
Smith & Wesson · Pistol
Smith & Wesson 386 Night Guard
.357 Magnum · introduced 2026
Also known as Model 386, S&W 386
About the Smith & Wesson 386 Night Guard
The Smith & Wesson 386 Night Guard is a medium-large Night Guard series revolver built on Smith & Wesson's L-frame, introduced in 2026. Chambered in .357 Magnum with a 7-round cylinder. The frame is constructed from scandium alloy, significantly reducing weight compared to traditional steel-framed revolvers of similar size. The double-action/single-action trigger system allows both deliberate double-action shots and precise single-action fire when the hammer is manually cocked, providing versatility across different shooting scenarios. At 692g (24.4 oz) unloaded, this lightweight revolver strikes a practical balance between carry comfort and manageable recoil during shooting sessions. Part of Smith & Wesson's Night Guard series, this revolver features XS Sights standard dot tritium front sight for low-light acquisition, a matte black PVD finish for reduced glare, and Pachmayr Compac grips for secure handling under stress. Smith & Wesson has been producing L-frame revolvers for over four decades, continuously refining the platform with improved metallurgy, ergonomics, and manufacturing techniques while maintaining the fundamental reliability and accuracy that has made their double-action revolvers the benchmark against which all others are measured.
The Night Guard series was developed in collaboration with Crimson Trace, designed specifically for plainclothes law enforcement officers who needed reliable low-light capability in a duty-grade revolver that could be concealed under a suit jacket.
Smith & Wesson 386 Night Guard specifications
General
- Type
- Pistol
- Firing mechanism
- Double action single action
- Trigger
- Double action single action
- Trigger pull
- 2.0 kg (4.5 lb)
- Calibres
- .357 Magnum, .38 Special
- Magazine capacity
- 7 rounds
- Magazine
- Rotary magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 102 mm (4.0 in)
- Overall length
- 241 mm (9.5 in)
- Height
- 140 mm (5.5 in)
- Width
- 38 mm (1.5 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.69 kg (1.53 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:19 in (476 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 5
Materials
- Barrel
- Stainless steel
- Receiver / frame
- Scandium alloy
- Finish
- matte_black
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 440 m/s (1444 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 784 J (578 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 25 m
History
- Introduced
- 2026
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- US
Available calibres
Features
- Blast shield
- Fixed sights
- Pachmayr grips
- Swing out cylinder
- Transfer bar safety
- Stainless steel construction
- Exposed hammer
- Scandium alloy frame
Part of the 2026 Night Guard revival series. The scandium frame significantly reduces weight compared to traditional steel J-frames.
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