S&W Model 686
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| S&W Model 686P | |
|---|---|
 686P Revolver with .357 Magnum ammunition in moon clips |
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| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Wars | N/A |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1980s |
| Variants | 686P, 686PP, 686-(1-8), Round Butt and Square Butt |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1.25 kg |
| Length | 12" (305 mm) |
| Barrel length | 2-1/2 in. (64 mm); 4 in. (102 mm); and 6 in. (153 mm) |
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| Cartridge | .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .38 Super (Rare) |
| Caliber | .357 |
| Action | double action |
| Rate of fire | single |
| Feed system | 6 or 7 round cylinder |
The Smith & Wesson (S & W) Model 686, is a six or seven shot double action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges, as the .357 Magnum was developed from the .38 Special. The magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .38 Special. The 686 has been available with 2-1/2 in. (64 mm); 4 in. (102 mm); 6 in. (153 mm); and 8-3/8" in. (214 mm) barrel lengths as standard models and other barrel lengths either by special order from S & W's Performance Center custom shop, or acquired from or built by after-market gunsmiths. The Performance Center also made a limited number of 686 in .38 Super for competitive shooters.
Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1980. It is the stainless steel version of the 586, which was made of what used to be known as blued steel, but is now most often called carbon steel. It was chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P calibers. The 600 series Smith & Wesson revolvers are true workhorses for both duty and sporting use. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6 or 7 round cylinders.
The Model 686, based on S & W's L (medium) revolver frame. During the 1980s, Smith & Wesson developed its L-Frame line of .357 Magnums®: the Model 581, Model 586, Model 681 and Model 686. These Magnums had a major effect on both law enforcement and sporting markets. In addition, these revolvers became the most popular revolvers ever made.
[edit] Variants of the 686
- S&W Model 686 (US - Revolver - .357 Magnum & .38 Special: Distinguished Combat Magnum 6 shot cylinder, Stainless)
- S&W Model 686P (US - Revolver - .357 Magnum & .38 Special: Distinguished Combat Magnum 7 shot cylinder, Stainless)
- S&W Model 686PP (US - Revolver - .357 Magnum & .38 Special: Distinguished Combat Magnum Power Port 6 shot cylinder, Stainless)
The weapon has an adjustable rear sight, and until 1992, the 6- and 8.5-inch versions also had an adjustable front sight. They had Goncalo alves hardwood grips until 1994, when the grip was replaced by a rubber Hogue grip.
Through the years, there have been several interesting variations on the Model 686. The Model 686 Classic Hunter was introduced in 1988 and has a 6-inch barrel and a solid round cylinder; the Model 686 Black Stainless was introduced in 1988 and has a 4-inch barrel and a black finish; the Model 686 National Security Special was introduced in 1992 and has a 3- or 4-inch barrel; The Model 686 Target Champion was introduced in 1992 and has a 6-inch match barrel, adjustable trigger stop, and walnut grips; the Model 686 Power Port was introduced in 1994 and has a ported 6-inch barrel; the Model 686 Plus was introduced in 1996 and has a 2.5-inch, 4-inch, or 6-inch barrel, 7-shot cylinder, ergonomic wooden grips, Hi-Viz sights, and lockable by a key;. A 5-inch barrel version was added in 2005, also known as the Model 686 5".
| Variant | Caliber | Weight | Capacity | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&W 686 Classic Hunter
(6" Barrel 153 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.3 kg | 6 Cyl | 1988 | unfluted cylinder |
| S&W 686 Black Stainless
(4" Barrel 102 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.19 kg | 6 Cyl | 1988 | black finish |
| S&W 686
(2.5" Barrel 64 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.15 kg | 6 Cyl | 1988 | |
| S&W 686
(4" Barrel 102 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.19 kg | 6 Cyl | 1988 | |
| S&W 686
(6" Barrel 153 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.3 kg | 6 Cyl | 1988 | |
| S&W 686
(8-3/8" Barrel 214 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.37 kg | 6 Cyl | 1988 | |
| S&W 686 National Security
(3" Barrel 76mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.17 kg | 6 Cyl | 1992 | black finish |
| S&W 686 National Security
(4" Barrel 102 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.19 kg | 6 Cyl | 1992 | black finish |
| S&W 686 Target Champion
(6" Match Barrel 153 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.31 kg | 6 Cyl | 1992 | Full lug |
| S&W 686 Power Port
(6" Ported Barrel 153 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.3 kg | 6 Cyl | 1994 | Ported |
| S&W 686P
(2.5" Barrel 64 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.16 kg | 7 Cyl | 1996 | Hi-Viz sights,
lockable with key |
| S&W 686P
(4" Barrel 102 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.2 kg | 7 Cyl | 1996 | Hi-Viz sights,
lockable with key |
| S&W 686P
(6" Barrel 153 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.31 kg | 7 Cyl | 1996 | Hi-Viz sights,
lockable with key |
| S&W 686P
(5" Barrel 127 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.15 kg | 7 Cyl | 2005 | Hi-Viz sights,
lockable with key |
| S&W 686PP
(6" Barrel 153 mm) |
.357 Magnum / .38 Special | 1.31 kg | 6 Cyl | Integral Compensator |
