Introduction
The world of firearms has always been a domain of innovation, where engineering ingenuity meets the passionate pursuit of accuracy. Among the myriad of options available, the revolver holds a special place. Its elegant simplicity and raw power have captivated generations of shooters. Today, we delve into a particularly refined example of this classic platform: the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp. This is not just another revolver; it’s a testament to S&W’s commitment to crafting firearms designed for peak performance, specifically in the demanding arena of competitive shooting. The 586 L Comp marries time-tested revolver design with modern advancements, offering a unique blend of power, precision, and shootability.
Smith & Wesson has long been a leading name in the firearms industry. Their legacy is built on a foundation of craftsmanship and a deep understanding of the needs of shooters, law enforcement, and military personnel. From its inception, S&W has strived to create firearms that excel in both reliability and accuracy. Over the years, they’ve consistently introduced iconic models, many of which have become highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. The 586 L Comp represents a continuation of this heritage, combining the traditional strength of the S&W revolver with the enhancements necessary for superior performance in competition.
This article will serve as a comprehensive exploration of the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp. We’ll examine its design, features, and how it performs in various shooting scenarios. We will delve into what makes this model different, from its barrel compensator to its ergonomic enhancements, all tailored to provide a competitive edge. We will also explore its suitability for target shooting and the type of shooter who would benefit most from owning one. Through a detailed analysis of the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp, we aim to offer a clear understanding of its capabilities and its place within the diverse world of firearms.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Roots of the 586
The history of the Smith & Wesson 586 is inextricably linked to the evolution of the iconic “L-frame” revolver. The original 586, introduced as a robust and reliable firearm, quickly gained popularity among law enforcement and civilian shooters seeking the power of the .357 Magnum cartridge. Designed to be a bridge between the smaller K-frame and the larger N-frame, the L-frame offered a balanced platform. It provided a comfortable grip and manageable recoil, making it suitable for both duty and recreational shooting. The introduction of the 586 showcased S&W’s commitment to crafting a revolver that could withstand the demands of high-volume shooting while maintaining exceptional accuracy.
The L-frame design was a pivotal moment in Smith & Wesson’s history, allowing them to create a more versatile platform. This frame construction combined the best features of the K-frame, offering a relatively compact size, with the durability of the N-frame. The strength of the L-frame allowed it to handle the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge comfortably, without sacrificing user-friendliness. The success of the 586 established the L-frame as a cornerstone of S&W’s revolver line.
As the 586 gained popularity, Smith & Wesson introduced various iterations, including different barrel lengths and finishes. This variety catered to the diverse needs of shooters, from concealed carry enthusiasts to competitive target shooters. The 586’s adaptability and inherent accuracy cemented its status as a benchmark for revolver design. The heritage of the 586 line sets the stage for its evolved forms, all inheriting the essential traits of reliability and shootability that have marked their long-lasting success.
Examining the Details: Design and Features of the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp
Let’s now turn our attention to the specific features of the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp. The first impression is one of balance and purposeful design. It’s not simply a repurposed design, but rather a revolver built to excel. The overall aesthetic is both modern and practical, with an emphasis on functionality. The clean lines and deliberate design elements make the 586 L Comp instantly recognizable as a high-performance firearm.
A critical element of the 586 L Comp’s design is its barrel, which is specifically engineered to work with the integrated compensator. The barrel length is chosen to optimize the effects of the compensator, providing the best combination of reduced muzzle rise and recoil management. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, the barrel offers both durability and resistance to corrosion. The precision rifling ensures that the bullet exits the barrel with the necessary stability to attain accuracy.
The heart of this revolver’s performance enhancement is its integrated compensator. It is expertly designed to redirect propellant gases upward, reducing muzzle rise and recoil. This technology allows for faster follow-up shots and improved shot grouping, which are critical elements of achieving top scores in competitive shooting. The effectiveness of the compensator is immediately apparent to the shooter. It noticeably tames the .357 Magnum’s powerful recoil, allowing for greater control and accuracy at higher rates of fire.
The frame is, of course, built upon the sturdy L-frame. The L-frame is known for providing an excellent balance of size, weight, and strength. The 586 L Comp provides a comfortable and ergonomic platform to which the shooter can easily adapt. The grip is typically designed to provide an outstanding feel. Most models have an ergonomic grip that perfectly contours the hand, offering secure purchase and control. This feature is essential for maintaining a steady grip during rapid firing, enabling precise shot placement even under pressure. This design is meant to provide a better feel for competitive applications.
The sights are an essential aspect of a competition firearm. The front sight often features a highly visible fiber optic insert, which draws the eye instantly to the target. The rear sight is typically adjustable, allowing the shooter to fine-tune their point of impact. The design of the sights, combined with the compensator, offers a clear sight picture. This setup is optimized for fast target acquisition and precise aiming, which are critical elements for successful competition shooting.
The trigger is carefully designed to facilitate accurate shooting. It can function both in single-action (SA) and double-action (DA) modes. In single-action mode, the trigger pull is light and crisp, enabling precise shot placement. In double-action mode, the trigger pull is smooth. This offers versatility and gives the shooter options for any specific scenario. The trigger, being of superior quality, gives a great feel for both experienced and entry-level shooters.
