Range Report: Smith & Wesson 686 Plus (.357 Magnum w/ 6 inch barrel)

[@thetexasgunvault]

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[@GoldAndSilver988]

I'm 59 and had never owned a gun until about a year ago. I bought the Talo 5-inch edition of the 686 Plus and absolutely love it. It's the only gun I have now or ever care to have. I open carry and so the 5-inch barrel makes that a little easier. This gun will be just as useful in any real-life self-defense situation as any of those $5000 guns you alluded to.

[@thetexasgunvault]

It is why I think it is so underrated.

[@J.R.F.23]

I bought the same version of the 686 plus with the 5 inch barrel. It is by far my favorite firearm. Easily worthy of being passed down for generations.

[@ElDuffman]

Recommend getting at least one more handgun. If you were to ever have to use it in self defense, your 686 plus will be taken as evidence and you will not get it back for a while.

[@GoldAndSilver988]

@@ElDuffman Makes sense. Thanks.

[@celticviking577]

Train often brother

[@francisgarner1751]

Brother I have the 686-6 3INCH barrel unfluted cylinder black and silver wood grips. 36.7OZ CC Every day Talo edition brought mine this Christmas 2022 sweet man sweet 👍🏿🎯👍🏿

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yes they are! You have a great gun there!

[@roadkingrider01]

I just picked up a 686+ to go along with my 629! The 629 is definitely my favorite gun to shoot and I can’t wait to get the 686+ to the range and compare the two guns!!

[@thetexasgunvault]

Congratulations. I don't think you will be disappointed

[@AMDpc067]

629.. 🥳

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I can honestly say now, that I know what it's like to have those 2 iconic revolvers side by side. People see them laying next to each other on the table at the range, and they always stop and gawk for a minute. A big shiny beautiful revolver will always be an attention getter!!!

[@marcallen7233]

👍 Great video. I purchased a 686+ 3” barrel a couple of years ago and it is now my favorite handgun.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you so much!

[@uncleswan3896]

my 3 inch 686+ is also my favorite. also a couple years old. perfect balance

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I just picked up a 4 inch 686+ with Altamont finger groove wood grips.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I bet that will shoot like a dream.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@thetexasgunvault it does. I have it sighted in with colt defense by DoubleTap. It's a 158gr jhp load rated out of a 6 inch barrel at about 1470fps. So I'm probably about 1400fps(haven't had a chance to run over the chronograph yet), which is plenty enough to be effective. It's accurate enough to hunt 50 yards and closer, and will definitely stop an attacker. I'm getting about the same speed as the guys shooting the 125gr bullets, but quite a bit heavier so energy jumps dramatically!!! The recoil definitely let's you know that it's there, but I shoot a lot of 44 mag so it's pretty controllable for me. I can shoot about as fast as most 9mm guys and keep them all center mass, while running about double the energy.

[@mrturner1419]

Just picked one up this morning with the 6 in barrel 😍😍😍😍

[@thetexasgunvault]

Congratulations!

[@stephen562]

Going back and forth between the 6 in and 4 in. The 4 inch may be more balanced, practical, carry-able etc, but the 6 inch is just badass looking.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I agree 100%.

[@carlosmorris4510]

It definitely is; quite intimidating looking, really!... I have the standard 6-shot 6" model - and I notice that I always get a reaction of awe (even fear) from it, from other people at the range. 😆 Obviously it's a fairly large, long-barreled gun - much more so than the small 9mm semi-autos that most people shoot... But this shouldn't discourage me from shooting it though; it's one of the best revolvers I own.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

​@@carlosmorris4510intimidating is the Ruger Redhawk 44 mag with a 7.5 or 9.5 inch barrel!!! The Smith 629 or 29 in the 5 inch or bigger is really intimidating as well

