SMITH & WESSON 686-4
Posted Jun 14, 2023
Smith & Wesson is one of the oldest and most popular gun manufacturers in the world. It is no surprise that their 686-4 revolver is still a top choice with gun enthusiasts. This timeless classic is often seen on the hip of those wanting to protect themselves or hunt. The reputation the Smith & Wesson 686-4 has earned over the years is one of dependability, quality, and great craftsmanship.
The Smith & Wesson 686-4 is a .357 Magnum revolver, which is the most powerful handgun caliber offered by the company. It is a medium frame, 6 shot double action/single action revolver and is available in various barrel lengths, ranging from 2.5 inches up to 8.3 inches. It features a stainless steel construction, as well as adjustable rear sights and hot-hammer forged rifling for increased accuracy. The 686-4 also has a vented rib along the top of the barrel and a hand-checkered walnut grip for added comfort and control.
The Smith & Wesson 686-4 is a great choice for home defense, or for a day at the range. The 686-4 is a very reliable and trustworthy piece of equipment, but one of its strongest features is its accuracy. The revolver has been known to shoot consistently tight groups at distances that handguns of this size and power would be hard pressed to achieve in most situations. Along with its great accuracy, the 686-4 is known for its ease of use. It is a revolver, so there are no external parts that need to be maintained or adjusted in order to fire it. All that is needed to operate the 686-4 is to pull the trigger, which can be done either in double action mode (pull the trigger and the cylinder rotates and the hammer falls automatically) or single action mode (pull the trigger and the hammer falls manually). The 686-4 also features a smooth, consistent double action trigger pull ensuring every shot is just as good as the first.
The Smith & Wesson 686-4 is also very rugged and reliable. It is constructed of heat-treated stainless steel that is highly corrosion resistant, and it features a mechanically locked cylinder that will not misfire or fail. Additionally, the 686-4 is designed with reliable and durable internals, which is something Smith & Wesson has been known for since the 19th century. Finally, the 686-4 comes with Smith & Wesson’s lifetime service policy, so shooters can be sure they will always have someone to turn to if the revolver ever needs to be serviced or replaced.
The Smith & Wesson 686-4 is an excellent firearm that will provide owners with years of reliable service and top-of-the-line accuracy. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable revolver that is also accurate and easy to use. The 686-4 also offers a great degree of customization, with various sight, grip, and barrel options available. Additionally, the gun is backed by Smith & Wesson’s lifetime service policy, giving owners the peace of mind that their investment is safe. So if you’re in the market for a reliable and accurate revolver, the Smith & Wesson 686-4 is a great choice and a timeless classic.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• The Smith & Wesson 686-4 is considered a classic revolver and is highly regarded as one of the best all-around handguns.
• It is highly reliable and fired nearly 1,100 rounds with a zero malfunction rate.
• 686-4 is exceptionally accurate and provides a comfortable shooting experience.
• It is well-made with attention to detail.
• The frame and cylinder are made from stainless steel and offer excellent durability.
• It is chambered in .357 Magnum and can also handle .38 Special rounds.
Cons:
• The Smith & Wesson 686-4 is heavier than other handguns due to its all-steel construction.
• It is more expensive than other revolvers in its class.
• It has a traditional double-action trigger which requires multiple pulls of the trigger for each shot.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 686-4 should be purchased by responsible gun owners who are knowledgeable about the proper use and storage of firearms. It should not be purchased by people who are unfamiliar with its use and safety, as well as those who are under the age of 21.
Comparisons
| SPECS | SMITH & WESSON 686-4 | SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 | SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE | RUGER REDHAWK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum | .41 Magnum | .357 Magnum | .44 Magnum |
| Weight | 42 oz | 52 oz | 15 oz | 47 oz |
| Barrel Length | 4 in | 6 in | 1 7/8 in | 6 in |
Features / Specs
- 6 Round Cylinder
• 6” Barrel Length
• Adjustable Rear Sight
• Adjustable Partridge Front Sight
• 6-Position Taupe Synthetic Stock
• Matte Black Finish
• Receiver Top Picatinny Rail
• Overall Length 11”
• Weight 46 Oz.
• Ergonomically Designed Grip
• Proprietary Recoil Reduction System
Popular Accessories
revolvers?
- Holsters: A wide variety of holsters are available to fit the Smith & Wesson 686-4 revolver including shoulder, belt, IWB (inside the waistband), and OWB (outside the waistband) styles.
- Grips: Synthetic or wood grips are popular for the Smith & Wesson 686-4.
- Speedloaders: Speedloaders and moon clips are popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson 686-4 as they allow the shooter to quickly load and unload their revolver.
- Sights: Many aftermarket sights are available for the Smith & Wesson 686-4, including adjustable sights and laser sights.
- Scope Mounts: Scope mounts are available for the Smith & Wesson 686-4, allowing for the addition of a wider variety of optics to the revolver.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 686-4 is renowned for its accuracy. It’s a budget-friendly revolver with superb craftsmanship and features. The 686-4 has a 6-round cylinder, adjustable sights, and a Smooth Triple Lock Cylinder. This revolver was designed and constructed to produce reliable accuracy. The 686-4 is adjustable, allowing the shooter to customize the accuracy to their preference. For an all-around great gun with top-tier accuracy, you can't go wrong with the Smith & Wesson 686-4 revolver.
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