The cylinder is, of course, the essential part of the revolver. It’s engineered to accommodate the .357 Magnum cartridge, though the firearm is also chambered for the .38 Special. The cylinder’s robust design and capacity ensure consistent and reliable performance. The chambers are carefully aligned, assuring accuracy.
The construction materials, primarily stainless steel and high-quality components, play a crucial role in the 586 L Comp’s durability and performance. The stainless steel ensures a long service life and resistance to corrosion, which is beneficial in all environments. The high-grade components contribute to the overall reliability of the firearm, providing the shooter with confidence in its consistent performance.
Experience and Performance: Putting the 586 L Comp to the Test
The true measure of any firearm lies in its performance on the range. The Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp delivers. The effects of the compensator are immediately noticeable upon firing. Recoil is significantly reduced, which allows for quicker follow-up shots and improved control. This characteristic is vital for success in any competitive shooting discipline. The rapid acquisition of targets becomes a definite possibility with the design and engineering.
The accuracy potential of the 586 L Comp is exceptional. The combination of its quality barrel, adjustable sights, and trigger allows for tight shot groupings at various distances. Shooters will easily see themselves scoring high scores. Whether it’s target shooting or competing, the 586 L Comp consistently delivers impressive results.
The ergonomics of the 586 L Comp contribute to its outstanding handling. The grip fits comfortably in the hand, and the balanced weight of the revolver makes it easy to point and control. The controls are placed within easy reach, allowing for natural and intuitive manipulation. This combination of features makes the 586 L Comp a pleasure to shoot. The ease of handling is suitable for a wide array of skill levels.
The trigger pull is smooth and predictable, whether operating in single-action or double-action mode. The light and crisp single-action trigger facilitates precision shooting, while the smooth double-action trigger allows for consistent performance in rapid-fire situations. The trigger is a significant factor in the overall shooting experience and accuracy.
Reliability is paramount, and the 586 L Comp excels in this area. The robust construction and high-quality components ensure consistent and reliable performance. The revolver is designed to withstand the rigors of high-volume shooting without malfunctions. Shooters can rely on the 586 L Comp to perform flawlessly.
Defining the Purpose: Intended Use and the Ideal Shooter
The Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp is specifically designed for competitive shooting. The features of the gun are specifically tailored for shooters who want to improve their scores. The compensator, the sights, and the overall design are optimized for speed and accuracy. The reduced recoil and enhanced sight picture are all features which help competitors excel.
While competition shooting is its primary purpose, the 586 L Comp is also suitable for other applications. It’s a great gun for target shooting and informal plinking. The gun is a fun firearm. The accuracy and performance it gives makes it a pleasure to own. However, it’s not necessarily designed as a primary self-defense firearm due to its size and specific features, which are optimized for competition.
The ideal shooter for the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp is an experienced shooter or a competitive shooting enthusiast. Shooters that want to elevate their shooting skills will find great benefit in owning and using the 586 L Comp. Shooters who are new to shooting will also find it manageable and fun to shoot with. The gun gives a good opportunity for new shooters to improve their skills.
Weighing the Options: Pros and Cons of the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp
There are both advantages and disadvantages to owning a Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp. Let’s examine them.
The advantages are many, and are the very essence of why you would want this gun. The biggest advantage is the reduction in recoil. The compensator makes the .357 Magnum cartridge much easier to control, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy. The accuracy potential is exceptionally high. The combination of the precision barrel, adjustable sights, and crisp trigger allows for consistently tight shot groupings. The ergonomics and handling characteristics are excellent. The grip fits comfortably in the hand. The revolver is balanced and easy to point and control. The sight picture is clear, with the fiber optic front sight drawing the eye immediately to the target. The trigger is designed for consistency. The smooth trigger pull and the choice of single or double-action make the shooting experience more enjoyable.
However, there are also disadvantages to consider. The price point can be high compared to other revolver models or manufacturers. The muzzle blast, due to the compensator, is more significant compared to revolvers without compensators. This is more of a factor when shooting outdoors or in a controlled environment. The firearm may not be ideal for all shooting disciplines. The compensator can make it unsuitable for some competitions. Lastly, as we said before, there are better options for a self-defense firearm.
The Aftermarket and Customization: Making the 586 L Comp Your Own
The Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp can be further customized. There are aftermarket grips that enhance ergonomics and aesthetics. Aftermarket springs and trigger kits that allow for improved trigger performance. These can be added to customize the experience.
Final Thoughts: A Revolver for the Discerning Shooter
The Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp is a compelling firearm that delivers on its promise of performance and precision. Its combination of engineering, accuracy, and shootability is made possible through its design. The integrated compensator, the ergonomic design, and the high-quality sights make it a formidable competitor in any shooting match. The gun is perfect for experienced shooters and competitive enthusiasts. The 586 L Comp offers a remarkable shooting experience.
Whether you’re seeking a competitive edge or simply appreciate a well-engineered firearm, the Smith & Wesson 586 L Comp is worth considering. It’s a testament to S&W’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating a revolver that’s both powerful and refined. The 586 L Comp is more than just a firearm; it’s a statement. It’s a statement of your commitment to excellence, your appreciation for craftsmanship, and your love of the shooting sports. It is, ultimately, a masterpiece of modern revolver design, engineered for those who demand the best.