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Between the 6 or 4 I'd ask what you're going to do more with it.if you're gonna carry it out on the farm or hunting more then I'd go 6 inch, but if you're gonna EDC and pack it around town or more home defense than anything I'd go with the 4 inch. 4 inches is about the minimum where you still get decent ballistics out of the 357 mag round. Find a round like underwood 158gr xtp for example and it's loaded to 1500fps out of a 6 inch Ruger gp100. So, out of a 4 inch depending on your individual gun you're gonna get between 1350fps and 1420fps. That's plenty even if you want to just pack it occasionally when hunting and try a shorter range shot. It'll still be very effective. I've seen where that load in a 6 inch Smith with a perfect barrel cylinder gap and perfect forcing cone and barrel grabbed 1520fps with that 158gr xtp from Underwood. That's getting into some hard hitting territory!!! That's over 800ftlbs of muzzle energy, and you have 7 of them!!!

[@carlosmorris4510]

@@Wildwestwrangler Yeah, those are extra intimidating - for sure!... I have a Raging Hunter (my largest revolver) - but it's too big as a daily CCW.

[@steveandrushko75]

I just bought the 686 Plus deluxe 6 inch barrel have to wait 10 days to pick it up can't wait I have waited for years to get it mine has the wooden grips it's gorgeous

[@thetexasgunvault]

Those are really sweet revolvers.

[@keananruiters9373]

Absolutely gorgeous firearm and great video. I too own the exact same one with the 6inch barrel, and i must say it's my favorite revolver and I use it when working on my ranch and easily carry it everyday. 🙏🇺🇸

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you so much!

[@J.R.F.23]

I just got my first 686. I went with the 686+ Talo 3-5-7 Edition. It has a 5 inch barrel, an unfluted cylinder, wood grips and it’s 7 shot. I was surprised how dirty it was, new from the factory. The grips that came on it aren’t the best fit for my hand; so a set of Hogue G10 grips are on order. Having a 5 inch barrel there are less holster options. I ended up ordering a Masc Holster and a new front sight; the HiViz tritium and fiber optic combination. With my aging eyes, this will be a game changing upgrade.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I have never shot a 5 inch. The 4 inches are great though.

[@J.R.F.23]

@@thetexasgunvault You know you want to buy another 686 😉

[@Jay_Hall]

JR, from the factory mine was perfectly clean. :)

[@tscoff]

I own a .357 magnum S&W 686+ with a 7” barrel. It’s a range toy for me, I plan on never using it anywhere other than a firing range.

[@thetexasgunvault]

That's a great gun and nothing wrong with having a gun for just that purpose.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

You should use it to fill your freezer. It's perfect for that. Underwood 158gr xtp would be perfect for that. It's rated at 1500fps out of a 6 inch so would be screaming out of your 7inch!!! You'd be pushing well north of 800ftlbs of energy!!!

[@BoundaryElephant]

Thanks!

[@thetexasgunvault]

No problem!

[@arthurvarady7258]

I bought the 686 7” barrel with the smooth cylinder and this is the second round back to S&W for barrel replacement, when I picked it up at my FFL I noticed about an inch past the front site the top ribs were all chewed up with a big old dent along side where the the ribs were messed up. So it went back when I received it back the barrel again was damaged in the same spot just not as worse, so when it went back again I told them the barrel wrench there using is crushing it when there trying to Aline the barrel . I hope they get it right this time because in nine months I haven’t even got to take it to the range.

[@thetexasgunvault]

WOW! I am so sorry! That is terrible and I am surprised they would send it back that way.

[@arthurvarady7258]

Just a recap on my original post about my 686 7” , S&W made good on there 3rd round this time they told me it went to there custom shop for the repair and it turned out as it should it looks fantastic + They polished up the trigger and it breaks like glass. I am so so happy just like a kid at Christmas. sec@@thetexasgunvault

[@billanderson7930]

I'm picking my 6" 686 plus tomorrow. I've been going back and forth on the Ruger GP100 and this gun, but finally decided on the S&W. Love the trigger and overall feel. THANK YOU for this EXCELLENT review which really supports my decision.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you so much and congratulations!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

If you were going to load your own and try some super hot stuff I'd say Ruger gp100, but if not then the Smith 686 all day long as it's damn near as strong, but much more refined for sure. To me it is like the Smith has the best attributes of both Ruger and Colt. Refinement and rugged reliability.

