Smith & Wesson Model 686+ Review: Still Worth Buying?

Quick Answer

The Smith & Wesson Model 686+ is still worth buying if you want a strong, accurate, 7-shot .357 Magnum revolver for range use, home defense, field carry, or revolver training. It is heavy, wide, and not ideal for easy concealed carry, but its smooth trigger and .357/.38 Special flexibility keep it very relevant today.

Key Takeaways

• The 686+ adds one extra round over classic six-shot revolvers.
• Its L-frame build helps control .357 Magnum recoil.
• It shoots both .357 Magnum and .38 Special.
• It is better for range, home, and field use than deep concealment.
• Revolver failures are uncommon but can be serious.
• The 686+ still makes sense for trained revolver users.

Most buyers today compare everything to compact 9mm pistols. Semi-autos are lighter, flatter, easier to reload, and carry more rounds. That much is true. Yet the Smith & Wesson Model 686+ keeps pulling people back because it offers something different: real power, old-school mechanical confidence, and a trigger that rewards serious practice.

This review covers the 686+ as a real-world revolver. Not a collector piece. Not a shelf queen. It looks at how it shoots, how it holds up, where it shines, and where it falls short. Research, manufacturer specifications, and long-term feedback from experienced revolver owners all inform this piece.

What Is the Smith & Wesson Model 686+?

The Smith & Wesson Model 686+ is a stainless steel, L-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. The "Plus" in the name refers to its seven-round cylinder. Most traditional revolvers hold six rounds, so that extra round is a genuine edge.

The 686+ also fires .38 Special loads, including .38 Special +P. That gives it two personalities in one gun. Run .357 Magnum for serious work. Drop in .38 Special for comfortable practice. The gun operates in double-action and single-action mode. It ships with adjustable rear sights, a front ramp sight, rubber grips with finger grooves, and a satin stainless finish. There is no external safety, no slide lock, and no magazine release. The cylinder release and hammer are both checkered for a better grip.

Specs

Specs can vary slightly by model and production version. Always check the exact SKU before buying.

First Impression

Pick up the 686+ and the first thing you notice is the weight. At around 39 ounces unloaded, this is not a featherweight. It feels solid and purposeful. This is clearly a gun built to be shot hard and used often, not admired from across the room.

The cylinder adds noticeable width compared to most compact pistols. The stainless finish is clean and no-nonsense. The rubber grips sit comfortably in most hands, and the grip angle feels natural for anyone with revolver experience. The front-heavy balance does affect how the gun feels during long sessions, but that extra weight up front earns its keep when .357 Magnum rounds start going downrange. Muzzle rise stays more manageable than most people expect.

How Does the Smith & Wesson 686+ Shoot?

The 686+ with .357 Magnum is a completely different experience from shooting a 9mm pistol. The power is real. Recoil is firm and noticeable. Muzzle blast is louder than most compact carry guns. Follow-up shots in double-action demand real practice to stay on target.

Switch to .38 Special and the entire experience changes. Recoil drops noticeably. Long practice sessions become far easier on the hands and ears. This is one of the strongest advantages the 686+ offers. New revolver owners can start with .38 Special, build confidence, and step up to full-power .357 Magnum over time. That kind of built-in progression is genuinely useful.

The trigger also deserves attention. In double-action mode, pull weight typically runs between 10 and 12 pounds depending on the specific example. In single-action, it drops to approximately 4 to 5 pounds. Both modes feel smooth and consistent with no stacking or grit. The break is clean. Reset runs longer than most semi-autos, but it stays workable with regular practice.

Accuracy: Is the 686+ Good Enough for Serious Use?

Owner and reviewer reports consistently describe tight groups at close range under careful single-action fire. At 25 yards from a bench, five-shot groups in the three to five inch range are commonly reported. Double-action groups at 15 yards open up predictably with the longer pull.

Ammo choice plays a big role here. Some loads group very well. Others open up considerably. Lighter polymer-tipped loads like the Inceptor ARX line have shown competitive accuracy in short-barrel revolver testing, though results vary by example and shooter. A different .38 Special +P load opened groups to six inches at the same distance. Testing your specific ammo in your gun before depending on it is always the right call.

