SMITH & WESSON 686 PLUS
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson 686 Plus: A Thoroughly Reviewed Revolver
Regardless of whether you are an experienced gun enthusiast or a relative novice, the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a solid choice for a reliable and dependable revolver. With a lengthy history of more than a century of crafting quality firearms, Smith & Wesson has remained a leader in the firearms industry and the 686 Plus reaffirms this status. This revolver provides an excellent balance of features that make it suitable for a variety of shooting applications, including self-defense, action target shooting, hunting and more.
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a full-size, six-shot revolver available in either steel or stainless steel constructions. The gun has an external hammer and smooth double action trigger mechanism, as well as a full length ejector rod, a full-length under-barrel rib and full-length top strap. It has a 6-inch barrel for improved accuracy over shorter barrels. The 686 Plus is a “magazine fed” revolver, meaning that it is capable of loading six rounds of ammunition into the eight chambers within the cylinder.
The revolver has a sleek and slim grip design that allows for a comfortable fit for almost any hand size. The grip is also sculpted in such a way that allows the shooter to position their thumb easily and allowing for a consistent grip while firing. This can have a huge advantage in terms of increased accuracy and consistency when shooting.
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is designed around Smith & Wesson’s popular L-frame which is a medium-sized frame that is capable of withstanding the recoil created by more powerful ammunition. This design also maximizes the cylinder size which aids in reducing recoil even further while still allowing for a compact and well-balanced revolver.
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is designed around the time-tested and proven spring-loaded firing pin system. This allows for a much faster lock-up time for the trigger system, as well as a much lighter trigger pull weight. This helps to reduce fatigue and improve accuracy while firing. This also helps increase safety for the shooter as it reduces the likelihood of misfires and unintentional firings.
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus also utilizes the company’s high-quality barrel rifling technology which provides an exceptionally accurate firearm. The barrel is constructed from a stainless steel material in order to resist corrosion. The rifling within the barrel is designed in such a way that it imparts spin on the projectile as it is fired, thus allowing for more consistent and accurate shooter performance.
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus has an adjustable white outline rear sight and a red ramp front sight. Both sights are adjustable for windage and elevation. The rear sight is designed to allow for three different point of aim settings; a three-dot (beads) arrangement for a wide field of view and two-dot (bead) configuration for a more precise aiming solution.
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a reliable revolver that is designed to provide shooters with accuracy and dependability. The cylinder size, barrel length, and rifling design all combine to create an exceptionally accurate and reliable firearm. The adjustable sights allow for dialing-in the accuracy and the adjustable trigger helps to improve the control for the shooter. The L-frame materials allow for a more comfortable and consistent grip while shooting. The external hammer design and smooth double action trigger mechanism simplify the loading and firing process.
For those looking for a reputable revolver for hunting, self-defense, or simply plinking at the range, the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is an excellent choice. It is a reliable, highly accurate, and well-balanced firearm that is sure to please any shooter. The 686 Plus provides an excellent balance of function, features, and price that makes it a great choice for any level of shooter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Highly reliable and durable.
- High-capacity cylinder holds more rounds than other revolvers.
- Ergonomic design allows for comfortable and accurate shooting.
- It has a good reputation for accuracy.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- "Plus" model has adjustable sights and a heavier barrel for increased accuracy.
Cons:
- Heavier than other revolvers.
- On the more expensive side.
- Can be difficult to find ammunition that fits perfectly.
- Weaver style rail makes it difficult to mount optics.
Who Should Buy
The Smith&Wesson 686 Plus is an excellent firearm for both novice and experienced shooters. It's a .357 Magnum revolver that offers a wide range of customization and accuracy. The 686 Plus is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable self-defense weapon, competition shooting, plinking, small game hunting, or target shooting.
Shooters who want something more compact and lightweight might not be satisfied with the 686 Plus. It is a large and heavier than most modern handguns, making it difficult to carry concealed. Also, the 686 Plus is an investment. It runs for over $1000, and the cost of ammunition and accessories can quickly add up. Shooters on a budget may be better off with other models.
Comparisons
| Smith & Wesson 686 Plus | Product A | Product B | Product C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum | .45 ACP | 9mm | .40 S&W |
| Barrel Length | 4" | 4" | 3.2" | 3.9" |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds | 8 rounds | 6 rounds | 7 rounds |
| Weight | 39 oz | 39 oz | 35 oz | 36 oz |
Features / Specs
-Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 S&W Special +P
-Capacity: 6 Round Cylinder
-Barrel Length: 4 Inches
-Overall Length: 9.5 Inches
-Frame Size: Medium
-Action: Double Action/ Single Action
-Grip: Synthetic
-Sights: Red Ramp Front, Fixed Rear
-Weight: 37.5 Ounces
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus include:
- Holster
- Sights
- Recoil pad
- Flashlight
- Speed loader
- Heavy duty cleaning kit
- MidwayUSA 686 Plus grip
- Shooting gloves
- Action job/trigger upgrade kit
- Laser sight
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is an excellent revolver, well known for its accuracy in different shooting situations. The 686 Plus is considered one of the most accurate and dependable revolvers on the market. With its 6-inch barrel and adjustable sights, it is capable of putting 8-rounds of .357 Magnum rounds into a tight group at 25 yards. It also features a full underlug that adds weight to help tame the recoil even more. Additionally, this gun has hinting ability to shoot lighter .38 Special ammunition, which makes practice and target shooting easier on your arm. All in all, the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is an accurate and dependable revolver that will provide years of reliable service.