[@totizabayle377]

The 686 + is the latest addition to my S&W revolver collection. I just love the trigger action out of the box of S&W revolvers The Colt revolvers may have smooth trigger action but not as crisp and shorter travel than S&W.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I do agree with you. They make the best production revolvers today.

[@davidbrewer7866]

I’ve got a S&W 686 and I love it. Accurate & easy to shoot!

[@thetexasgunvault]

They are very nice revolvers.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Good morning, Jason, that is one of the best revolvers you can own. Over here in Oz, the 686 is the go-to gun if you want to shoot competitively at Service or PPC matches. If I was to attend a competition here, 8 out 10 guns will be a S&W 686. I have had mine for over 20 years, and I am about to get it serviced for the first time. Mine has never missed a beat. Cheers

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am glad I finally reviewed a gun you can own!

[@ChristianGrest]

Had a 4" version of that revolver. Wished I had kept it.

[@thetexasgunvault]

If I got another, I would buy that version.

[@michaelcraft5573]

Ok, Jason. I own the 686-6 4 inch combat magnum and I'm wanting to improve my defensive shooting practice. Would you recommend practicing with speed loaders or moon clips? I'm also thinking about picking up a S&W 627 Pro-8 shot. Is the pro line as good as the 686 line? Thanks for your input!

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am a fan of speed loaders personally, but I can see the pros and cons of each. I think it just depends on how you practice. The 627 8-shot is great! You will love that one.

[@neinsager3236]

What I am interested in is the weight of the gun. Is it to heavy to wear it backpacking for multiple days?

[@thetexasgunvault]

Not in the right holster.

[@bobyjones3905]

Get a chest rig

[@juanzuniga5976]

I have the 3inch version and carry it during the winter

[@thetexasgunvault]

Great barrel length

[@michaelfrancalanzo4485]

I own a 686 with a 5" barrel. Thought the 6" was a little extreme, but wanted something more than a 4". That stiff double action gets smoother the more you shoot it. Mine was initially pretty heavy, but after about 500-1000 rounds, it loosened up. My one gun I'd keep if I could only keep one.

[@thetexasgunvault]

The 5 inch barrels are nice too. It sounds like you have a pretty nice revolver there.

[@lens7859]

Have the 686 Plus Deluxe with a 3" barrel and nice wood grips. I use rubber grips for range use to give a little more comfort. Have a GP 100 also, and its nice, but not as nice as a Smith.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Smiths are always nicer than Rugers in my opinion.

[@lens7859]

@@thetexasgunvault Although , I wouldn't mind a single six and try 45 colt

[@Wildwestwrangler]

​@@lens7859yeah, unless you're gaming the very best 45 colt in my opinion is the Ruger Blackhawk. It's the strongest regular production 45 colt out there, and anything you can do with a 44 mag can be done with it.

[@Jay_Hall]

I have the same gun but the PLUS 3-5-7, non-fluted and wood grips. I love that gun, 5 inch barrel. Bad azz for sure. :) I also have a 1994 Pyrhon, blued, never fired, original boxes paper work etc. I love both but the 686 is a heavy duty MOFU!

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yes it is! Sounds like you have some nice guns there.

[@Jay_Hall]

@@thetexasgunvault Thanks, my Favorites are my full set of U.S. Schofield Revolvers with factory letters that I put together some 35 years ago. I will pass all my collectables to my Children and Grand Children and hope they stay in the family for a long, long time. :)

[@raywebb7501]

I like the 686s so much I bought four of them

[@thetexasgunvault]

That is awesome. All different barrel lengths?

