Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Magnum Revolver Review

[@Tennessee_est1983]

I have the 7 shot plus version with 4 inch barrel and i love it! It's one of my favorite firearms!

[@JoseCastillo-vi1pk]

I want one for my collection.

[@curtislong1987]

I just picked up the 7 shot version with the 4 inch barrel.

[@MrSkinnyn71]

It’s great smooth shooter

[@kaa_man]

I also have 686 Plus 4". Beautiful firearm and shoots very well.

[@thomasfox8027]

I have the 7 shot in a 6 1/2 and i adore that thing.

[@viperbl69]

I have had a 586 for thirty years and love it today just as much as the first day I owned it.

[@user-lw1bj5xw3x]

Awesome taste bro!

[@bornfuct]

ya bought my 6 inch 586 in 1992....I thought it was pricey for 350 out the door...

[@gracedagostino5231]

@@bornfuct $350 in 1992 is worth $780 today, so you got a great deal, because a new one today is more than that.

[@Windemtight]

I have a 6" 586 Combat Magnum I bought years ago used for $275 and wouldn't trade it for anything. I love that gun.

[@johnjackson7464]

I have the 7 shot/3" barrel and its great! Perfect for carry and I shoot it well. "Carry what you shoot well!"

[@Ed-ig7fj]

That 686+ with 3" barrel is usually my late-night farm gun. We have bears, coyotes, and trespassers, as well as odd people drifting through late at night. I never feel under-gunned with this revolver. Stay strong. --Old Guy

[@clayfree7428]

When you’ve got to get it done……. I love mine!

[@americanbigfoot7881]

This is essentially my “dream” handgun. I’m 30 and disabled due to a neurological condition that effects my heart so I have a limited income and finally after a long time searching I just got the 686+ 4” Due to my health I spend a lot of time on KZbin and you make some of the best reviews. Also appreciate the included outtakes, makes for a decent laugh and just shows you take the time to make a quality video. Keep it up! And God Bless you sir!

[@bertkilborne6464]

Way to go ! I got mine about 4 mo ago 4" 686+ If you handload those have about .1" longer cylinder than the spec OAL which enables some heavier loads than what's available off the shelf

[@penguinwrangler1012]

This is the revolver I carried while on duty with the Missouri Dept of Corrections from 2002 to 2008. Love this wheel gun.

[@gewglesux]

Thats a heavy carry.

[@patrickmessinger7040]

I love my 686 plus 3 inch. Yes, it is in my carry rotation, and yes does add some heft to my EDC it still works well. Thanks for the S&W love. (:

[@papimaximus95]

Check out the S&W 66 Combat Magnum in 2.75" barrel. it is the perfect carry .357mag.

[@BigBobster86]

Same here.

[@patrickmessinger7040]

@@papimaximus95 Thanks, I actually have looked at the S&W 66 Combat magnum, and actually own the Big brother S&W69 (:

[@leahbennett4979]

But it rust if you look at it hard, I have one, love it, carry it But it continues to rust​@papimaximus95

[@patrickmessinger7040]

@@leahbennett4979 I have never noticed any rust issues with this sidearm, however I will let you know if this accrues with mine. Thanks. (:

[@AllisChalmersMN]

When I was younger I didn’t like revolvers. I thought they were old and antiquated. There was a day at the range someone had a 357 Smith and Wesson revolver and they let me try it. I realized yes they are old school but they are still very relevant and a lot of fun. I now own multiple revolvers most are Smith’s.

[@BigRedPower59]

I pitched this exact revolver last February. Before even taking it out of the box I sent it back to S&W for their master trigger and action package. What an amazing revolver!

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Learned to shoot handgun, from my grandpa, with a 6 inch, 6 shot, 686. Way back when. The gun has my 'eternal love' for sure :-)

[@tonysmith7874]

Full time police officer here who started years ago as an armed security guard. This was my 1st service weapon. This with 3 speed loaders riding between 12 and 3 o'clock on my strong side of my duty belt and one speed Loader sitting at about 10 o'clock behind my OC spray. Brings back some memories for sure.

[@TheJoeshExperience]

I have a 586. Love it, first handgun i bought the day after i got my permit. Absolutely awesome.

[@sisleymichael]

Revolvers, especially S&W, warm my heart. For decades I have shot revolvers. The 686 is a fantastic gun. I like my older model 19s.

