SMITH & WESSON 686-6
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 686-6 is a wonderful choice for those in the market for a classic .357 Magnum revolver. This gun offers a combination of both accuracy and versatility, making it a great all-around choice for shooters of all experience levels.
The 686-6 wears a 6 inch barrel, which in combination with the full size frame makes this gun very comfortable to use and shoot. The barrel is made out of stainless steel, while the frame is made of aluminum alloy. This makes the gun relatively lightweight, allowing you to take it to the range or out into the field without worrying too much about its weight. The barrel is not as flashy as those found on some other Smith & Wesson revolvers, but its plain, practical design certainly compliments the overall feel of the gun.
The 686-6 utilizes a three-piece jointed-arm bridge with lockup between the cylinder and frame that helps to optimize accuracy and extend the life of the revolver. The arms move around the cylinder and grips to allow for greater accuracy, and at the same time, provide a more secure way of locking the gun up. Smith & Wesson did not cut corners with this gun, and this design shows.
This gun is very accurate and well made. The trigger pull is smooth and predictable, the sights are quick to acquire targets and the accuracy is spot on. There is very little in the way of felt recoil, and if you are used to shooting standard .357 revolvers, you will love the accuracy and soft shooting characteristics of this gun. Even with heavier .357 Magnum loads, the gun is very manageable to shoot.
Another great feature of the 686-6 is its adjustable rear sight. This allows you to customize the sight picture, which is great for shooting at longer distances. The revolver includes a fiber optic front sight, making it easier to acquire targets with.
The 686-6 is well suited for use as a home-defense gun. Its larger size and weight make it harder for an intruder to take away from you if you are attacked. Additionally, the gun’s impressive accuracy and manageable recoil make it very appealing as a self-defense firearm. The gun is also made with a heavy duty frame and cylinder, which helps to ensure reliability and longevity.
The 686-6 comes with a rubber grip that can be easily replaced with a more ergonomic design if desired. The gun also comes with a recognizable, comfortable Smith & Wesson logo embedded in the grip, giving it a nice, classic look.
The Smith & Wesson 686-6 is an excellent choice for those who are in the market for a reliable, accurate, and versatile .357 Magnum revolver. The construction is solid, the accuracy is spot on, and the adjustable sights allow for a customized sight picture. Its size and weight make it well suited for both range use and home-defense. The 686-6 is also comfortable to shoot, with its predictable trigger and manageable recoil. All in all, this gun is an excellent choice for shooters of all skill levels.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-High quality craftsmanship
-Reliable and accurate
-High capacity magazine (6-shot)
-Extremely durable for long-term use
-Ergonomic design for comfort
-Wide variety of sight and accessory options
Cons:
-Heavy and bulky size
-High price tag
-Longer action than other revolvers
-Limited to only .357 Magnum ammunition
-High recoil for beginner shooters
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a reliable and well-built revolver for recreational shooting or personal protection should consider the Smith & Wesson 686-6. It is an accurate firearm that is great for self-defense and has the potential to become an heirloom. The price tag, however, may be too high for some gun enthusiasts. Therefore, anyone looking for an entry-level revolver should look elsewhere.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON 686-6 | SMITH & WESSON 686-4 | SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 | SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Double/Single Action | Double/Single Action | Single Action | Double Action |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum/.38 Spl | .357 Magnum/.38 Spl | .41 Magnum | .357 magnum/.38 Spl |
| Grip | Wood | Wood | Wood | Hogue |
| Barrel Length | 6" | 4" | 8 3/8" | 2" |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 5 rounds |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 Special
•Capacity: 6 Rounds
•Barrel Length: 4”
•Overall Length: 9.5”
•Sights: Red Ramp Front, Adjustable Rear
•Action: Double/Single
•Grip: Synthetic
•Weight: 34.2 oz
•Frame: Stainless Steel
•Finish: Satin Stainless
Popular Accessories
Revolvers?
- Speed Loaders – Speed loaders allow you to quickly and easily reload your revolver with speed and accuracy.
- Revolver Sights – Aftermarket sights such as fiber optic or dot sights, can help you aim more accurately.
- Grips – Various grips provide improved comfort and control when shooting.
- Trigger Lock – A trigger lock can provide extra security when storing your revolver.
- Cleaning Kit – A cleaning kit ensures your firearm is always performing reliably and accurately.
- Laser Sights – Laser sights help you quickly and accurately acquire and maintain a shooting target.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 686-6 is a highly accurate gun with superb shot to shot consistency. Its 6-in barrel and full-length underlug add to its intrinsic accuracy and improved stability when shooting. Additionally, the 686-6’s adjustable rear sights allow shooters to make quick and precise accuracy adjustments depending on the ammunition and environment. As far as handguns go, the Smith & Wesson 686-6 has a great reputation for accuracy compared to other handguns in its class.