[@raywebb7501]

One is the performance center for 686 one is a three another is a 4 inch and another is a 6 inch

[@michaellankford8358]

Bought 686 plus last December. Ha double action trigger tuned, polished insides, replaced springs with wolf springs, replaced grips with hogue roundbutt to square butt. Single action pull a crisp 3 lbs. Couldn't get double action below 8 lbs and function reliably, but it's a smooth 8lbs. When got gun shot extremely high, unable to adjust low enough. Replaced rear sight blade with shorter one. You're right it's not a $5000 revolver...it's not near as good as 686 as prior transfer bar and safety but this is what happens to firearms when you get the government involved...But...the 686 is a usable revolver and with a little fine tuning and polish is a very good revolver

[@thetexasgunvault]

I agree completely!

[@w1cked001]

These are beastly, I’m way too used to shooting 9mm and had to aim low to get shots on target!!

[@thetexasgunvault]

They are still a lot of fun though.

[@maxcole3930]

I got the exact same S&W 686+ 6" barrel for 400 buck couple years ago. It was literally brand new in box still wrapped in wax paper. I guess guy needed $ so good deal for me! I haven't shot it alot but I shoots pretty good. I'm not a wheel gun guy but I couldn't pass up the deal

[@thetexasgunvault]

That is an amazing deal! Congrats!

[@randyreynolds1045]

Very nice tool

[@thetexasgunvault]

It sure is!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Everybody says ruger is the strongest and that colt is the most refined of the big 3 revolver makers. I think that with Smith and Wesson you get the best of both worlds. Although I love my 7.5 inch Ruger Redhawk 44 mag I definitely love my 6.5 inch Smith 629 classic deluxe 44 mag. Also I have a 4 inch Smith 686+ with the Altamont grips. I love revolvers!!! Next I wouldn't mind getting a smith 69 in a 2.75 inch. I had one recently, but the action locked up tight on me. I'd be willing to try one again in the future. Surely Smith and Wesson wouldn't make me a lemon twice!!! Lol glock is one of the few that I have goten more than one lemon.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I like your analogy about Ruger and Colt. I will need to remember that one!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@thetexasgunvault yeah no worries feel free lol that's just something an old man who no longer walks this earth told me a long time ago.

[@pauldvorsky1969]

Sweet Smith

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you so much!

[@myownboss1]

Own the same BUT in 4 inch. Still HEAVY as heck! When you run out of bullets, you can always throw the gun at the target because it will definitely hurt, knock out, or kill the target! 😂😉

[@thetexasgunvault]

LOL! Yes you can!

[@silvercobra3373]

I LIKE the Ruger.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I understand why so many do.

[@silvercobra3373]

Yeah I have a Model 686 .357/.38 4.13 Barrel length and a Model 66 .357/.38 4.25 Barrel Length both stainless steel.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Those are pretty sweet.

[@Wolfpak765]

I’ve got a 4” and it’s great but I’m considering sending it to TK Customs just to see how much better they can make it :)

[@thetexasgunvault]

I bet they would do a great job!

[@rd9219]

357 magnum is BAD ASS!!!!! Do you still have the Python?? This is the only time I've differed from your opinion: I respectfully submit that I don't consider the 686 to be underrated. When talking with other gun enthusiasts, they have always extolled the 686 as the be all and end all.

[@thetexasgunvault]

No, I traded it to get funds to buy a Hk SP5k

[@rd9219]

@@thetexasgunvault that HK looks like a fun gun 😀

[@anthonysaintpaul652]

Why would you prefer a dovetail front sight? Good review.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you. I just feel it is easier to change and you might get more options.

[@kevinnewberry1116]

As a very longtime handloader I can tell you that I prefer the 4" 686 Plus for defense use and I get the pleasure of shooting one occasionally. But for a 6" 686, to take advantage of the better ballistics, I'd stick to a 6-shooter. Even if you don't handload, there are some very potent loads from companies like Double-Tap, Underwoods and Buffalo Bore more reflective of original .357 Magnum loads, vs mainstream ammo makers having to water-down .357 Magnum from the 5-shot and ultra lightweight carry revolvers.

