Smith & Wesson Model 686

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S&W Model 686P
686P Revolver with .357 Magnum ammunition in moon clips
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)
Cartridge	.357 Magnum, .38 Special, .38 Super (Rare)
Caliber	.357
Action	double action
Rate of fire	single
Feed system	6 or 7 round cylinder

6" barrel Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum stainless model 686-Plus — the cylinder holds 7 cartridges

8" barrel Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Model 686 Silhouette revolver

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. This model line became one of the company's most popular in its history.

[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".

[edit] External links

• Smith & Wesson Inc.