The Smith & Wesson 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. The Model 586 has a carbon steel construction and is available in a blued or nickel finish; it is essentially the same firearm as the Model 686, which has stainless steel construction. It is also known as the Distinguished Combat Magnum.
Smith & Wesson Model 586
Smith & Wesson 586-1 with 6 inch barrel
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981. It is the stainless steel version of the Model 586, which featured a blued steel finish. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6- or 7-round cylinders.
A Smith & Wesson Model 686, with a 100 mm (4 in) barrel.
Photo of a Smith & Wesson 686 firing a .38 Special round, taken with an ultra high-speed flash (air-gap flash)
Image: 357er Magnum
Image: Smith & Wesson .357 Model 686 Plus barrel view