Smith & Wesson PC 586 L-Comp 3″ .357 Mag 7rd
About this product
What is the Smith & Wesson PC 586 L-Comp 3″ .357 Mag 7rd? It is a Performance Center-tuned L-frame revolver blending competitive features like a ported barrel and 7-round cylinder with traditional carbon-steel construction, designed for experienced shooters who demand mechanical precision beyond standard factory offerings. This model represents a specific intersection of duty-ready capacity and hand-fitted action work, bridging the gap between utilitarian wheelguns and custom shop builds.
What is the Smith & Wesson PC 586 L-Comp 3" .357 Mag used for?
This revolver is built for intermediate-range precision shooting and defensive carry where a mid-size frame offers a superior balance of control and concealment over a full-size duty gun. The 3-inch ported barrel and tuned trigger pull, averaging 8.5 lbs in double-action from the factory, make it effective for target work out to 25 yards, while the tritium front sight provides immediate low-light acquisition essential for home defense scenarios.
How does the Smith & Wesson PC 586 L-Comp compare to a Ruger GP100 Match Champion?
The 586 L-Comp offers a more refined, Performance Center-tuned action and a 7-round capacity, whereas the Ruger GP100 Match Champion in .357 Magnum provides legendary durability with a 6-round cylinder and is generally 2-3 ounces heavier. For a shooter prioritizing a smoother, competition-ready trigger pull from the factory, the 586 L-Comp is superior; for someone valuing absolute overbuilt strength and a wider aftermarket, the Ruger is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 37.5 ounces (2.34 lbs) unloaded, with an overall length of 8.7 inches and a cylinder width of 1.56 inches. The 3-inch barrel features a full-underlug design, contributing to its forward balance, while the Altamont Rosewood grips have a circumference of approximately 5.9 inches, accommodating medium to large hands without being overly bulky for a belt holster.
Who is this NOT for?
The 586 L-Comp is not for first-time revolver buyers or those seeking a budget-friendly plinker, as its $1,456.99 price point and nuanced Performance Center tuning are wasted on casual range use. It’s also poorly suited for deep concealment compared to a polymer-frame Striker-Fired Pistol and is a suboptimal choice for high-volume .38 Special-only shooting where a lighter K-frame like those in our Stevens 334 rifle line might offer better value for the practice round.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 7-round moon clip, a Smith & Wesson branded lock, the factory Performance Center test target showing a 1.5-inch group at 15 yards, and the standard owner's manual and warranty card. Note that a cleaning kit and additional speed loaders are not included, which is typical for Performance Center models focused on the firearm itself.
Is the Smith & Wesson PC 586 L-Comp worth it at $1,456.99?
Yes, for the shooter who specifically needs a hand-tuned, mid-size .357 Magnum revolver with enhanced capacity and premium sights, bypassing the need for immediate aftermarket trigger work. The cost is justified by the Performance Center's action job, which would cost $300-500 if done post-purchase on a standard 586, and the integrated features like the ported barrel and night sight, making it a complete package rather than a project gun. For those whose needs are met by a standard production model or a dedicated Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for clay sports, this represents a significant investment in a specialized tool.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 7-round cylinder capacity - provides one more round than a standard 686 or Ruger GP100.
- Factory-tuned double-action trigger pull averages 8.5 lbs, approximately 2 lbs lighter and smoother than a standard 586 out of the box.
- 3-inch ported full-lug barrel reduces perceived recoil by an estimated 15-20% with .357 Magnum loads.
- Tritium front night sight provides immediate low-light targeting for approximately 12 years before requiring replacement.
Trade-offs
- 37.5 oz weight is significant for all-day belt carry compared to a 27 oz polymer striker-fired pistol.
- Blued carbon steel finish requires more diligent maintenance to prevent corrosion than stainless steel models like the S&W 686+.
- No included speed loader or pouch - an essential accessory for competition adds $25-40.
- The 3-inch barrel length, while balanced, sacrifices some ballistic velocity compared to a 4-inch or 6-inch barrel for hunting applications.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 022188701708 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 170170 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 3'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Black |
| length | 8'' |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| model | 586 |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 9.9 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 4.3 |
| sights | Tritium Night Front/Adj Black Board 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 the 586 L-Comp compatible with standard L-frame holsters?
- Yes, it will fit most holsters designed for a 3-inch barreled S&W L-frame, like the Model 686, but verify with the holster manufacturer regarding the specific full-lug barrel profile and any potential porting interference. I recommend checking with brands like Galco or Simply Rugged for confirmed compatibility lists.
- Does it fit standard .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the 586 L-Comp safely chambers and fires any SAAMI-spec .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition. The cylinder is precisely chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge length, so .38 Special cases will have a forward jump before ignition, which is normal and does not affect timing.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to departure from our warehouse, with transit times varying by carrier and location. Once the firearm ships, you will receive tracking information and must coordinate transfer with your selected FFL dealer, who will conduct the mandatory background check, a process that can add another 1-7 days depending on state law.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days of your FFL's transfer date. The firearm must be unfired, in its original packaging, with all accessories, and you must initiate an RMA through our customer service. For issues covered under Smith & Wesson's lifetime warranty, we can also facilitate direct service with their Performance Center, which usually has a 4-6 week turnaround.