Smith & Wesson Model 686

About the Smith & Wesson Model 686

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, built on Smith & Wesson's medium L-frame. Introduced in 1980 as the stainless steel counterpart to the blued Model 586, it quickly became one of the most popular and respected .357 Magnum revolvers ever produced. The L-frame was specifically engineered to bridge the gap between the smaller K-frame (which proved insufficiently durable under sustained .357 Magnum use) and the larger N-frame, offering a robust yet reasonably sized platform for the powerful magnum cartridge. The Model 686 features a full stainless steel construction with a satin finish, a full-length barrel underlug for improved balance, an adjustable white-outline rear sight paired with a red ramp front sight, and Hogue rubber grips as standard. The cylinder accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges interchangeably. Standard barrel lengths include 2.5, 4, and 6 inches, with the 4-inch barrel being the most popular configuration. The double-action trigger pull is approximately 12 pounds (53 N), while the single-action pull is approximately 4.5 pounds (20 N). The barrel features right-hand twist rifling at 1:18.75 inches (476mm) with 5 grooves. Base specifications listed are for the standard 4-inch barrel model, weighing 40 ounces (1134g) empty with an overall length of 9.5 inches (241mm).

The Model 686 was born out of necessity when Smith & Wesson's beloved K-frame .357 Magnum revolvers (Models 19 and 66) proved unable to withstand the sustained use of full-power magnum loads, developing forcing cone cracks. The new L-frame was purpose-built to handle the .357 Magnum cartridge indefinitely, and the 686 became the gold standard for .357 Magnum revolvers, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and reliable revolvers ever manufactured.

Smith & Wesson Model 686 specifications

The Model 686 is the stainless steel version of the Model 586, which was introduced simultaneously with a blued carbon steel finish. The 586 has been largely discontinued in favor of the more popular 686. The '686 Plus' variant (designated 686P) increases cylinder capacity from 6 to 7 rounds by utilizing a slightly wider cylinder, and has become extremely popular for both competition and defensive use. The 3-5-7 Magnum Series offers three barrel lengths (3, 5, and 7 inches) with the Plus 7-round cylinder and wood grips. Performance Center models feature tuned actions, chamfered charge holes, and custom barrels. The L-frame was developed after reports of K-frame Model 19 and Model 66 revolvers developing forcing cone cracks under extended .357 Magnum use. The 686's full underlug barrel design adds weight forward to help moderate felt recoil and improve balance. Grips transitioned from wood to rubber (Hogue style) beginning in 1994. Weight varies by barrel length: 2.5-inch approximately 37 oz, 4-inch approximately 40 oz, 6-inch approximately 44 oz. The loaded weight estimate includes six .357 Magnum cartridges at approximately 12.6g each.