[@TheTyrial86]

I bought a Michigan state police issued 586 used. That revolver is amazing, and I don't regret owning it.

[@user-pu6dx6ib6u]

Where can I find police trades to find a quality older Smith .357? Are there some retailers that deal in these? Thanks

[@deanebrownfield6866]

I got my 686 6" in the very early 80's/ I remember it coming out and no one having any to sell. No internet - just guns and ammo Mag and many other. 40 years ago $300 was a heck of a lot of money. I was only making $16,500 right out of college. Felt like it took forever to get the money together to buy one. It was the first revolver or pistol that I ever bought. It has always been my favorite gun of any kind and the best gun I have ever owned. Everyone who has ever shot it. has shot it well and loved it. Recently my 31 year old son in law shot it for the first time at about the same age I was when I bought it 41+ years ago.

[@robwilson3749]

Bought a 6" 686 no dash made in 1984 at a pawn shop about 12 years ago. Lucky find. Love it. I payed 499 for it then.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

That's a beautiful story and shows how a wonderful heirloom quality like this can bond a family across generations!!! Your son in-law will remember that day long after your gone!!!

[@gracedagostino5231]

$300 in 1982 is worth $981 in 2024. A new 686 will set you back at least $981 today, so you got a great deal in the early 80’s

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

The .357 Magnum used to be a lot more stout. The .357 Magnum our grandpas ran was rated to 43000 PSI, or something close to it. In the early 90s, S&W got fed up fixing the smaller framed .357, which had a tendency to scorch throats and top straps. They asked SAAMI to reduce operating pressure, and SAAMI did so, reducing pressure about 25%, to the current 35,000 PSI. I remember my grandpa's reloads having some bark to them. Looking through old reloading manuals from the late 80s and early 90s, the 158 gr loads are rated for the same velocity as current 125 gr loads. The .357 was a different animal then, and its reputation as a manstopper was earned with these loads. The 686 is a perfect candidate for these original loads. I think we should petition SAAMI to give us a .357 +P rated to original pressures for fullsize revolvers. As someone who EDCs Norma spec 10mm, I like that level of performance, and I want my grandpa's .357 Magnum back.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

You can still get loads that shoot 158gr as fast as today's hot 125gr, and the best part is that it can now be done and without having to jack the pressure through the roof. Underwood launches their 158gr xtp's at 1500fps out of a 6 inch barreled gp100.

[@logangodofcandy]

The ORIGINAL 357s were meant to be 158s from an 8 3/4 barrel at 1500fps. Also, it was 43,000 cup, not psi. Cup tests were less consistent and allowed dangerous pressure spikes. It's still about the same pressure, we just use the psi testing. It's more accurate. Whatever shooting competition rules only allowed up to 8 1/2" barrels, so Smith changed from 8 3/4 to just under 8.5 at 8 3/8. Just as Canada had laws requiring a greater than 4" barrel, so Smith also later changed to 4 1/2 barrels. Modern bullets are designed however they function best, so the cartridges are loaded for those bullets to function the best. That's why most 357 is not that stout and 10mm is basically just 40s&w+p. The most capable bullets in 357 are Hornady 140 ftx, 158 xtp, and Barnes copper. Expect anything else to be loaded weak. 158jhp will still annihilate anything.

[@3riverblades]

I have the 7 shot ver it is amazing. Never had an issue.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

I love revolvers and carry them daily. My primary CCW’s are revolvers. Thanks for the great video.

[@carlperry5932]

Mee2

[@J.R.F.23]

If I could have only ONE firearm, hands down it would be: My S&W 686+ .357 Magnum, 7-shot, 5” barrel, with an unfluted cylinder. It’s extremely accurate, a dream to shoot and with such an amazing array of ammunition choices… it’s suitable for most tasks.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I think for me it would be my 6.5 inch Smith and Wesson 629 classic deluxe 44 mag.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

That being said..... I still live my 686+.

[@seanaguilar1637]

Just an overall cool, solid, beautiful finish Gun. More than capable and reliable. Thank you Smith and Wesson. And a shout out to this channel for years of great content 👍

[@Cruiser777]

I agreed it is a beautiful revolver and well built

[@markgman4157]

I have the 586 (4") manufactured in 1982, a 13-2 (1971?), a 686 Plus Delux, a pre-27 (1956), 19 Classic, GP100 (1986) and 2 Pythons (4" blued 1979) and 2020 model 4" stainless ). I don't discriminate. The one I like best is the one in my hand. "Life is good."

