# Smith & Wesson 686 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 4" Stainless Steel **Brand:** Smith & Wesson **Category:** Single/Double Action Revolvers **Caliber:** .357 Magnum ## Specifications - **Caliber:** .357 Magnum - **Barrel Length:** 4" - **Capacity:** 6 rounds - **Finish:** Stainless - **Weight:** 38.1 oz - **Overall Length:** 9.5" - **UPC:** 022188871265 - **SKU:** UCODeF2P ## Description The Smith & Wesson 686 PC is a 6-shot single/double action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P, with a 4-inch barrel and stainless steel construction. Overall length is 9.5 inches and weight is 37.9 oz. (2.4 lbs.). ### Key Specifications - **SKU:** 11759 - **UPC:** 022188871265 - **Caliber:** .357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P - **Action:** Single/Double Action - **Capacity:** 6 Rounds - **Barrel Length:** 4 inches (10.2 cm) - **Overall Length:** 9.5 inches - **Weight:** 37.9 oz (2.4 lbs) - **Finish:** Stainless Steel - **Frame Material:** Stainless Steel ### Detailed Features - **Single and Double Action:** The external hammer allows both DA and SA operation. SA mode gives a lighter, shorter pull for precise aimed fire; DA handles rapid defensive shooting without cocking first. - **Interchangeable Front Sight:** The front sight can be swapped to different profiles or heights for different shooting applications. - **Adjustable Rear Sight:** Adjusts for windage and elevation, allowing the revolver to be zeroed for a specific load at a specific distance. - **Stainless Steel Frame and Cylinder:** Handles .357 Magnum chamber pressures and resists corrosion from sweat and humidity. The 4-inch barrel is a commonly chosen length for the 686. It balances velocity (more than the 2.5-inch snubby version), sight radius for accuracy, and overall length for portability. The L-frame is larger and heavier than J-frame revolvers and is not a practical concealed carry option for most shooters. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the Smith & Wesson Model 686?** A: It is chambered in .357 Magnum and can also fire .38 S&W Special +P. **Q: Who makes the Model 686?** A: Smith & Wesson makes the Model 686, under its Performance Center line. **Q: What type of firearm is the Smith & Wesson 686?** A: It is a single/double action revolver with a 4-inch barrel and stainless steel frame and cylinder. **Q: How many rounds does the Smith & Wesson 686 hold?** A: It has a 6-round cylinder. **Q: What is the barrel length of the Smith & Wesson 686?** A: The barrel is 4 inches long. **Q: Where can I buy the Smith & Wesson 686?** 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) > 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) > Don't know they don't really detract all that much I I can live with it if it's a really nice package otherwise. > > — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn2XX81_kPU&t=216s) > Continuing my uh my advocacy for the uh short barrel G guns I mean I I really this gun is uh a replacement in a lot of ways for a 3-in Ruger GP 100. > > — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn2XX81_kPU&t=383s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The 686 PC with the 4-inch barrel is one of the most consistently well-reviewed revolvers in S&W's lineup. Build quality is the first point most owners raise. The stainless steel construction is tight, the finish is consistent, and the fit of the cylinder to the frame is held to close tolerances. The DA/SA action is praised for its smoothness. The DA pull is described as controlled and consistent, and the SA break is crisp. This combination suits both defensive shooting and precision target work. Accuracy feedback is strong. The 4-inch barrel provides enough sight radius for meaningful precision at 25 yards and beyond, and .357 Magnum is an accurate cartridge in a quality revolver action. Owners report good groups with standard ammunition. Weight is the recurring practical concern. 37.9 oz. is substantial for daily carry, and the L-frame size rules it out for most concealed carry applications. The 686 is a range, home defense, and field revolver for most buyers. Capacity is occasionally noted as a limitation compared to semi-automatic pistols. The 6-round cylinder is standard for the class, and the Plus version with 7 rounds is available for those who want the extra shot. Pricing gets mixed responses. Most buyers consider the 686 worth its cost given S&W's quality control and the revolver's track record. Those on tighter budgets sometimes compare it to used revolvers or less-polished alternatives, though the new 686 represents a known quantity. ## Pricing **2 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Guns Com | $985.99 | | Guns Com | $986.99 | ## Similar Products - [Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Magnum: Precision Stainless Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-686-plus-magnum-precision-stainless-revolver/UCODeF5N) - [Smith & Wesson 627 PC .357 Magnum, 8-Shot Stainless Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-627-pc-357-magnum-8-shot-stainless-revolver/UCODdWpZ) - [Smith & Wesson 686 Plus .357 Magnum, 4" Satin Steel, 7-Shot Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-686-plus-357-magnum-4-satin-steel-7-shot-revolver/UCODdHNf) - [Smith & Wesson 686 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - Compact Precision Series](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-686-pc-357-magnum-revolver-compact-precision-series/UCODdXNz) - [Smith & Wesson 686 Combat Magnum .357, Satin Stainless, 4.1" Barrel](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-686-combat-magnum-357-satin-stainless-4-1-barrel/UCODdHSB) - [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) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*