SMITH & WESSON 686-6 PERFORMANCE CENTER COMPETITOR
Posted Jun 12, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is a revolver designed for target shooting and competition use. It’s a .357 Magnum double-action revolver featuring a 6-shot cylinder, adjustable sights, and a 2.5-inch barrel.
The 686-6 has been in production since 1995 and is still being produced by S&W in various variations of finish. It’s a reliable, well made revolver with adjustable sights and reliable triggers. It’s also rated for use with .38 Special ammunition, as well as 9mm PARA and .44 Special. It’s the fourth variant in the Performance Center line.
In terms of aesthetics, the 686-6 looks great. The adjustable front and rear sights are tastefully incorporated into the matte finish, and the frame has a classic style to it. The Performance Center logo is tastefully placed and doesn’t take away from the traditional look of the gun.
The adjustable sights are a great feature to have and allow you to get better accuracy by tailoring the sights to your needs. The sight picture is very clear and provides a great aiming point with a well lit white center.
The gun is well balanced with a hammer in the double-action mode, and it has comfortable and secure grips. The 6-shot cylinder is easily removable and reloadable with speedloaders. The cylinder release is easy to locate and access, and you don’t have to worry about pinching your fingers when reloading the gun with a speedloader.
The trigger is one of the best features of the 686-6. It’s very smooth and light in the double-action mode and crisp and light in the single-action mode. There’s very minimal creep and over-travel, so accuracy is improved. The single-action trigger pull is between 2 and 3 pounds, and the double action pull is between 6 and 7 pounds. If you want a lighter trigger pull, you can have it worked on by a gunsmith.
In terms of accuracy, the Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is a very capable target shooting revolver. Out of the box, it’s capable of 1-inch groups at 25 yards with .38 Special ammunition. The gun is accurate and consistent with .357 Magnum ammunition as well, and it’s capable of a 1-inch groups at 50 yards.
As far as recoil is concerned, the 686-6 is comfortable to shoot despite its size and weight. Recoil is a non-issue with .38 Special loadings, and even with full power .357 Magnums, the recoil is manageable.
The 686-6 is an excellent revolver for target shooting, competition, and general recreational shooting. It’s well made, accurate, and a pleasure to shoot. The trigger is light and crisp, and the sights are adjustable to fit any shooter’s needs. With a 6-shot cylinder and reliable construction, the 686-6 is a great choice for shooters who need an accurate and reliable revolver that’s suitable for competition or target shooting.
Pros & Cons
Pros of the Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor:
- High quality, reliable, and accurate: The 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is made from high grade stainless steel and is known for being extremely reliable and accurate. The gun is also built to stand up to heavy-duty use in competitive settings.
- Smooth & light trigger pull: The trigger pull on the 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is incredibly smooth and light, making it ideal for precision shooting.
- Easy maintenance: The gun is easy to clean and maintain, meaning you don’t have to take it apart in order to make sure it’s in perfect working condition.
- Ergonomic: The 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, allowing you to have better control of the gun while shooting.
- Versatility: This firearm works well for both self-defense and competitive shooting, making it very versatile.
Cons of the Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor:
- Price: This gun is expensive, coming in at just under $1,000. This makes it unaffordable for some people.
- Limited capacity: The 686-6 Performance Center Competitor holds 6 rounds, making it not suitable for extended shooting sessions.
- Weight: At 4.67 lbs, the 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is a bit on the heavy side for some people.
- Barrel length: The 686-6 Performance Center Competitor has a 6-inch barrel, which may be a bit too long for some shooters.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is a revolver designed and manufactured for competitive shooters, and as such, it should primarily be purchased by competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and gun enthusiasts who are looking for an accurate and reliable competition handgun.
This revolver is not intended for recreational or home defense use and is therefore not recommended for non-competitive shooters or individuals planning to use the gun for self-protection purposes. This is due to the fact that the 686-6 has a longer barrel which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces as well as the fact that the revolver’s trigger is lighter than most self-defense models and is not ideal for spontaneous defensive situations.
Comparisons
| Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length: 4” | Barrel Length: 4” | Barrel Length: 4” | Barrel Length: 4.25” |
| Overall Length: 10” | Overall Length: 10.2” | Overall Length: 9.9” | Overall Length: 10.5” |
| Finish: Matte Silver | Finish: Black Silver | Finish: Stainless | Finish: Silver Cerakote |
| Wight: 40.8 oz | Weight: 41.5 oz | Weight: 39.5 oz | Weight: 39.6 oz |
| Capacity: 6 Round | Capacity: 9 Round | Capacity: 10 Round | Capacity: 8 Round |
Features / Specs
• Gauge: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
• Action: Double-action/single-action
• Capacity: 6-round cylinder
• Barrel Length: 6”
• Sight: Adjustable rear sight with red ramp front sight with interchangeable fiber-optic rods
• G10 grips
• Trigger: Skeletonized performance center trigger
• Frame: Stainless steel
• Finish: Satin Stainless
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the SMITH & WESSON 686-6 PERFORMANCE CENTER COMPETITOR include a high-quality holster, aftermarket grips, sights, and a trigger upgrade. Additionally, replacement recoil springs, guide rods, and firing pins are also popular upgrades for this revolver.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor is widely regarded as one of the most accurate handguns on the market. The Performance Center Competition Kit comes with a 6" fluted bull barrel, adjustable rear combat sight, and a ramp front sight, allowing the shooter to dial in their accuracy to the fullest extent. The gun features a smooth, soft trigger that makes it easier to control the weapon and shoot with greater accuracy. Many experienced shooters have reported consistently able to deliver 2-inch groups at 10 yards, and .75-inch groups at 30 yards. With proper care, maintenance, and practice tasks, many users are able to achieve even greater accuracy with the Smith & Wesson 686-6 Performance Center Competitor.