[@sar4x474]

This immediately brought back some really nostalgic feelings for me. I became a LEO in 1988 and the 686 4” was my department’s standard issue. I carried that for quite a few years before the department authorized the personal purchase/carry of DA/SA pistols. Thanks for this video. 👍

[@donaldjacek8952]

I carried the 686 on duty from 1988 until 1992 when we switched to semi auto. I bought my 686 and still own it today. Great gun.

[@annettesmart7720]

I have a 6 inch, bought it brand new back in the 1980's... It's my favorite, I love it!

[@labtec6]

I love my 686 6". I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@Saku19]

I'm going to accept this video as a sign that I need to get a 4 inch 686+.

[@johnreacher3756]

Agreed! Find a good video on how to inspect a revolver. Reject any that don't pass even one test. Once broken, revolvers are expensive to fix. @@matthewfortin4335

[@RebelByNature]

@@matthewfortin4335 Way to FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) it. 'Many', how many? Years ago there were a few complaints on KZbin. If it were many, I think we would be hearing about it all the time, right up there with Glocks blowing up and other fables.

[@robertk407]

This is the way.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Indeed you do have that need sir!!!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Yes, indeed, do it now!!!

[@tropocal2343]

*I love my 7" 686 3-5-7 Plus* *Instant collector status.*

[@richardshippful]

I have one with the unfluted cylinder. Love it, but I love my 4" 7 shot better.

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

Taurus 66 4" here. Love that revolver to death. Since I shoot my revolver, my trigger manipulation has improved by 100% on semi autos . Got a S&W bodyguard for the times I cannot hide my pocket flak .

[@JoshuaW86]

I have the 66 as well. Great gun. How many rounds do you have through yours?

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

@@JoshuaW86 around 500. I shoot it every week at the range. Got remans from Oak island ammo to keep the cost in check and finish with a box of Grizzlys from 2A warehouse for recoil training. My carry ammo is Barnes TAC-XPD. Got good gel results out of the 4" barrel. How about you?

[@Carriesaglock]

I had a Taurus 66for years. Its a great gun but once I held a 686 it’s days were numbered. I eventually sold the Taurus and got the Smith.

[@JoshuaW86]

@@araneaetvelivolum1086 That's so cool to hear, I don't have that many rounds through but I would say at least 300 and most of those are .357. Honestly it has been awhile since I've shot it because I am training with a new carry gun and I just got a 10mm for home defense that I have been shooting a lot. I have to say though that of all my guns I have the most fun at the range with the 66.

[@JoshuaW86]

@@Carriesaglock I know the 686 is made better but for the price the 66 is a great gun. I would like to pick up a 686 or a Ruger GP100 one day, not sure which though. I've shot the GP before and loved it, never shot the 686.

[@AK74Man87]

I have one with 4 in barrel and factory wood grips. It’s a no dash I got for like 240 many years ago. Love it.

[@lens7859]

Have a 686 Plus Deluxe in 3 inch. A beautiful and capable revolver.

[@markmanning5683]

I carried this Revolver as a Police Officer for many years, fantastic handgun. After about Six years the agency wanted to transition to Semi Auto Pistols. To this day I wish I still had my Pre-lock 686 6 shot pistol.

[@michaelsouza-e8g]

Love my 1984 686. The older models have the firing pin on the hammer,so no dry firing but very smooth. Had Smith do the mod as it is my night stand gun. Fit and finish is perfect.

[@robwilson3749]

Same. Got a 1984 6" 686 at a pawn shop maybe 12 years ago. Sent it to Smith for the mod.

[@lestercoons3962]

I've had my S&W 686 for over 30 years and it still does it for me! It is still as good as the day I bought it in the 1980's! I take really good care of my firearms so, when I need them, they will take really good care of me!

[@jhmonthetube6339]

I bought my 6” 686 in 1984 and still love it. My wife learned to shoot loading 38spl, very little recoil with this big beauty.

[@scottminshall6420]

I have a Nickel 586, absolutely one of my favorite revolvers. 357 Magnum is great caliber as well.

[@dwightshepheard4985]

My nickel 586 is a beautiful handgun.

[@Noeland]

I picked up a 686 configured for bowling pin shooting, heavy barrel, big steel sight rib, and it's had a trigger job done on it. It's smooth on smooth with a side of lube.

