SMITH & WESSON 686 PLUS
Posted May 26, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is one of the most iconic revolvers of all time. Born in the mid-1980s from a long line of S&W .357 Magnum revolvers, the 686 quickly earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and accurate handguns of its era. The 686 Plus, released in 1999, tweaked the design to address some of the shortcomings of the original, resulting in a near-perfect handgun for self-defense, target shooting, and handgun hunting.
The 686 Plus is a double-action revolver with a 6-round cylinder chambered in .357 Magnum. It also can fire softer-shooting .38 Special rounds, allowing the user to choose the best load for a given situation. The frame is constructed from S&W’s proprietary TactiCoat-treated carbon steel, which resists moisture and dirt, and receives a matte finish for a rugged but stylish look. The barrel is just over 4-inches long, making it legal for concealed carry in all fifty states.
The trigger pull of the 686 Plus feels smooth right out of the box. The action of the trigger is clean, and there is almost no sponginess. The double-action is tuned for a crisp, consistent pull that is light enough to allow for fast firing but heavy enough to resist accidental discharge. The trigger pull is about 8-pounds when the revolver is cocked and about 11-pounds when not cocked.
The 686 Plus has a red ramped front sight and an adjustable white-outlined rear sight for improved accuracy. A set of adjustable target-style sights can be added for more precise shots at the range. The grip is made from durable Hogue Monogrip and is textured for improved handling and recoil control. The grip also helps the shooter aim more precisely, allowing them to get on target faster and make corrections with less effort.
At just 38-ounces unloaded, the 686 Plus is slightly heavier than most semi-automatic handguns. This extra weight helps to absorb recoil, reducing felt recoil and making it easier to shoot rapid-fire strings and stay on target. The added weight also makes the 686 Plus more stable when shooting off-hand, reducing the amount of effort required to make quick and accurate shots. The 686 Plus is also well-balanced, making it easy to stay on target and follow up shots quickly.
When it comes to reliability and safety, the 686 Plus is hard to beat. Smith & Wesson engineers have designed the revolver to have a reliable ignition system and tight tolerances. This results in a gun that is less likely to malfunction and can be safely handled with confidence. The metal components have also been through intense testing and are designed to withstand the rigors of extended use.
The 686 Plus’s accuracy is also well-regarded, and the gun can easily hold its own with more expensive competition pistols. The barrel length and porting allows for a longer sight radius and better control, resulting in improved accuracy. The adjustable sights also allow the user to dial in the gun’s point of aim, improving accuracy further.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is one of the best revolver options for self-defense, target shooting, and handgun hunting. Its combination of reliability, accuracy, and versatility make it a great choice for most shooters. It may not be the lightest or the least expensive of the .357 Magnum revolvers on the market, but with proper care it is sure to last a lifetime.
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Durable and reliable revolver made with quality materials
• 6 round capacity with various barrel lengths available
• Available in a variety of calibers, including .357 Magnum and .38 Special
• Excellent accuracy and manageable recoil
• Ambidextrous design
• Red ramp front sight for easy target acquisition
Cons
• Expensive compared to similar revolvers
• Heavy for concealed carry
• Not suitable for full-size duty use due to limited capacity compared to other revolvers
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a popular revolver option for self-defense, hunting, target shooting, and competition shooting. It is an ideal choice for those who are experienced shooters as it requires a certain level of skill and familiarity with revolvers. Those who are new to handguns should first practice with a simpler revolver model before attempting to shoot a 686 Plus. Finally, due to its powerful caliber and price tag, the 686 Plus may not be suitable for those looking for an entry-level revolver.
Comparisons
| Smith & Wesson 686 Plus | Uberti 1873 | Rossi R92 | Taurus Tracker | Ruger Blackhawk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum, .38 S&W Special +P | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Capacity | 7 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 9 Rounds | 6 Rounds |
| Barrel length | 6 in | 20 in | 20 in | 6.5 in | 7.5 in |
| Weight | 42.6 oz | 59.5 oz | 46 oz | 46.6 oz | 43 oz |
| Grip material | Wood | Wood | Wood | Rubber | Rubber |
| Finishes Available | Blued | Blued,Case Hardened, Color Case Hardened | Blued, Case Hardened | Blued, Stainless | Blued, Stainless |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special Plus P
• Barrel Length: 4-inch/6-inch
• Capacity: 6/7 Rounds
• Action: Single/double action
• Grips: Custom Wood
• Frame: Large
• Finish: Satin Stainless
• Sight: Adjustable Rear/Fixed Ramp Front
Popular Accessories
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- Hogue Rubber Monogrip - This is one of the most popular and highly rated grips for the 686 Plus and is designed to absorb a significant amount of shock and recoil.
- Cylinder Release - The cylinder release for the 686 Plus is a great addition for those looking to quickly access the handgun's cylinder with ease.
- Speed Loader - A speed loader is a must for those who shoot their revolver a lot. It allows for quick and easy loading of 6-shot cylinders.
- Scope Mount - If you're looking to add a scope to your Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, a scope mount provides an easy and secure way to attach one.
- Flashlight - A scope mounted flashlight will help you aim in dark conditions and is a great safety feature in case of a home invasion.
- Laser Sight - Laser sights are a great accessory as they allow for a greater degree of accuracy and a faster target acquisition.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a highly accurate weapon, greatly providing its users with accuracy at all distances. The 686 Plus revolver is known for its excellent double-action trigger and crisp single-action trigger, making it easier to accurately hit your target. Its overall balance and weight are also of great benefit to the shooter. The 686 Plus also features an adjustable rear sight for precise accuracy and a crisp, clean action for more reliable performance. All in all, the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a highly accurate firearm that will surely provide the user with satisfactory accuracy at all ranges.
