I picked up my new S&W M586-7 a few days ago. This is a piece from one of S&W's special runs. It's a blued carbon steel version with a 7 shot cylinder and a 4" barrel. It also has some very comfortable and attractive walnut stocks. A real beauty (see attached pics). I've had my eye on it for the last month or so and finally bought one before they were all gone.
Since this is Kalifornia I had a 10 day wait. During that time, the chain sporting goods store that I purchased it from brought in a new gun from their warehouse rather than sell their display model. When I came in to pick up my gun, I inspected it only to find that the blueing on the cylinder was really dull/crappy and wouldn't polish up. There was also a small ding on the barrel. I refused to take posession. The store manager agreed with me and was willing to send out for another one. No problem. Then I asked to inspect the display model (the one I had originally fallen in love with). It was nearly perfect so I said I'd accept that gun instead of waiting and taking my chances with another blind replacement. Done deal.
The finish/blueing on my gun is top notch S&W that nearly rivals my Python's, though not quite. Still, the gun seems very sturdy and lock up is tight. I know some have objections to the 7 shot cylinder, but I actually like it. I also appreciate the full under lug. It gives the 4" barrel some heft and helps tame recoil.
The trigger is something else again. I'm not sure if I like it or not. Unlike the traditional smooth single stage pull on my M29-2, the 586 has a target 2 stage pull. It's very smooth (and a bit heavy) during the first stage while the cylinder rotates and locks up with a solid "click". Then there's a short take up with no cylinder movement before the trigger lets go - almost like single action mode. It takes a bit of getting used to. In real single action mode, the let-off is classic S&W - about 2 lbs.
Oh yeah, the 586 has the new #@!!%&* frame lock.
RANGE REPORT
I took it out for a spin this afternoon at my local indoor range. 1 box each of Federal 130gr. fmj .38 special, Fiocchi 158 gr. fmj 38 special, and PMC 158 gr. sjsp .357. 150 rounds total.
The first thing I noticed was that the gun shot low. Very low. Over 2" low at 7 yards. I spent the next 30 rounds or so adjusting the rear sight. Eventually making over two complete turns of the elevation screw to correct the problem. Horizontal POI was dead on.
Function was perfect with the first box of .38 specials. But after about 10 rounds of .357 I had a FTF (light primer strike). Then another one about 10 rounds later. And finally, the cylinder locked up. I could clear the lock up by opening the cylinder and closing it again. Well, being inexperienced with the new freaking frame lock, I had assumed that since the gun was engaging when I dry fired it, that the lock was disengaged. My fault for not checking when I brought it home. I finally unloaded and inserted the special "magic" key only to find that the lock was not turned all the way to the "click" unlocked position. I fixed the problem and continued my range session with no more incidents. The gun ran perfectly with no FTF's in either single action or double action - full power loads or .38's. Still, I am not a fan of this new "safety" thing-a-ma-jig.
By the time I got done sorting through all the various problems, I had only about 80 assorted rounds left. Even though my concentration was shot by now, and I was still getting used to the sights and trigger, the gun shot extremely well. Groups (offhand) at 15 yds. (5 shots) averaged around 2" (good for me) and were POA/POI even with .357's. My best 25 yard group was 2.5" (about as well as I can shoot) with .38 specials. Full power loads tended to open up quite a bit horizontally but not vertically. Operator flinch, I think.
All in all, the gun is beautiful, well balanced, fun to shoot and accurate. The full lug barrel makes full loads very manageable and .38's are a breeze. Glad I bought it.
In a couple of weeks I'll take it out again and shoot it side by side with my Colt Python and compare.
Since this is Kalifornia I had a 10 day wait. During that time, the chain sporting goods store that I purchased it from brought in a new gun from their warehouse rather than sell their display model. When I came in to pick up my gun, I inspected it only to find that the blueing on the cylinder was really dull/crappy and wouldn't polish up. There was also a small ding on the barrel. I refused to take posession. The store manager agreed with me and was willing to send out for another one. No problem. Then I asked to inspect the display model (the one I had originally fallen in love with). It was nearly perfect so I said I'd accept that gun instead of waiting and taking my chances with another blind replacement. Done deal.
The finish/blueing on my gun is top notch S&W that nearly rivals my Python's, though not quite. Still, the gun seems very sturdy and lock up is tight. I know some have objections to the 7 shot cylinder, but I actually like it. I also appreciate the full under lug. It gives the 4" barrel some heft and helps tame recoil.
The trigger is something else again. I'm not sure if I like it or not. Unlike the traditional smooth single stage pull on my M29-2, the 586 has a target 2 stage pull. It's very smooth (and a bit heavy) during the first stage while the cylinder rotates and locks up with a solid "click". Then there's a short take up with no cylinder movement before the trigger lets go - almost like single action mode. It takes a bit of getting used to. In real single action mode, the let-off is classic S&W - about 2 lbs.
Oh yeah, the 586 has the new #@!!%&* frame lock.
RANGE REPORT
I took it out for a spin this afternoon at my local indoor range. 1 box each of Federal 130gr. fmj .38 special, Fiocchi 158 gr. fmj 38 special, and PMC 158 gr. sjsp .357. 150 rounds total.
The first thing I noticed was that the gun shot low. Very low. Over 2" low at 7 yards. I spent the next 30 rounds or so adjusting the rear sight. Eventually making over two complete turns of the elevation screw to correct the problem. Horizontal POI was dead on.
Function was perfect with the first box of .38 specials. But after about 10 rounds of .357 I had a FTF (light primer strike). Then another one about 10 rounds later. And finally, the cylinder locked up. I could clear the lock up by opening the cylinder and closing it again. Well, being inexperienced with the new freaking frame lock, I had assumed that since the gun was engaging when I dry fired it, that the lock was disengaged. My fault for not checking when I brought it home. I finally unloaded and inserted the special "magic" key only to find that the lock was not turned all the way to the "click" unlocked position. I fixed the problem and continued my range session with no more incidents. The gun ran perfectly with no FTF's in either single action or double action - full power loads or .38's. Still, I am not a fan of this new "safety" thing-a-ma-jig.
By the time I got done sorting through all the various problems, I had only about 80 assorted rounds left. Even though my concentration was shot by now, and I was still getting used to the sights and trigger, the gun shot extremely well. Groups (offhand) at 15 yds. (5 shots) averaged around 2" (good for me) and were POA/POI even with .357's. My best 25 yard group was 2.5" (about as well as I can shoot) with .38 specials. Full power loads tended to open up quite a bit horizontally but not vertically. Operator flinch, I think.
All in all, the gun is beautiful, well balanced, fun to shoot and accurate. The full lug barrel makes full loads very manageable and .38's are a breeze. Glad I bought it.
In a couple of weeks I'll take it out again and shoot it side by side with my Colt Python and compare.