[@aidrogo9432]

I’ve had the 686 + 4 inch barrel and absolutely love it. Good weight , stability and accurate if you know how to shoot . Never had any issues with it . Can’t go wrong with this revolver!

[@joshdavis8928]

Had one years ago. Hated the wood grip so I swapped it out for a Hogue and I was much happier almost instantly. Broke my heart when I had to sell her but bills needed paid. I WILL get another one of these days.

[@AR-hb7lk]

686 is a great firearm, handles great as for kick and have to love a .357 magnum 👍

[@DrQuagmire1]

for me dude, the Ruger GP100 beats out the Model-686 by a mile, due to how tanky the GP100 is (and yes, I do own one of these bad boys). although I will admit, the 686 is good looking revolver as well.

[@arciolilzz]

Great gun. Perfect for hunting, home defense, self defense and more.

[@propblast82nd]

I saw a 686 in Cabelas today a little over a thousand dollars out the door. Fantastic revolver 👍

[@johnreacher3756]

Pretty nice video Mr. Sootch. To me, you are preaching to the choir. I am a revolver shooter. Given practice, one can shoot a revolver very quickly, and reload pretty quickly too. Just some minor corrections, that part of the revolver right behind the barrel extending back to the hammer is the top strap, not the back strap (where the palm of your hand goes). The part under the barrel is the under lug, not typically called the shroud. It is expected that from the top strap by the forcing cone to be flame cut. That flame cut will go just a little into the top strap and stop, so the pistol is not really harmed. However, with moderate to hot loads, that high pressure and hot flame will reach down to any part of the hand that extends further past the end of the cylinder. Therefore, it is generally safe to keep all parts of your hand behind the cylinder. Tuck the thumb of your support hand under the thumb of your firing hand. To help tame the recoil, adjust your stance so you lean into the gun. (Nose over toes.) This gun will not last you your lifetime; it will last several lifetimes (as long as you don't do stupid things with the gun).

[@enricomandragona163]

Sootch makes a ton of videos at times he references rifle parts in a pistol video!! Give the guy a break!!

[@rom14141]

Tucker Gunleather makes a comfortable IWB holster for the 4" 686. I carried one for work, EDC'd for years outside of work and still carry it on every hunt. It just checks all the boxes of what makes a useful handgun a useful handgun.

[@KD-lb9bg]

Excellent revolver. I love my Smith’s.

[@GoldAndSilver988]

I'm in Alabama, and I open carry my 686 Plus, Talo edition with the 5-inch barrel. With its extremely smooth trigger pull, I always shoot one-handed and have no problem with accuracy.

[@USBManiac]

I have had mine for over 20 years, and I still love it.

[@brianlykins6663]

Dont have a 686 , yet. I love Smith & Wesson revolvers. My uncle has 686 plus, 7 shot. Out of the box, it was about as sweet as any I've shot. I absolutely love the 357 mag. It is, especially in the smaller frames, a handful. Average man or women, average strength, average hand size should not have any problem shooting this caliber. Do yourself a favor if youve never shot 357 before, dont load up with full 357 loads for first rounds shooting. Smaller frame 357 with full magnum loads can be a handful, even for experienced shooters. Great thing, like he stated, you have a pistol capable of mag loads, but you can use 38 special or the plus p. The 357 mag is without a doubt my favorite cartridge. God bless and good luck on your decision.

[@flyontop]

Excellent video! Thank you Sootch! Ironically I just purchased a 4” 686 Plus this past week! It was live at first sight.

[@thehasidicjew5017]

My 686 plus seven (7) shoot 357 mag has and will always be in my collection. I ordered mine with a full barrel lug and the S&W trigger job.

[@steveandrushko75]

I just bought one I bought the 686 Plus Deluxe with the wood grips 7 shot and a 6 inch barrel I absolutely love it I paid $1100.00

[@RWW1980]

My granddad gave me a 868 in 98. It’s a fantastic revolver. It’s what I used for my CC course because at the time, it was all I owned.

[@ryanrawlins]

I have the 686+ 3” for one of my ccw options. I had it mag-na-ported and that softened the recoil. I recently added a 442 to my revolver collection. I love revolvers!

[@professorpewpuew]

I have the 3 inch model. Hides well with a good pair of boot grips.

[@GunSam]

Haha, I knew the picture but just realized the name you use now is different.

