The S&W 686 PLUS


The Smith and Wesson Performance center 686 PLUS
Smith & Wesson is famous for its revolver lines, and this year they’ve decided to make a big return into the wheel gun category.  The S&W 686 PLUS comes out of Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center, their custom firearm shop, and is an impressive new version of a venerable legend from the past.





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S&W 686 PLUS
S&W 686 PLUS
Meeting the 686 PLUS
Meeting the 686 PLUS
The S&W 686 PLUS is based on the medium L-frame, and is chambered for the proven .357 Magnum.  It is also capable of shooting .38 caliber and .38 Special +P rounds.  The 686 PLUS comes with the 7-shot cylinder, providing a little extra firepower to an already powerful revolver.  Though previous versions of the 686 had a variety of barrel choices, the 686 PLUS is currently limited to the 2.5” barrel.
The 2.5" barrel on the PC S&W 686 PLUS
The 2.5″ barrel on the PC S&W 686 PLUS
S&W 686 PLUS specifications:
  • Caliber – .357 Magnum, and .38 Special +P
  • Action – Single and double
  • Capacity – 7 rounds
  • Overall Length – 7.5”
  • Barrel Length – 2.5”
  • Weight – 34.6 oz. unloaded
  • Front sight – Red ramp
  • Rear sight – Adjustable
  • Grip – custom cut wood with finger grooves
  • MSRP – TBA
The 7-round cylinder gives the 686 PLUS some extra punch.
The 7-round cylinder gives the 686 PLUS some extra punch.
The custom wood grip on the 686 PLUS has pre-cut finger grooves, and the engraving provides a sure grip while increasing the appealing presentation.
The custom wood grip on the 686 PLUS has pre-cut finger grooves, and the engraving provides a sure grip while increasing the appealing presentation.
One of the features that immediately captures the shooter’s attention is the non-fluted cylinder.  The 686 PLUS has a glass bead finish on a stainless steel frame and cylinder.   The appearance is very complementing of the the chromed trigger and hammer.  Several parts are Performance Center exclusives including:
  • Non-fluted cylinder
  • Chrome flashed custom tear drop hammer
  • PC chromed trigger with stop
  • PC precision crowned barrel
  • PC tuned action
  • Chamfered charge holes
  • Cylinder cut for moon clips.
Range time for the S&W 686 PLUS
Range time for the S&W 686 PLUS
I was able to shoot the S&W 686 PLUS at SHOT Show Media Day.  Admittedly, I’m not nearly as familiar with revolvers as I am with semi-auto handguns, however I have shot revolvers from S&W, Ruger, Colt, and Taurus.  The 686 PLUS rates among the best that I’ve shot to date.