SMITH & WESSON MODEL 686-6 PERFORMANCE CENTER
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center Revolver – A Modern Classic
Smith and Wesson has been offering quality and reliable handguns for over 100 years. Founded in 1852, the company produces handguns, rifle and shotguns for both recreational and competitive shooting and hunting. One of their most iconic weapons is arguably the Smith and Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center Revolver, a 6-shot cylinder revolver with modern features that ensure precision shooting and unparalleled reliability. The Model 686-6 Performance Center Revolver is part of the large frame Model 686 family and is built to exacting standards for peak performance. Along with its legendary Smith & Wesson craftsmanship, the revolver features a Performance Center-tuned action, lightweight barrel and adjustable sights that make it perfect for competitive shooting and recreational target practice.
Design and build quality
The Model 686-6 Performance Center Revolver features a stainless steel construction that is both strong and corrosion resistant. The gun has a brushed satin finish that accentuates the stainless steel finish, making it look more premium than other guns in its price range. The gun also has an ergonomic design, with the top of the frame and cylinder designed for quick reloads and finger grooves in the grip for increased comfort. With its 6-shot cylinder and full-size frame, the gun feels heavy but well-balanced in the hand. Smith & Wesson has also taken extra measures to make sure the gun is safe to use with a key-locking mechanism that locks the cylinder preventing the trigger from being pulled when the gun is not engaged.
Performance and accuracy
The Model 686-6 has a 6-inch barrel that is lightweight and perfectly balanced, making it great for precision shooting. The gun is also equipped with adjustable sights that allow you to make quick and accurate adjustments to improve accuracy. This revolver is equipped with a Performance Center-tuned action which results in a light and smooth trigger pull that allows for quick and precise shots even when shooting rapidly. This gun also has a cylinder that is chamfered at the rear and clockwise ratchets for smooth and reliable openings and closings. The Model 686-6 also has a transfer bar safety system that helps prevent accidental discharge, making it a safe gun to handle even with inexperienced shooters.
Ammunition
The Model 686-6 is chambered for .357 Magnum to produce manageable recoil and is also capable of firing both .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition with no problems. The Model 686-6 has an impressive ammunition capacity of 6 rounds, allowing for quick follow up shots as well as the ability to fire shots in rapid succession for tactical and defensive situations. It is also worth mentioning that this gun is compatible with moon clips for faster reloads, allowing you to quickly reload your gun and get back into the action.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center Revolver is a modern classic that has been used for decades by competitive shooters and law enforcement personnel alike. This gun offers the perfect balance of quality and performance, with a stainless steel construction, adjustable sights, and Performance-Center tuned action that provides reliable and smooth shooting. It is also compatible with both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition, making it a great choice for self-defense and recreational target shooting. With its classic S&W craftsmanship and modern features, the Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center Revolver is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful revolver.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• High quality construction - the Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center features finely tuned, hand-fitted internals and an ergonomic design that make it an incredibly reliable and durable firearm.
• Varied features - the Model 686-6 Performance Center has a wide range of features including a solid, hi-viz front sight, adjustable rear sight, rubberized Hogue grips, and interchangeable barrel options.
• High accuracy - the Model 686-6 Performance Center is accurate enough for target shooting and hunting. It also has excellent recoil management characteristics.
Cons:
• High cost - the Model 686-6 Performance Center is a high-end firearm and carries a correspondingly high price.
• Weight - the Model 686-6 Performance Center is a full-size revolver and can be quite heavy.
• Limited ammo capacity - the Model 686-6 Performance Center has a relatively low ammo capacity compared to other revolvers.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center is an ideal gun for target shooting, competition, and self defense. It is well-suited for experienced shooters, as well as those just beginning their foray into the shooting sports world. This model also provides you with excellent accuracy and reliability.
Those who should purchase this model should be experienced shooters as this model requires knowledge and understanding of firearms in order to make the most of it. With a quality barrel and adjustable sights, the Model 686-6 is designed to be accurate and precise even at extended ranges.
However, those who should not purchase this model are anyone below the legal age of possession and/or those without the proper training to use the weapon safely and responsibly. Additionally, anyone who would not be able to handle the recoil produced by this powerful firearm should not invest in this particular model.
Comparisons
| Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center | Similar Product #1 | Similar Product #2 | Similar Product #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 S&W Special +P | Caliber: .357 Magnum | Caliber: .357 Magnum | Caliber: .357 Magnum |
| Barrel Length: 6 inches | Barrel Length: 6 inches | Barrel Length: 5 inches | Barrel Length: 5 inches |
| Capacity:7 Rounds | Capacity: 8 Rounds | Capacity: 6 Rounds | Capacity: 7 Rounds |
| Action: Single/Double | Action: Single/Double | Action: Single/Double | Action: Single/Double |
| Weight: 36.2 oz. | Weight: 30 oz. | Weight: 34 oz. | Weight: 39 oz. |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .357 Magnum
•Barrel Length: 4.625 in
•Capacity: 6 Rounds
•Action: Single/Double Action
•Sights: Red Ramp Front, Adjustable Rear
•Grips: Custom Wood
•Frame: Stainless Steel
•Overall Length: 9.875 in
•Weight: 43.4 oz
•Finish: Matte Silver
Popular Accessories
revolvers?
- Gunn Grips: Gunn grips are a popular option for SMITH & WESSON MODEL 686-6 PERFORMANCE CENTER revolvers and come in a variety of materials, such as synthetic rubber, ivory, hardwood, and laminated hardwood.
- Performance Center Trigger Kits: Performance center trigger kits are designed to improve the trigger pull and feel of the revolver, making it more accurate and easier to shoot.
- Speed Loaders: Speed loaders are essential for quickly reloading a revolver with multiple rounds.
- LED Flashlight and Laser Combo: These popular accessories provide illumination and a laser sight for improved accuracy in low light conditions.
- Barrel Shrouds: Barrel shrouds are designed to make the pistol more compact and reduce weight while also providing a measure of heat and noise reduction.
- Optics: Scopes, reflex sights, and red-dot sights are popular accessories that make sighting more precise with minimal effort.
- Holsters: A range of holster sizes are available for secure carry and easy access.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Performance Center is a great gun for both target shooting and personal defense. The gun is highly accurate and features adjustable sights, a comfortable grip, and a 4-inch barrel that produces excellent accuracy. This revolver is also equipped with a heavy duty frame, enabling it to handle hot magnum loads without any ride up. This combination of quality features delivers remarkable accuracy. In fact, the Model 686-6 is built to hold 1.5" groups at 25 yards and many experienced shooters report much tighter groupings with this revolver. With its combination of features and accuracy, the Model 686-6 makes a great gun for target shooting, personal defense, or both.