[@thetexasgunvault]

One day I hope to get into reloading

[@nunyabinness3574]

I really want a 686 so bad...but i have a thing about revolvers being 6 shot

[@thetexasgunvault]

They make one with a 6 shot cylinder

[@nunyabinness3574]

@@thetexasgunvault its so hard to find...and when i do see it, its so expensive

[@shaunsian4784]

I want to get one of the 686 with 6" barrel but I'm getting a red dot mounted on it

[@thetexasgunvault]

That would be a cool set-up.

[@albertsmith3896]

Hey I have 686 plus, nice gun when ever you get another 686 plus please don't sale that gun,

[@thetexasgunvault]

It was a good pistol while I had it, but at the time something else caught my eye.

[@rickyramirez3483]

I have a 4” 7shot and a Ruger Speed Six…I need a 586 3”

[@thetexasgunvault]

The shorter barrels are more balanced

[@PileofBrass]

Smith and Wesson bought the company that made the frame locks. I've been in contact with corporate myself and they assure me, it's never going away. Unfortunate but a fact.

[@thetexasgunvault]

That sucks and I think is a horrible business decision. It makes me support them less.

[@PileofBrass]

@@thetexasgunvault While I'll still buy their product, I'll likely look for heritage guns first. I can live with the lock but it sure does take away from the appeal, even for many aside from us.

[@Sugleknug]

I use the frame lock. Why not, it's just another barrier. I like barriers. My use case is sport shooting only, though. S&W is a fantastic gun. Accurate, simple, high quality out of the box. And easy to work on.

[@PANICBLADE]

​@thetexasgunvault Other way around, actually. The lock company bought Smith and Wesson and saved them from financial failure. Their previous owners (Tomkins from the UK) were facing a series of lawsuits that were asking for over half of the company's total asset value. They made the Clinton agreement to extricate themselves from that liability, and then the boycotts began, cutting their sales in half. Foreseeing doom, Tomkins sold the company for almost 1/10th of what they paid for it to SafT Hammer, who also shouldered responsibility for the agreement and lawsuits while trying to keep as much of the staff as possible. Smith was dead in the water, either at the hands of sue happy citizens or boycott driven prospective gun owners interpreting their survival decision as selling out. The locks are still in the guns because that company is the only reason the guns are still being made, and that lock prevents future liability suits. The company now has 5x the total assets it did 20 years ago because SafT hammer kept them alive.. Here's a source from '01. I wish more people knew the whole story. thedailyrecord.com/2001/05/14/british-owner-sells-smith-wesson-to-arizona-company/

[@PANICBLADE]

​@thetexasgunvault He's incorrect. It was the SafT Hammer Corporation that bought Smith and Wesson in 2001, not the other way around. Truth is, Smith was staring down the barrel of total financial failure one way or the other, either at the hands of numerous lawsuits from the public, or from the boycott if they made the Clinton agreement, which would extricate them from the lawsuits. When the UK company Tomkins bought Smith in 1987, it was for 113 million. When SafT bought Smith, it was for 15 million (not a typo). The amount of damages they were facing from the lawsuits was 53 million, and the total assets of the company added up to 97 million. You can do the math. The outcome we have now is one of the only scenarios where Smith and Wesson survives at all. That's why the lock isn't going anywhere. Not only did the company that made the lock and the lock itself save Smith from certain doom, but the company is more lucrative and more productive now than ever, despite residual lock protesting.

[@yokoshemp]

The current S&W revolvers seem to be much improved over the already nice guns they were. My new 629 is almost as accurate as my original 6" blue Python. Shot the living poo out of my Python. Expensive gun but I'll own it until I die so I'm shootin it. When I have a good day on the stock market I celebrate by buying a new gun so a S&W 629 followed me home a few months ago. Great trigger, good sights, barrel shroud for looks and balance, ball lock on the tip of the ejector rod, rubber grips which I like (magnum make big bang). S&W tightened the cylinder gap so better accuracy and less side blast. Another poster mentioned Underwood ammo... big hail yeah to that stuff... nice big bang when you tickle the bang switch.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Very nice! I completely agree. S&W make the best production revolvers today

[@Tom-ux2tr]

I traded my 686 for a S&W 66 combat magnum then I bought a S&W 19 combat magnum

[@thetexasgunvault]

Those are all great revolvers!

