being as cumbersome as the larger N-frame for daily carry.

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