Users’ Rating
Summary: The description, specs, photos, pricing and user ratings for the Smith & Wesson Model 686 revolvers.
Manufacturer’s Description
Smith & Wesson‘s (S&W) Model 686 is a six-round revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, .38 Special and .38 Special +P. It’s built on S&W’s stainless steel, large-medium L-frame with a stainless steel cylinder.
The Model 686 with the 6″ barrel.
Other features include:
- A satin stainless finish;
- a single-action/double-action trigger;
- a synthetic grip;
- a red ramp front sight; and
- an adjustable, white-outline rear sight.
You can get it with a 2.5″, 4″ or 6″ barrel.
More Versions
S&W offers the 686 in a The American Series version, which features laser engraving and an unfluted cylinder. It comes with a 4″ barrel (see photo below).
S&W also offers the 686 SSR (the “SSR” stands for Stock Service Revolver) in its Pro Series line. This gun features:
- A 4″ slab-side barrel with a recessed, precision crown;
- chambered charge holes;
- a bossed mainspring;
- an ergonomic grip designed to force a high hand hold;
- an interchangeable front sight; and
- a satin stainless finish.
Note: S&W also offers seven-round versions of this gun, the Model 686 Plus.
The Specs
| Caliber | Capacity | OAL | BBL | Weight |
| .357 mag, .38 Special +P | 6 | 7.5″ | 2.5″ | 34.1 oz. |
| .357 mag, .38 Special +P | 6 | 9.56″ | 4″ | 38.9 oz. |
| .357 mag, .38 Special +P | 6 | 11.94″ | 6″ | 43.9 oz. |
MSRP: $932
MSRP: $1,020 (the American Series)
MSRP: $999 (the 686 SSR)
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The Model 686 American Series.
The Model 686 with the 2.5″ barrel.
The Model 686 SSR from the right.
I just purchased a used 686 w/6″ barrel. I believe that it is an older model since it has nice wood grips and is a very clean gun. It’s on lay-a-way, just need $100 more and I can try some of the loads that I’ve been cooking up. Purchased for $475.
I bought a 4″ barrel in 1992. Put more the 5k rounds through it. Accurate and dependable. Nothing beats a classy revolver. Shoot it once and you are hooked. Have several guns this is still my favorite.
This probably is the most accurate pistol I own when fired single action. Unfortunately, it needs to be manually cocked each time to be fired sa. Beautiful gun, but I will stay with auto-loaders that can be carried condition one for everyday self defense.
I’ve owned mine since 1993. Just a fantastic easy shooting gun. I love it at the range with .38 Special’s. I lightened the trigger a bit and installed a Pachmayer grip. Just a gorgeous gun that is a joy to shoot and look at.
I bought in 1999 a 686 plus with a 4 inch barrel ‘It had a Hogue monogrip with the Squarebutt design.I purchased it for 379.98 dollars and cents.It was a great deal brand new.It was the most accurate firearm I have ever owned in a handgun.It shot to point of aim.Like a dumbo when times got hard in 2008-09 I went and sold it on Consignment.If I ever buy another one it will be a 686 plus 7 shot with a six inch barrel.You can’t go wrong with a revolver of this quality and you can fire magnum loads all day and it won’t have any problems.If I could own only one handgun.It would be the Glock19 in 9mm or the 686 plus by S&W in .357 magnum with a 6 inch barrel.