Reliability

Revolvers have earned a solid reputation for going bang when asked. The 686+ generally lives up to that. But no firearm is immune to mechanical problems, and revolvers have a specific failure mode worth knowing about.

When a semi-auto jams, a trained person can often clear the problem quickly. When a revolver locks up from a mechanical issue, the fix is far harder to manage on the spot. The ejector rod backing out under sustained fire is a known issue on this platform. A drop of thread locker applied by a qualified gunsmith resolves it permanently. It is worth addressing proactively rather than waiting for it to become a problem in the field. Revolvers can also develop timing issues, debris under the extractor star, and internal wear at high round counts. A qualified gunsmith should handle internal repairs. Anyone buying a used 686+ should do a careful inspection before trusting it for serious use.

Recoil and Control

The 686+ weighs around 39 ounces empty. A Glock 19 Gen5 comes in at approximately 23.6 ounces unloaded. That extra steel serves a real purpose. It soaks up recoil from .357 Magnum rounds that would punish hands in a lighter revolver.

The L-frame adds stability and keeps the muzzle from jumping too far on fast shots. That same weight becomes less welcome during long days of carry. For range use and home defense though, the weight works in your favor rather than against it.

Is the Smith & Wesson 686+ Good for Concealed Carry?

The 686+ can be carried concealed, but it is not the easiest option for most people. The cylinder is wider than most pistol slides. The 4-inch barrel adds extra length. At 39 ounces, the gun pulls heavily on a belt throughout a long day.

Carrying the 686+ effectively requires a quality holster and a stiff gun belt. Reloads with speedloaders take real practice to execute under pressure. Open carry, field carry, and home defense are more natural roles for this revolver than deep daily concealment. Carry decisions always depend on training, local laws, clothing, and personal skill.

Is the 686+ Good for Home Defense?

Yes, the 686+ can work for home defense, but only if you train with it regularly. Seven rounds gives a slight edge over traditional six-shot revolvers. The DA/SA setup keeps external controls simple. There is no magazine to seat and no slide to rack. That simplicity has real value for some users.

That said, .357 Magnum indoors creates serious muzzle blast and sharp recoil. Many users prefer .38 Special or .38 Special +P for home use. Reloads are slower than swapping a pistol magazine. Safe storage is non-negotiable. Training in double-action mode is essential, because that is how real-world defensive use would most likely happen.

.357 Magnum vs .38 Special in the 686+

The 686+ gives you two very different shooting experiences in one gun. .357 Magnum brings real power but also sharp recoil, loud muzzle blast, and harder follow-up shots. .38 Special brings a much softer experience that suits long practice sessions and newer revolver owners.

Points of impact can shift between loads. Testing each ammo type at the range before committing to one for serious use is the right approach. Stick to factory ammunition. The 686+ handles both cartridges well, and the right choice simply depends on your purpose and skill level.

What Makes the 686+ Different From a Semi-Auto Pistol?

The 686+ plays a completely different game from modern compact pistols. Semi-autos offer higher capacity, flatter profiles, faster reloads, and lighter weight. The 686+ offers steel-frame control, .357 Magnum power, and a mechanical trigger system that builds real discipline over time.

Revolver reloads are slower for most people. The cylinder adds width that makes concealment harder. The 686+ does not need to compete with a Glock 19 or SIG P365 to earn its place. It fills a different role, and it fills that role very well.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Seven-round capacity beats traditional six-shot revolvers.
• Shoots both .357 Magnum and .38 Special.
• Heavy L-frame helps absorb recoil well.
• Stainless construction holds up over long-term use.
• Strong option for range work, home defense, and field carry.
• Clean, smooth factory trigger in both DA and SA modes.

Cons

• Heavy for daily concealed carry at around 39 ounces.
• Wider than most compact semi-auto pistols.
• Reloads are slower without serious speedloader practice.
• Mechanical failures can be hard to clear quickly in the field.
• Full-power .357 Magnum is loud and sharp indoors.
• Customization options are limited compared to many semi-autos.

