SMITH & WESSON 686 PERFORMANCE
Posted May 26, 2023
Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center handgun is a beautiful model that has a lot of power and can be relatively easy to handle. It has a stainless steel frame and a comfortable ergonomics design that make it a great choice for people of all skill levels. In addition to its aesthetics, the 686 has a lot of power and accuracy potential.
Since Smith & Wesson first began manufacturing pistols in the late 19th century, it has become one of America’s most popular firearms companies. Through a penchant for innovation and quality control, Smith & Wesson have created many iconic handguns, the 686 Performance Center edition being one of the finest.
When I first laid eyes on the 686, I was blown away. The stainless steel frame and beautiful matte black finish made it look ready to take on anything. Its large 6” barrel commands attention from any room. The 686 Performance Center edition is built for accuracy and function, and it certainly delivers on both counts.
One of the first things I noticed about the 686 was the ergonomics. The grip is crafted from checkered wood, and wrapped in G10 laminate for a comfortable hold. The extraordinary grip angle and checkered front and backstrap fit my hand perfectly. Additionally, the ergonomically designed trigger guard makes it comfortable to shoot even on extended shooting sessions.
The second thing I noticed was the star of the show, the 686’s barrel. The 686 has a 6” ported barrel that reduces muzzle flip and recoil. This makes shooting quick, accurate follow-up shots a breeze. The Hi-Viz sights make it easy to acquire your target quickly and accurately. Additionally, the 686 has a red ramp, white outline rear sight and a red ramp, serrated front sight; all of which help to improve accuracy.
The Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center is a perfect blend of power and accuracy. The 686 has a seven-round capacity and a velocity of up to 1350 feet per second. This is enough to deliver multiple shots effectively and accurately when needed. Additionally, the 686’s crisp trigger pull adds an extra level of precision to one’s shots. The on frame safety allows for quick access the gun in the middle of a threat while also maintaining the needed safety.
The 686 has outstanding performance, no doubt, but it also looks great. The stainless steel frame and matte black finish give the 686 a sleek, professional look. The Performance Center logo on the barrel is striking and instantly recognizable. The well-crafted wood grips give the firearm an air of sophistication. All in all, the Preformance Center 686 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for power, accuracy, and a great look.
In terms of maintenance, the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center is easy to clean and maintain. All you need is a few basic tools and the easy instructions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, the 686 is a great choice for a reliable self-defense firearm due to its accuracy potential in discussions and combat drills.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center is an excellent handgun that delivers both in terms of accuracy and power. With its stainless steel frame, matte black finish, and wood grips, it’s an appealing firearm that looks as good as it performs. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the 686 is an excellent option for personal defense, target shooting, and anywhere in between. Its ergonomics allow for comfortable shooting while its ported barrel provides enough power to keep up with any situation. All in all, the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center is an excellent handgun that can be trusted to deliver both power and accuracy with every shot.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Excellent accuracy
- Versatile and capable of using different types of ammunition
- Easy to maintain and requires minimal cleaning and lubrication
- Durable and reliable with an ability to withstand heavy use
- Good sights, ergonomics and a smooth trigger pull
- Optional adjustable barrel weights for increased accuracy and recoil management
Cons:
- Expensive and may be cost-prohibitive for some shooters
- Heavyweight frame may make it difficult to handle for some users
- Limited availability of ammunition and parts
- Long barrel can be cumbersome in close quarters or when firing from a barricade
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance are experienced, responsible, law-abiding gun owners. The Smith & Wesson 686 Performance is a firearm intended for home defense, target shooting, hunting, and other forms of recreational and competitive shooting. An appropriate amount of training and knowledge is necessary for safe and proper use.
Those who should not buy the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance are those who lack the experience and training for proper firearm usage, are not responsible, or are not law-abiding citizens. Those who are not of legal age to own a firearm should also not buy the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance.
Comparisons
| Ruger GP1 | Sig Sauer P220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Double Action | Double Action | Double Action |
| 7 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 8 Rounds |
| 11.625" / 13.875" | 7.5" | 7.7" |
| .357 Magnum / .38 Special | 9mm Luger | .45 Auto |
| $729.99 | $649.99 | $999.99 |
Features / Specs
-Caliber: .357 magnum
-Barrel length: 4 inches
-Weight: 42 ounces
-Overall length: 9.5 inches
-Sight radius: 6.6 inches
-Magazine capacity: 6 rounds
-Trigger: Smooth-faced 2-piece
-Action: Double-action/single-action
-Grip: Synthetic
Popular Accessories
CENTER
Some popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center include:
- Holsters: Leather or nylon holsters are important to ensure that the gun is securely stored, even when worn on the body.
- Rails: Rails typically provide more precise accuracy when targeting, as many models come with adjustable mounts or slots.
- Sight Systems: Most firearms come with adjustable front and rear sights, but the Performance Center 686 often comes with fiber optic sights that are more precise.
- Grips: Grips are important to ensure a secure hold on the gun, and the Performance Center 686 often includes Magna Tuff synthetic grips.
- Barrels: Performance Center 686s typically come with high-quality barrels that are made of stainless steel and match grade.
- Speedloaders: Speedloaders are often a great addition, as they reduce the time needed to reload the gun and come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center is an outstanding revolver that offers amazing accuracy. It has a tight lock-up barrel-to-frame fit that eliminates any side-to-side movement of the cylinder, and a 7-round cylinder capacity that gives you plenty of ammo for whatever situation arises. On the range, it proves its accuracy. As long as you’re using quality ammunition, you can expect consistent, tight groups shooting from 25 yards or even farther. With a properly tuned trigger, its accuracy can be on par with much more expensive revolvers and match the precision of revolvers twice its price. It is also backed by a lifetime service policy that ensures top-level service, so you can be sure that your 686 will be dependable for years to come.
