SMITH & WESSON 686-3
Posted May 25, 2023
Smith & Wesson 686-3 is one of the most trusted and respected revolvers on the market. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a rugged, reliable and accurate handgun. With an all-stainless steel construction and a 7-round capacity, the 686-3 is an ideal gun for self-defense and target shooting alike.
The Smith & Wesson 686-3 is a double-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum/.38 Special cartridges. As with all other Smith & Wesson revolvers, it arrives at the factory in “Plus P” form, which utilizes a heavier spring and a modified cylinder to generate increased pressure from higher-pressure cartridges.
The 686-3 is an all-stainless steel pistol, making it exceptionally durable. Its frame is constructed of stainless steel, while the cylinder, barrel, hammer, trigger, and other components are also constructed of stainless steel. This makes the 686-3 particularly resistant to wear and corrosion, ensuring a lifetime of use.
The barrel of the 686-3 is six inches in length, and is built to Smith & Wesson’s legendary quality. It features leading-edge rifling technology, which creates superior accuracy and improved performance. The 686-3 also offers adjustable sights, allowing the user to dial in their perfect shooting configuration.
When it comes to ergonomics, the 686-3 offers a classic Smith & Wesson feel. It utilizes a crisp single-action trigger, with adjustable overtravel and creep. The gun also sports a comfortable rubber-gripped frame, and the grip is shaped to provide an extremely secure and comfortable fit for most users.
The Smith & Wesson 686-3 is an exceptionally reliable revolver. This is primarily due to its all-stainless construction, but the quality parts and precise assembly ensure that the gun delivers reliable performance shot after shot. The 686-3 utilizes a gas-sealed cylinder, which ensures that the cylinder remains tight and secure under the harshest conditions.
Accuracy-wise, the 686-3 is an excellent option. Its adjustable sights and micro-precise rifling technology provide shooters with excellent accuracy out to 25 yards. For target shooting, the 686-3 is an excellent choice, with the ability to fire shots consistently in the same area. For self-defense purposes, the 686-3’s accuracy gives users the confidence to take precise shots in pressure situations.
When it comes to recoil, the 686-3 is surprisingly comfortable to operate. Its stainless steel construction helps to absorb the recoil of heavier loads, giving users the confidence to shoot larger, more powerful cartridges. The 686-3 also comes with a factory-installed rubber grip, which does a great job of mitigating the recoil of the gun.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson 686-3 is an outstanding revolver. It is highly reliable, incredibly accurate, and features a host of modern features that make it well-suited for the modern shooter. The 686-3 is an excellent choice for both defensive and recreational purposes, making it one of the best revolvers on the market.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable and durable construction
-Accurate and powerful, especially with .357 Magnum rounds
-Classic design with minimalistic and straightforward features
-A comfortable grip size and shape
-High-end adjustable trigger
-Compatible with many aftermarket parts and features
Cons:
-Expensive compared to other firearms
-Heavyweight design can be cumbersome for some users
-Do not have the latest features available on newer models
-Parts, especially internal parts, can be difficult and expensive to find
Who Should Buy
This gun is meant for experienced shooters who need accuracy, durability, and reliability. However, individuals who are not experienced should not purchase this gun because it has some more serious features that require knowledge and experience to use safely and properly.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Weight | Barrel Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson 686-3 | .357 Magnum | 40 oz. | 4” |
| Ruger GP100 | .357 Magnum | 45 oz. | 4.2” |
| Colt Python | .357 Magnum | 43 oz. | 4” |
| Rossi R92 | .357 Magnum | 49 oz. | 16” |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
•Barrel Length: 4"
•Capacity: 6 Rounds
•Action: Double/Single Action
•Weight: 2.1 lbs
•Overall Length: 9.5"
•Grip: Synthetic
•Sights: Adjustable Rear/Red Ramp Front
Popular Accessories
revolvers?
- Holster: A quality holster is a must for carrying and protecting your Smith & Wesson 686-3 revolver.
- Cleaning Accessories: Keeping your revolver clean and corrosion-free is crucial, so getting a good cleaning kit is highly recommended.
- Sights: Many gun owners opt to get aftermarket sights for their Smith & Wesson 686-3 revolvers to better their accuracy.
- Grips: Getting the most comfortable grip is key when it comes to accuracy and handling, so some upgraded grips can help with that.
- Rails and Mounts: Adding rails and mounts to your Smith & Wesson 686-3 revolver can make it more versatile and help you attach more accessories.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 686-3 is a highly accurate revolver. It is capable of producing tight groupings with precision, even at farther distances. The revolver has a 6-inch barrel and adjustable sights for excellent accuracy potential. The trigger is smooth and has a good weight to ensure consistent shots. The barrel also features a full-lug design which adds to the overall accuracy of the gun. The 686-3 is a reliable and accurate gun, making it an excellent choice for target shooting and competition applications.
