# Smith & Wesson 686 Plus: Compact .357 Magnum, 7-Rd Revolver

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

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** .357 Magnum
- **Barrel Length:** 3"
- **Capacity:** 7 rounds
- **Finish:** STAINLESS STEEL
- **Weight:** 36.8 oz
- **Overall Length:** 8.18"
- **UPC:** 022188643008
- **SKU:** UCODdHeq

## Description

The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a DA/SA revolver chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P, with a 7-round cylinder, one round more than a standard 6-shot L-frame. Satin stainless steel finish on the frame and barrel; 3-inch barrel.

### Key Specifications
- **Model:** Smith & Wesson 686 Plus
- **UPC:** 022188643008
- **Caliber:** .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
- **Action Type:** Double Action / Single Action (DASA)
- **Capacity:** 7 rounds
- **Barrel Length:** 3 inches
- **Overall Length:** 8.18 inches
- **Weight:** 2.3 lbs (35.8 oz)
- **Finish:** Satin Stainless Steel

### Detailed Features
Red ramp front sight; adjustable white outline rear sight. The rubber grip absorbs recoil and gives consistent hand placement. The stainless construction resists corrosion and handles varied weather conditions. At 35.8 oz. it's on the heavier side for a 3-inch barreled revolver, which helps with recoil management for full .357 Magnum loads.

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

A: It has a 3-inch barrel.

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

A: It has a 7-round cylinder.

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

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

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

A: It is a DA/SA revolver with a satin stainless steel frame and barrel.

**Q: Where can I buy the 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 686 Plus in the 3-inch configuration draws consistent praise for build quality and accuracy. The trigger pull is smooth in both double and single action. The 7-round cylinder gets specific mentions as an advantage over 6-shot alternatives.

Caliber versatility is a commonly cited positive: .357 Magnum for defensive loads or when stopping power is the priority, .38 Special +P for practice or reduced recoil shooting. The stainless finish gets good marks for durability and low maintenance.

Weight is the main criticism for some buyers. 35.8 oz. is substantial for a 3-inch carry revolver. Holster compatibility can be a minor issue due to the less common 7-round cylinder diameter. Price sits at the higher end for L-frame revolvers but is generally viewed as appropriate given S&W's build quality on the 686 platform.

Recoil with full-power .357 Magnum loads is noticeable. Most experienced shooters handle it fine; less experienced shooters may want to start with .38 Special before moving to Magnum loads.

## Pricing

**14 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Brownells | $869.99 |
| Guns Com | $889.99 |
| Buds Gun Shop | $898.99 |
| Gunbuyer Com | $899.99 |
| Grabagun Com | $899.99 |
| Deguns | $901.99 |
| Gritrsports Com | $910.99 |
| Impactguns Com | $949.00 |
| Shootingsurplus Com | $949.00 |
| Kygunco Com | $955.98 |

*...and 4 more offers*

## Similar Products

- [S&W 686 Plus Revolver - .357 Magnum, 7-Round Capacity](https://gunsnation.com/p/s-w-686-plus-revolver-357-magnum-7-round-capacity/UCODdHOH)
- [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)
- [Smith & Wesson 686 Combat Magnum Revolver .357/.38 Special, Satin Finish](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-686-combat-magnum-revolver-357-38-special-satin-finish/UCODdHSZ)
- [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, 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 Plus Deluxe .357 Magnum 7-Round Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-686-plus-deluxe-357-magnum-7-round-revolver/UCODbBDB)

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*Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*