Smith & Wesson 586 Classic L-Frame .357 Mag 4″ 6rd
About this product
The Smith & Wesson 586 Classic L-Frame is a .357 Magnum revolver built on Smith & Wesson's robust L-frame platform with a 4-inch barrel and six-round cylinder. It represents the pinnacle of traditional revolver engineering with modern reliability enhancements, specifically designed for shooters who demand mechanical precision without sacrificing classic aesthetics. This firearm bridges the gap between historical craftsmanship and contemporary performance standards.
What is the Smith & Wesson 586 Classic L-Frame used for?
The Smith & Wesson 586 is engineered for duty, field, and range applications where reliability and precision matter. Its 4-inch barrel provides an ideal balance between sight radius and maneuverability, making it suitable for both open-carry scenarios and precision target shooting. The L-frame construction handles .357 Magnum pressures without the bulk of larger N-frame revolvers, offering a versatile platform for law enforcement, hunting backup, and recreational shooting.
How does the Smith & Wesson 586 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Smith & Wesson 586 revolver outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in close-quarters reliability and rapid deployment scenarios, though the Stevens dominates long-range precision. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers superior accuracy beyond 200 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the 586's double-action trigger and 6-round cylinder provide immediate threat response without cycling delays. For home defense or sidearm duties, the revolver's simplicity and .357 Magnum stopping power make it the better choice—whereas the Stevens excels as a dedicated hunting or precision rifle platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Smith & Wesson 586 weighs 40.9 ounces (1.16 kg) unloaded and measures 9.5 inches in overall length with a 4-inch barrel. Its cylinder width is 1.56 inches, and the grip frame accommodates standard K/L-frame stocks, maintaining a balanced profile that reduces fatigue during extended range sessions. The 40.9-ounce weight provides noticeable recoil mitigation compared to lighter J-frame revolvers, especially with full-power .357 Magnum loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not ideal for concealed carry enthusiasts or those seeking high-capacity platforms. The 40.9-ounce weight and 9.5-inch length make it impractical for deep concealment compared to polymer-framed semi-automatics like the Glock 19. Shooters requiring more than 6 rounds before reloading should consider a semi-auto pistol—the 586's design prioritizes reliability over capacity, adhering to traditional revolver limitations.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one set of walnut grips, a cable lock, and owner's manual. Smith & Wesson does not include spare speed loaders or cleaning kits—expect to purchase those separately. The wood grips are checkered for traction but may require replacement with rubberized options for heavy recoil management, adding approximately $40-$60 to the total setup cost.
Is the Smith & Wesson 586 worth it at $1000.99?
At $1000.99, the Smith & Wesson 586 justifies its price through forged carbon steel construction and precision machining that exceeds many modern production revolvers. Compared to Taurus's Model 66 at $650, the 586 offers superior trigger smoothness and timing consistency—critical for double-action accuracy. For shooters valuing mechanical heritage and durability over modularity, this revolver delivers lifetime performance that justifies the investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged carbon steel frame withstands .357 Magnum pressures exceeding 45,000 PSI
- 40.9 oz weight reduces recoil by 30% compared to 28-oz J-frame revolvers
- 6-round cylinder allows rapid reloads with standard speed loaders
- 4-inch barrel provides 10% longer sight radius than 3-inch models
Trade-offs
- Wood grips lack recoil absorption—adds $40-60 for rubberized replacements
- No optics mounting capability—irons-only configuration limits modern sight options
- 6-round capacity trails semi-autos by 8-10 rounds in defensive scenarios
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 022188147810 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 150909 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 9.3'' |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| model | 586 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 3.9 |
| sights | Red Ramp Front/White Outline Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammo?
- Yes, the Smith & Wesson 586 explicitly supports .38 Special +P ammunition alongside .357 Magnum. The chamber dimensions accommodate both cartridges without modification, though .38 Special generates less recoil and muzzle velocity—approximately 850 fps compared to 1,450 fps for typical .357 loads. Always verify ammunition specifications against Smith & Wesson's published pressure limits.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- The 586 fits most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson L-frame revolvers with 4-inch barrels. Specific models like the Safariland 568-83 or DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard are confirmed compatible. Holsters for K-frames may require slight stretching due to the L-frame's larger cylinder diameter of 1.56 inches.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically requires 3-5 business days for in-stock items, plus FFL processing time. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required. Delays may occur during background check verification, which averages 10 minutes for instant checks but can extend to 3 days for manual reviews.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, per ATF regulations. Ironclad Armory allows returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, requiring inspection by our certified armorers. Fit issues related to hand size or holster compatibility are not grounds for return—consider grip replacements or holster adjustments instead.
- Does this work with Hogue grips?
- Yes, the 586 accepts any Hogue grips designed for Smith & Wesson L-frame revolvers, such as the Hogue Monogrip #80000. Installation requires a single screwdriver and takes approximately 2 minutes. Rubberized Hogue grips reduce perceived recoil by 15-20% compared to the factory walnut options.