Smith & Wesson Model 686
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is the benchmark by which all other medium-frame .357 Magnum revolvers are measured. Built on S&W’s L-frame with a stainless steel cylinder and frame, the 686 handles full-power .357 Magnum loads without the frame-battering concerns associated with smaller K-frame designs while remaining more compact than the N-frame. It’s available in the original 6-shot 686 and the 686 Plus with a 7-shot cylinder, in barrel lengths from 2.5” to 6”. Used extensively by law enforcement before the semi-auto transition and still revered by competitive, hunting, and defensive revolver shooters, the 686 is one of the finest production revolvers ever made.
Read our full Smith & Wesson 686 Buying Guide ↓
686 vs. 686 Plus: 6-Shot or 7-Shot?
The standard 686 holds 6 rounds; the 686 Plus holds 7 in the same frame through a redesigned cylinder geometry. For most shooters, the 686 Plus is the better buy — one extra round without any size or weight penalty is a genuine advantage. The 7-shot cylinder also tends to be slightly stronger due to the geometry changes made to accommodate the additional charge hole. The standard 686 remains popular with IDPA ESR competitors who need to match factory-original specifications, and with traditionalists who prefer the classic 6-shot configuration. For general use, carry, and home defense, go with the 686 Plus.
686 Barrel Length Guide: 2.5”, 4”, or 6”?
The 2.5” barrel prioritizes portability and concealability — it’s the most carry-friendly configuration but sacrifices velocity and gives up sight radius. The 4” barrel is the all-around choice: it balances portability with usable velocity and a practical sight radius for most applications. The 6” barrel maximizes velocity and provides the longest sight radius for precision work — the choice for hunters, competitive shooters, and those who prioritize accuracy over compactness. For defensive use, the 4” is the practical sweet spot; for hunting handguns and target shooting, the 6” is preferred.
686 vs. Ruger GP100: The Classic .357 Comparison
The S&W 686 and Ruger GP100 are the two most-compared .357 Magnum revolvers, and both are excellent. The GP100 is generally considered more durable under sustained heavy magnum use — its triple-locking cylinder and robust internals are built for high round counts on full-power loads. The 686 offers a smoother stock action and trigger, making it the preferred platform for competitive shooting and shooters who value trigger feel. The 686 also has a larger aftermarket for trigger work and competition parts. For casual shooting and carry, either is an excellent choice; for competition, the 686 typically wins on trigger; for maximum durability, the GP100.
686 for Hunting: What Game Can It Handle?
The .357 Magnum from a 6” 686 barrel is a capable hunting cartridge for deer-sized game inside 75 yards with appropriate loads. A 158-grain hard-cast or controlled-expansion load at 1,350–1,450 fps delivers adequate penetration for a clean kill on deer and hogs. The 686’s adjustable rear sight makes it easy to zero for a specific load at hunting distances. For hunting applications, the 6” barrel is strongly preferred over shorter variants — it maximizes velocity and makes a longer, more practical sight radius for deliberate aimed fire. The 686 is also popular for trail carry in bear country when loaded with heavy hard-cast loads.
686 Performance Center Models: Are They Worth It?
S&W offers several Performance Center variants of the 686 — typically featuring tuned actions, unfluted cylinders, hand-fitted internals, and enhanced triggers from the factory. PC models command a significant premium over standard production 686s. For competitive shooters who want the best out-of-box trigger without a gunsmith, a Performance Center 686 is worth the premium. For defensive and general use, a standard 686 with a good trigger job from a qualified revolver gunsmith typically delivers equivalent or better results for less total investment. The PC models are also popular collector’s pieces given their limited production runs.
Shop S&W 686 Revolvers at Impact Guns
Browse the full Smith & Wesson lineup and all revolvers at Impact Guns. For .357 Magnum ammunition, visit our .357 Magnum ammo page. Compare with the Ruger GP100 and Colt Python.