[@misterfilmguy]

I'd take another Ruger GP100 over this. It's beyond sturdy, balanced well, I prefer the cylinder release on the Ruger, their customer service is better, etc.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Yes,the highly inferior Ruger is certainly cheaper

[@rtaggs8178]

Can't really go wrong with either one. I like the cylinder release on the Ruger better also. Have a 586 right now.

[@rtaggs8178]

The revolver with the highest round count in a revolver is a Ruger. You can search and find the story on it, it was a range rental.@@bobjohnson1633

[@robwilson3749]

​@@bobjohnson1633Not by very much anymore.

[@dwightshepheard4985]

Smith and Wesson revolvers = confidence in my world.

[@nickzimonja3382]

I have the 6" 7 shot and it's one of my favorites. Great video as always!

[@joaopedrobaggio4475]

I know most people who says that revolvers like this are obsolete nowadays, but i don't believe it.

[@nickzimonja3382]

@@joaopedrobaggio4475 made like a tank and is just a flame thrower

[@steveandrushko75]

I just got one about a month ago love it

[@samuelclayton4405]

I have a 4" 586. Excellent sidearm.

[@Defender78]

wow Sootch00 has been on YT for years now, and he's finally getting to the 686. It's one of S&W's iconic models!

[@charlesnash2748]

I have a custom shop 6 inch 686. It is ported ahead of the front sight. The trigger is superb. It's my favorite revolver.

[@richardshippful]

I have the 686-7 7", and a 686-7 4". My Daughter loves the 7", but I love the 4" best. Both are smooth, and beautiful.

[@Carriesaglock]

686+ 4” here. I like the Hogue grip with the backstrap exposed, its classy. Love this gun.

[@vincentj3093]

I have the 686+ with the 3 inch barrel and an unfluted cylinder and an older 586 with a 6 in barrel. Both are unbelievable revolvers.

[@KiefferPlant]

I got a 686+ with a r inch barrel and added a dlsports rear sight and I love it. Great wheel gun for the winter.

[@motorosso3349]

It is hard to beat a good Smith & Wesson revolver. They are great guns. Every gun enthusiast should own at least one as it is a benchmark for what a revolver should be.

[@DrQuagmire1]

well it's a good thing that I own a Smith-&-Wesson revolver in .460 Magnum, and that sumbitch packs a mean punch!!!! hate to be the poor critter at the barrel-end of something like that

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

The under barrel lug does make the revolver look so much better especially stainless. Nice weight on a 6 inch. Trigger work really helps the 686.

[@user-pu6dx6ib6u]

This is an awesome video. Your content is always on point with no bravado or ego telling us the information that we really need. Keep up the great content!!!!

[@jerryjohnson4618]

I absolutely love my deluxe Plus 686 Smith and Wesson revolver. It's my favorite revolver in my collection. Long Live the Republic. Also have a great Thanksgiving Sootch00.

[@dsanchez9703]

Not to mention, with the 5 inch barrel, one of the coolest revolvers outhere

[@johnqpublic1079]

Hands down my favorite revolver,I have the 686 six shot with 6 inch barrel,my second purchase while love my Glock 19,686 feels like a gun and the option of using 38 too ,is a nice benefit for when ammo is in short supply.

[@MikeKelly-ku6rq]

The 686 2 1/2" barrel length was the U.S. Treasury issue revolver in the early 80s. G issue ammunition was Winchester-Western Caliber Special 110 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point. The 50 round box had a printed warning - These cartridges were loaded for U.S Treasury Department to their specifications which require higher velocity pressure than conventional .38 Special cartridges. Most SAs carried their personal Colt Government or the 3.9 oz lighter 686. Both firearms are a pleasure to shoot.

[@gud2go50]

I have the 686 plus and I really enjoy it. It is tough to carry, so I went with an Alaskan chest harness and only carry it while hunting as a back-up. Glad you covered it!

[@stevenrobinson3846]

I bought a new S W just exactly like that one from a gun sale store and I took it out to shoot and after the first 3 shots the cylendar wouldn't roll, tried different ammo and still the same same, sent it back to Smith and Wesson with an explanation what it was doing, they supposedly fixed it but when I got it back it did the same thing,so after telling them again sent it back, it came back working next time, I still have the gun. The cylendar was a hair to long and when fired the heat swelled up the cassing and wouldn't let it roll. Unreal what I had to go through. Thanks for your show

[@Threegunmaster]

One of my first and still favorite revolvers, mine is a 4 inch 686-2 bought new in 1994 . Love the grips Smith and Wesson use to put on there revolvers and how the matte stainless hammer and trigger looked.