Best Uses for the Smith & Wesson 686+

Range Use

The 686+ excels as a range revolver. Its weight, sights, and trigger reward careful practice and build genuine revolver skills over time.

Home Defense

It works for home defense if the owner trains in double-action mode, practices reloads with speedloaders, and stores the firearm responsibly.

Field Carry

The 686+ is a natural fit for hikers, hunters, and outdoors users who want a powerful .357 Magnum sidearm in the field.

Concealed Carry

Possible but not ideal for most users. Size and weight create real challenges for daily carry.

First Revolver

The 686+ makes a strong first revolver for someone who wants quality, good recoil control, and a gun that lasts for years.

Who Should Buy the Smith & Wesson 686+?

The 686+ is for someone who wants a revolver to shoot, not just display. It suits range regulars who enjoy revolvers, home-defense users willing to train, outdoors users who want a powerful sidearm, and semi-auto owners who want to build stronger all-around firearm skills. It also works well for anyone building a practical, long-term firearm collection. The 686+ is not the cheapest option on the shelf, but for the right buyer, it can serve well for many years without losing its usefulness or appeal.

Who Should Skip the Smith & Wesson 686+?

Some buyers will be better served by other options:

• People who want the lightest possible daily carry gun.
• New shooters who are very sensitive to recoil.
• Buyers who want fast magazine reloads.
• People who prefer light handguns for all-day carry.
• Users who want lots of optic and light mounting options.
• Anyone not willing to practice double-action trigger control.

This is an honest look at what the gun does and does not do well. No hard sell here.

Smith & Wesson 686+ Review Verdict: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Yes. The Smith & Wesson Model 686+ is still worth buying. It is durable, accurate, and offers seven shots of .357 Magnum in a stainless steel L-frame that manages recoil better than most smaller revolvers. It is less practical for everyday concealed carry than many semi-autos, but it remains one of the most capable and balanced modern revolvers available today.

• Accuracy: 4.5/5
• Function: 4/5
• Carry Practicality: 3/5
• Shootability: 4/5
• Value: 4/5
• Overall: 4.2/5

While the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus remains a favorite among revolver enthusiasts, it is only one of several outstanding options chambered in .357 Magnum. Readers interested in comparing additional models can explore our comprehensive .357 Magnum revolver buyer's guide for a closer look at the category's top contenders.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Smith & Wesson 686+ a good revolver?

Yes. The 686+ is widely respected as a durable, accurate .357 Magnum revolver. Its seven-round cylinder gives it a small edge over traditional six-shot models.

What does the "Plus" mean in Smith & Wesson 686+?

The "Plus" refers to the seven-round cylinder. Standard versions of the 686 hold six rounds.

Can the Smith & Wesson 686+ shoot .38 Special?

Yes. The 686+ accepts both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. This gives owners a softer option for practice.

Is the Smith & Wesson 686+ good for concealed carry?

It can be carried concealed, but it is not ideal for most users. The weight and cylinder width make it harder to conceal than compact semi-auto pistols.

Is the 686+ good for home defense?

Yes, with training. Recoil, muzzle blast, and reload speed should all be practiced before depending on this gun for home defense.

Is the Smith & Wesson 686+ better than a semi-auto pistol?

Not in every way. The 686+ offers power, steel-frame control, and revolver simplicity, but most semi-autos are lighter, flatter, faster to reload, and carry more rounds.

What is the best barrel length for the Smith & Wesson 686+?

The 4-inch model is a balanced option for range, home, and field use. Shorter barrels carry a little easier. Longer barrels may improve sight radius and recoil control.

About the Author

This article was written by the ProArmory writing team based on current product research, manufacturer specifications, long-standing revolver design knowledge, and practical firearm-use considerations. The team draws on trusted sources including the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Smith & Wesson manufacturer documentation, and respected firearm publications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, safety, or purchasing advice. Firearm laws vary by location. Always follow safe storage and handling practices. Check local regulations before purchasing or carrying any firearm.