# S&W 686 Plus Revolver - .357 Magnum, 7-Round Capacity

**Brand:** Smith & Wesson
**Category:** Single/Double Action Revolvers
**Caliber:** .357 Magnum

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** .357 Magnum
- **Barrel Length:** 6"
- **Capacity:** 7 rounds
- **Finish:** STAINLESS STEEL
- **Weight:** 43 oz
- **Overall Length:** 12"
- **UPC:** 022188641981
- **SKU:** UCODdHOH

## Description

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is a DA/SA revolver chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P with a 6" barrel. It holds 7 rounds, measures 11.9" overall, and weighs 44.2 oz (1,253 g). The frame and barrel are stainless steel with a satin finish. Grips are synthetic.

### Key Specifications
- **SKU**: 164198
- **Model Name**: Model 686 Plus
- **Caliber**: .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
- **Capacity**: 7 Rounds
- **Barrel Length**: 6 inches (15.2 cm)
- **Overall Length**: 11.9 inches (30.2 cm)
- **Weight**: 44.2 oz (1,253 g)
- **Action Type**: Single/Double Action
- **Front Sight**: Red Ramp
- **Rear Sight**: Adjustable White Outline
- **Grip Material**: Synthetic
- **Frame Material**: Stainless Steel
- **Finish**: Satin Stainless

### Detailed Features

The red ramp front and adjustable white outline rear sights make a solid combination for long-range revolver accuracy. The DA/SA mechanism gives you a longer, heavier pull for the first shot in double-action and a lighter, shorter pull for deliberate single-action shots. The 44.2 oz weight at this barrel length helps keep the muzzle steady during the follow-through.

The 6" configuration is the longer end of practical revolver barrel lengths. It maximizes velocity for .357 Magnum loads and extends the sight radius for more consistent precision, but it's not a carry gun by any measure. Hunters and competition shooters who want maximum performance from the platform gravitate toward this barrel length.

### Usage Scenarios

- **Competitive Shooting**: The 6" sight radius, adjustable sights, and smooth S&W action make this a natural choice for revolver competition classes.
- **Hunting**: The .357 Magnum from a 6" barrel develops meaningful additional velocity compared to short-barrel configurations, making it viable for small to medium game.
- **Range Training**: The DA/SA versatility and manageable recoil at this weight make it a good practice tool for developing revolver fundamentals.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What caliber is the Model 686 Plus?**

A: The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P.

**Q: Who makes the Model 686 Plus?**

A: The Model 686 Plus is made by Smith & Wesson.

**Q: What type of firearm is the Model 686 Plus?**

A: It is a single/double action revolver with a stainless steel frame.

**Q: What is the barrel length of the Model 686 Plus?**

A: The Model 686 Plus has a 6-inch barrel.

**Q: How many rounds does the Model 686 Plus hold?**

A: It holds 7 rounds.

**Q: What sights does the Model 686 Plus have?**

A: It has a red ramp front sight and an adjustable white outline rear sight.

**Q: Where can I buy the Model 686 Plus?**

A: Compare current vendor offers on this page.

## What Reviewers Say

*Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.*

> Ones I have on it but it a really nice looking gun uh you know Smith and Wesson revolver uh has trouble being ugly.
>
> — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn2XX81_kPU&t=77s)

> Smith wesson does have in my opinion the best action as far as any revolver goes.
>
> — [Honest Outlaw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN02xdLry4U&t=392s)

> Super light crisp brake I mean that can't be more than about two two and a half pounds very very light single action break.
>
> — [Tools&Targets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgUcE6HvW1E&t=93s)

> There's something about a double action or a single action revolver that is just satisfying one of the big things about it is that it's very simple.
>
> — [sootch00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzeirSgTOHs&t=207s)

> You could say distasteful uh features characteristics that some people really don't like you know the key lock you've got the frame mount firing pin you know the firing pin is not on the hammer anymore on the Smiths.
>
> — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn2XX81_kPU&t=202s)

## What Customers Say

*AI-generated insights from customer reviews*

The S&W 686 Plus in 6" .357 Magnum generates consistently strong reviews.

Build quality is the top-line positive. Owners describe the stainless construction as solid and note that S&W's fit and finish on the L-frame has remained consistent. Accuracy is well-regarded. The 6" sight radius and adjustable sights make this one of the more accurate factory revolver setups available at the price. The dual-action capability is valued by shooters who run DA for speed and SA for precision.

Versatility comes up frequently. .357 Magnum and .38 Special running in the same cylinder lets you train on cheaper loads and switch to full-power ammunition as needed. The 7-round cylinder is a genuine advantage over standard 6-shot revolvers.

The main practical concern is size. At 11.9" and 44.2 oz, this is a bench and competition gun, not a carry revolver. Most owners understand that, but it's worth stating clearly. Grip fit for smaller hands gets occasional mention as a consideration. Maintenance is generally described as straightforward, though like any revolver it rewards regular cleaning. Pricing is debated. Some owners consider it fully justified, others feel the cost is high relative to comparable options.

## Pricing

**14 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Brownells | $869.99 |
| Buds Gun Shop | $898.99 |
| Grabagun Com | $899.99 |
| Guns Com | $900.99 |
| Gunbuyer Com | $935.16 |
| Gritrsports Com | $941.99 |
| Impactguns Com | $949.00 |
| Shootingsurplus Com | $949.00 |
| Kygunco Com | $955.98 |
| Centerfiresystems Com | $955.99 |

*...and 4 more offers*

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- [Smith & Wesson 686 Plus .357 Magnum 7-Shot Revolver - 2.5" Satin Barrel](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-686-plus-357-magnum-7-shot-revolver-2-5-satin-barrel/UCODdHNR)
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*Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*