[@michaellankford8358]

Owned a model 19-3 6 inch revolver, wonderful revolver. Was stolen in 2020. Decided to replace it since nice mod 19's at gun shows and auction sites were fetching outrageous prices...sorta wish I'd just paid the price instead of buying this 686 plus

[@grasunmajjurach5568]

😯😯👍👍😁😁 I from THAILAND patlung

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you

[@hulljames9637]

It's a L frame not K

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thanks for the info. But K frame grips will fit on it.

[@sean6049]

This gun is supposed to be very accurate. The one i have isnt accurate at all. Was bought new, and cant make a 2ft group at 10 yards.. very disappointed.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Wow, I am very surprised. Which barrel length?

[@sean6049]

@thetexasgunvault 6" same as yours. I was thinking of sending to a gunsmith to check it out because something is obviously wrong. But here in Canada I need to call my local police station for a ATT (Authorization To Transport) to a GunSmith. It's a big pain in the ass.

[@Sugleknug]

Is it inaccurate out of every, single chamber@@sean6049? Are you positive this is not due to flinching?

[@Jay_Hall]

@@sean6049 Clearly your Government does not trust it's own citizens, pathetic! Don't trust those bas#ards either.

[@jamesprouty7792]

2 feet at 10 yards- that’s a pretty tight group for a Canadian 😂

[@TJ-wp4yz]

Talk too much about others rather than the featured gun

[@thetexasgunvault]

Sorry you don't like my style but that is ok. I am not for everyone.

[@Imsaved777]

As soon as you said Clinton I will never ever even consider purchasing a Smith and Wesson.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Very good point.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Just an amended comment. The 7 round version here is not acceptable for competition as you are only allowed a specific number of rounds for each series in the competition. And having the extra round in the cylinder, is a safety issue when the Range Officer clears the shooter between series. If anyone reading my comments and have issue with them. I will be happy to explain further. But remember here in the real world of Oz, handgun ownership is for competition and not for personal protection. That is why we have police.👍

[@thetexasgunvault]

And the fun police suck!

[@geezerp1982]

when seconds count the police are only MINUTES away ! the police will not save you from attack

[@Sugleknug]

Interesting comment @andrewsteele7663. Aren't you allowed to just load the required number of rounds in your revolver/pistol for the match, regardless of how many rounds the cylinder/magazine can hold? Are you forced to fill the cylinder/magazine regardless?

[@andrewsteele7663]

@@Sugleknug In a match that has several serials of 6 rounds, you are only allowed to load six. If your revolver holds 7 or 8, and you load all cylinders and fire them. You will have put to many rounds on target. Which is against the rules. And if you have live rounds left in the cylinder, it creates issues with the RO, in clearing the range between serials. And if you just load the 6 rounds, and have empty spots in the cylinder, it just leads to confusion for the shooter and the RO. Whoever thought a 7 round cylinder was a good idea. Probably the same chap who invented WSSM ammo. Cheers who ever you are.

[@5075E]

I mean this in the most respectful way. You and you alone are responsible for your and your family's protection. Period. I was in law enforcement for 9 years and trust me when I say they will be there as fast as possible, but will not get in between you and the perp, or get there in any meaningful time frame. I'm assuming "oz" references Australia and is a place with strict handgun ownership. First, try to get that fixed and second have a shotgun or rifle ready to go instead which actually are superior home defense weapons but can't be easily carried or concealed. The first thing to consider when arming yourself is mindset, then learn the rules of engagement, then do what you can to achieve readiness. Don't be a soft target, once criminals sniff that out, you're on top of the list.

[@supasuprodchinda1350]

How’s this compare to Taurus 66?

[@thetexasgunvault]

I think it is better quality, but the Taurus is nice.

[@supasuprodchinda1350]

@@thetexasgunvault you should review bond arms guns. Those are awesome!

[@NeilNork]

I guess im spoiled. my encore 308 pistol shoots that group at 500 yards

[@thetexasgunvault]

Glad to hear it.