[@robwilson3749]

Oh yeeaaahhhh....

[@steveharlow7909]

I've got the 686 with a 8 3/8" bbL. I love it. ❤️ With a full lug

[@georgegravette1132]

I'm baffled as to why S&W doesn't offer a "no internal lock" version of their larger revolvers, the way they offer "no external safety" versions of their striker-fired pistols and model 642 revolver.🤔

[@williamsheehan260]

It’s probably a law

[@ldaniel5915]

I believe it has to do when in the year 2000, S&W made a deal with the The Clinton Administration that they will make the firearms safer. Clinton is gone and they are still installing the safety on their revolvers.

[@robwilson3749]

I was and still am as well. Every survey I've ever done for Smith, I mention it. What finally dawned on me as really the only plausible explanation as to why they'd keep putting something on a gun that no one wants is that if they began to offer the K' and L's without them, the existing one's made with holes the last 25 years would diminish in value. That's going to make some owners pretty irate I'd imagine that buy Smith's like that as collectibles and or just have come to expect Smith revolvers to appreciate in value as they've generally always done rather than depreciate in value.

[@jordanparker8359]

I’ve owned Glocks (carry a 43x now), I’ve owned Rugers, other semi autos, a .38 Taurus revolver. And a 686+ that S&W 686+ was hands down the most accurate, durable and reliable firearm I’ve ever owned! I’m looking at getting another 686+ next week!

[@gilbertodecarvalhocorrea8501]

If I coulda, I shoulda, I woulda get a S&W 686 but we are living hard times in Brazil. The current goverment has denied all " gun permissions " since Jan.2 nd , 2023. Please take care about voting. If you do not vote, please change your political behavior. We have your rights and liberties as " cornerstone principles " we are dreaming about right here in Brazil.

[@Wachtier]

I have the seven inch version. Its a great gun. My only real complaints are that the smith cylinder is difficult to get fully clean after a few hundred rounds and the mim trigger which works fine, but always looks in need of a clean. If you do pick one up with the wood grips, I’d recommend getting the hogue grips anyway. They’re cheap (25 dollars or so) and grip much better, while smiths wood grips have a slight gap that cut the crap out of the web of my hand with full power 357 loads.

[@werre2]

586/686 is a do-it-all workhorse. Super fine. Except for carrying (where legal / human life has value and can be defended)

[@randyreynolds1045]

Love this Revolver!

[@TheLastAmericanOutlaw]

That and a 19 are on my list !😊

[@richardshippful]

19 is a nice revolver. Cannot eat as much 357, but still a very nice gun.

[@carlosmorris4510]

A very smooth trigger with the 686... I have a 6" barrel model.

[@andrewtrotter9023]

I inherited the precursor to the 686, a 681 in stainless w a 4-inch barrel and Hogue grips. It’s probably 35-40 years old but still in excellent condition. They’re basically the same gun. Primary difference is fixed rear sights on the 681 vs adjustable on 686. It’s built like a tank and I love it. Stays in my nightstand (along with a Glock 17). For sentimental reasons and because it’s still a great gun, I’ll never get rid of it.

[@almaadams3631]

681 is probably very valuable. I will go on gunbroker and see if one is for sale.

[@MrWeliz]

I have a 681 bought new in early 80s i guess my sons can flip a coin to see who gets it when I croke

[@BlastedKat]

Nice, I still have two of these in the 6 inch barrel I purchased 1987. They have the wood square butt grip. Wonderful revolvers.

[@dennisyoung4631]

I had one of these many years ago, in six inch. One major reason for securing it was the possibility of going through eastern Oregon, where one might find Rattlesnakes (and feral dogs, some of which might be rabid.) It tended to receive mild(er) handloads, most of them being cast lead bulleted loads.

[@jeffskidmore64]

The 686 was my first duty weapon in the early 90’s till the department switch to a 40 cal. The 686 was always my favorite.

[@mrgunner5351]

Fun fact, you can use the same speed loaders for the Smith L frame and Ruger GP100

[@thomasmorrison675]

I have the buled version, the 586 with a 6" barrel, pretty bad ass gun. I carry it in a Guide's Choice chest holster. It isn't my most powerful revlover but it is the most carried.

