SMITH & WESSON 686

Posted Jun 15, 2023

The Smith and Wesson 686 is, quite simply, one of the most popular revolvers in the world. This particular model has been around since 1982, and with over 1.5 million units sold, it’s nothing short of an impressive feat. The 686 is surprisingly lightweight, measuring in at just under 32 ounces unloaded, and is built on Smith and Wesson’s famous L-frame design. As such, it’s compact enough for everyday carry, yet powerful enough to be used as a home defense weapon.

When it comes to the build quality of the 686, it’s second to none. Smith and Wesson is well-known for its high standards of craftsmanship, and the 686 is no exception. The steel used in its construction is strong, yet lightweight, allowing for greater accuracy and stability in the shooter’s hands. It features a 4-inch barrel, perfect for target shooting or home defense. For those who prefer a longer barrel, Smith and Wesson offers longer barrel lengths of up to 6.5 inches.

One of the most appealing things about the 686 is its 6-round capacity. The 6 round cylinder allows for quick reloads when needed and also allows the shooter to carry spare rounds with ease. Additionally, the 686 also has an adjustable rear sight to help improve accuracy, and a ramped front sight to assist in fast target acquisition.

In terms of aesthetics, the 686 looks great no matter what you prefer. Its satin stainless look is both handsome and minimalist, especially with the attractive wooden grips. Part of the reason why the 686 has been so popular for so long is due to its classic design; while it may not be the fanciest revolver out there, its classic look ensures it won’t ever go out of style.

But, looks aren’t everything. How does the 686 perform? First off, the trigger pull is quite light, measuring at around 8 pounds out of the box. This is an ideal weight for both competition shooting and home defense, as it allows for a fast response time and allows for superior accuracy. Firing .357 magnum rounds, the 686 is more than capable of taking down any target, and it’s even capable of handling .38 special rounds.

Recoil is also minimal, due to the revolver’s design and weight distribution. This decreases muzzle flip, meaning one can fire the 686 as rapidly as they wish without worrying about over-exerting themselves or losing sight of the target. The 686 is also surprisingly accurate, even for a short-barreled revolver.

Finally, the 686 is quite possibly the most versatile revolver in existence. As mentioned before, the 686 can accept both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds. This means it can be used for recreational shooting, home defense, and even hunting. With the adjustable sights, it can be used for long-range shooting as well, making it a great option for anyone looking for a well-rounded revolver.

The Smith and Wesson 686 is, without a doubt, one of the best revolvers ever made. Its simple yet elegant design, long-lasting build quality, and extreme versatility make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable sidearm. Whether you’re looking for a competition shooting revolver, a home defense weapon, or a pistol that can do both, you can’t go wrong with the 686.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Durable and dependable construction

• Excellent ergonomics

• Available in various barrel lengths and finishes

• Highly versatile, suitable for recreational shooting, hunting, and target shooting.

• Accurate and reliable, with adjustable sights for better accuracy

• Easy to maintain and clean

• Accessible and flexible enough for a variety of shooter skill levels

Cons:

• The trigger can be a bit heavy

• Checkered grips can be uncomfortable for some shooters

• Expensive compared to other revolvers

• Long cylinder makes it difficult to fit in holsters

• Can recoil harshly for small-framed shooters

Who Should Buy

The Smith & Wesson 686 is a popular revolver among handgun users. It is suitable for experienced gun users and should be used safely in a responsible manner. Individuals who have received proper training in how to handle a firearm should consider purchasing this model.

This particular revolver is not suitable for individuals who lack experience in shooting firearms and have had limited or no training in gun safety. Individuals who lack experience and training should look into courses offered by gun ranges and firearms training programs. Additionally, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local laws when using any firearm.

Comparisons

	SMITH & WESSON 686-4	SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57	SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE
Caliber	.357 Magnum/.38Spl	.41 Magnum	.357 Magnum/.38Spl
Capacity	6 Rounds	6 Rounds	5 Rounds
Barrel Length	4”	4”	1.875”
Overall Length	9.6”	11.5”	6.3”
Front Sight	Red Ramp	Red Ramp	High Visibility Orange Ramp
Weight (no magazine)	36.3 oz	41.5 oz	12.7 oz

Features / Specs

-6-round capacity

-Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 Special

-Barrel length: 4”

-Overall length: 9.625”

-Weight: 38 ounces

-Frame: Stainless steel

-Sights: Red ramp front, adjustable white outline rear

-Grips: Synthetic, finger grooved

Popular Accessories

Revolver?

Holsters: Most popular holsters for the Smith & Wesson 686 include leather holsters, Kydex holsters, and pocket holsters.

Scope Mounts: There are a variety of scope mounts designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson 686, including picatinny rail mounts, reflex sight mounts, and adapter plates.

Grips: Popular grip options for the 686 include rubber grips, wood grips, and G10 grips. Some shooters also opt for grip-tape accessories to enhance grip control.

Speedloaders: Speedloaders are a must-have accessory for any revolver. There are a variety of speedloaders available for the Smith & Wesson 686.

Sights: Many shooters prefer to upgrade the sights on their Smith & Wesson 686. Popular options include fiber-optic and tritium night sights.

Accuracy

The Smith & Wesson 686 is renowned for its dependable accuracy. It is a reliable and precise shooting handgun offering superior accuracy at a wide range of distances. The 686 has a 6-round cylinder, adjustable rear sights, and a solid steel frame made of forged stainless steel—all of which contribute to its impressive accuracy. The 686 is surprisingly easy to shoot without compromising accuracy. In addition, its tight lock-up and smooth trigger pull make it easy to stay on target, allowing you to consistently hit your mark. With proper maintenance, the Smith & Wesson 686 maintains its accuracy and reliability for years to come.