[@voteholyk]

My buddy has the 696 44 mag 4" version. That thing is a beast, LOL. Really nice revolver though. Almost 20 years old and still looks and runs like brand new.

[@russellsandidge4210]

Quite a few years ago I bought a 686.. "the pro series". 4-in barrel . It has a competition barrel and at the time they called it a "glass break" trigger for competition shooting. and a extra set of competition grips.... I think I paid around $700 for mine.. now the price is off the scale for one of these

[@markgman4157]

The 696 is 44 Special. The magnum is the 29/629.

[@327Federal]

I thought it was a 327 Federal !! Got excited there for a second !!

[@solarflare1008]

That thing is a flamethrower. Really nice and hard to find revolver. Great video 😎

[@curly__3]

They're everywhere online... Not hard to find.

[@ilovemylord9999]

I had one. Sold it a while ago. I am sorry I did. Best gun ever.

[@tobylmiller]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! I recently inherited my Dad's police issue 4" 686 'no-dash' M and absolutely love it! :)

[@Tennessee_est1983]

That’s awesome man!

[@robwilson3749]

Hell yeah.

[@roy-nk4vq]

First handgun I ever purchased. It's a beast! But mine does not have a Hillary Hole!

[@williamwatson4625]

I was thinking of buying one with a 3" barrel but, even with a 2.5" barrel, it's still too heavy for me to conceal carry. So I settled with the 3" model 60 which is also chambered in .357 magnum. Not as beefy but is at least 10 ounces lighter than the 2.5" version of the model 686. I mostly shoot 38 specials out of it with a smattering of .357 rounds.

[@curly__3]

The accuracy and power make them very viable for carry. I carry a full 4'' k frame occasionally ...i can shoot that gun very accurately out to 100 yards very easily...and it has the power at 100 yards to do the job...

[@nealfry2230]

I enjoy all of my Smith & Wessons but I Love my 629 Power and my 629 Deluxe. My next 357 Magnum will be the Colt Python in the 3 inch Barrel to take to Los Angeles, California in the Year 2024. Thank you! Sir we have a Lot in comin. Take Care my Brother in Arms.

[@totizabayle377]

My 686+ is my backed up to my Beretta 93fs for my first line of home defense. Good presentation.

[@rubixfilms687]

Love this gun! I prefer it like this and the model 19 in that classic blued with wood grips. 👌

[@CityToTheWoods]

I had the 686 back in 1985. After shooting some CCI ammo the cylinder locked solid. This happened on several occasions and I went with a model 13. In 1986. Also, Smith and Wesson did the recall on the 686 and all the guns that had the modification done was stamped with the letter M. The leather is visible in the crane area once the cylinder is swung open. I sold the 686 for $100

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Smith would have fixed it for free.

[@Jaybird-oo3ih]

Should have repaired it

[@cherokeesome]

I have the 686 6 inch bought new in 86. I've never sent it back, 37 years old and still shoots great.

[@GigachadAKM]

The ejector rod probably backed out. A little loctite could have fixed that.

[@CityToTheWoods]

@@cherokeesome Was my duty weapon, couldn't risk it.

[@GunSam]

One of the best revolvers ever made. The S&W hammer block is significantly better than the competitors' transfer bar setup.

[@brandonmartin6203]

Hey Gun Sam love your channel. But question on your comment. Why do they have ruger only loads, even some Buffalo bore recommend ruger only

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@brandonmartin6203 Depends on the cartridge. I'm guessing you're speaking of 45 Colt.

[@brandonmartin6203]

@@exothermal.sprocket I believe it's for major of the bigger magnum 44, 45, for sure...there's 44s that won't even fit in sw cause it's too long

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@brandonmartin6203 The "Ruger only" loads speaks to the strength of Ruger's revolvers (Blackhawk, Redhawk, GP100) to deal with the higher pressures. In other words, the timing won't get knocked out, the frame or cylinder won't bend or crack or burst, and screws won't get shaken loose over the course of a day at the range when firing these beastly loads (if properly installed in the first place). The hammer block/rebound vs. transfer bar mechanisms really have nothing to do with withstanding higher pressure loads.

[@brandonmartin6203]

@lifted_above copy that....I see. So he just referring to the action of the transfer bar. Makes sense thanks