686 or 686 PLUS

[Dfresh15]

I'm gonna be buying my 1st revolver and I really like the 686 Model. What's the difference between these to guns other than one is 6 round capacity and other is 7 round? Any suggestions OR opinions on these 2 models would be appreciated like Barrel size, etc. Gun will be used for mostly range fun. Thanks

 

[Engine49guy]

Same gun different cylinder,
Triggers have a different feel as the 7 shot spins up and locks quicker because of the shorter distance between the stop notches,

The 7 shots stop notches are also located between the cylinder charge holes making its cylinder slightly stronger.

if you intend to compete in revolver matches make sure 7 shot guns are allowed before purchasing one.

Forgot to add that the 7 shot is probably lighter empty and heavier when loaded.

Good luck and remember to post pics !

 

[jrod]

I prefer the 6 shot. I tried the 7 shot, but the action felt funny to me. I think I'm just to used to 6 shots in a Revolver and the 7 shooter throws my timing off. After saying all that, since this is your 1st Revolver, I'd go to a Range that rents Guns and try them both.
You really can't go wrong with either one! Revolvers are just plain fun to shoot!

 

[g-dad]

The 686 Plus was my first firearm purchase. I sweated this decision for sometime before deciding in favor of the 7 round 4" barrel. I don't/wont shoot any form of competition so that didn't factor in. In the end I just wanted the extra round and if there had been an 8 shot I would have bought that. I've had this gun since 1/09 and put more rounds thru it than I can count . It is very accurate and I have never second guessed my decision. btw, I have many more revolvers now and it is my favorite.

 

[F75gunslinger]

If it's a range only gun..I would prefer the 6 inch model over the 4 or the 8 3/8. The 4 inch has better balance, but the eight..when used for long range shooting will be better due to the sight radius. the 6 inch would be a good medium ground between the two.

 

[one eye joe]

HI Dfresh, WELCOME TO THE FORUM.THE 4" MODEL 686+ (7 ROUND) IS IMHO, THE MOST VERSATILE AND BEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER ON THE MARKET. THE 4" BARREL IS VERY ACCURATE FOR RANGE WORK AND GIVES UP LITTLE TO THE 6" GUN. THE 4" BALANCES VERY WELL, CONCEALS EASILY AND IS PERFECT FOR SELF DEFENSE OR HOME DEFENSE. THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER IS AN ASSET TO AVAIL YOURSELF OF. ITS OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS ARE THE SAME. IT IS MERELY DRILLED DIFFERENTLY THAN THE 6 ROUND PATTERN. IN FACT, THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER IS STRONGER, IN THAT THE NOTCHES LIE BETWEEN THE CHAMBERS, RATHER THAN ON TOP OF THE CHAMBERS, WHERE THE METAL IS THINNER. IF YOU EVER HAVE TO SHOOT TO DEFEND YOURSELF, THAT EXTRA ROUND MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE….

THIS IS YOUR FIRST REVOLVER, SO YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW YOU WILL USE IT. WHILE IT MAY "PRIMARILY BE A RANGE GUN" THERE ARE MANY OTHER ROLES THAT IT COULD FULFILL. YOUR NEEDS MAY CHANGE OVER TIME. DON'T PAINT YOURSELF INTO A BOX BY PURCHASING A 6'', 6 SHOT REVOLVER SUITED SOLELY FOR RANGE USE…

I HAVE THREE MODEL 686s. THE 686+ SHOWN BELOW, IS A CARRY AND HOME DEFENSE GUN. I HAVE AN 8 3/8" WITH A RED DOT, THAT I SHOOT AT THE RANGE BOTH INDOORS, AND OUTDOORS AT LONG DISTANCES. IT SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE. FINALLY, MY FAVORITE IS A 4" 686+ MOUNTAIN GUN, THAT CAN DO IT ALL. SELF DEFENSE, HOME DEFENSE, HUNTING, AND RANGE WORK INSIDE OR AT LONGER RANGES OUTSIDE. I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING FOR 60 YEARS. IF I COULD KEEP JUST ONE GUN, IT WOULD BE MY 4" MODEL 686+. IT APPEARS ON THE EXTREME LEFT OF THE ROW OF MOUNTAIN GUNS, WHICH ALL HAVE 4" BARRELS…..

 

[Dfresh15]

HI Dfresh, WELCOME TO THE FORUM.THE 4" MODEL 686+ (7 ROUND) IS IMHO, THE MOST VERSATILE AND BEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER ON THE MARKET. THE 4" BARREL IS VERY ACCURATE FOR RANGE WORK AND GIVES UP LITTLE TO THE 6" GUN. THE 4" BALANCES VERY WELL, CONCEALS EASILY AND IS PERFECT FOR SELF DEFENSE OR HOME DEFENSE. THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER IS AN ASSET TO AVAIL YOURSELF OF. ITS OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS ARE THE SAME. IT IS MERELY DRILLED DIFFERENTLY THAN THE 6 ROUND PATTERN. IN FACT, THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER IS STRONGER, IN THAT THE NOTCHES LIE BETWEEN THE CHAMBERS, RATHER THAN ON TOP OF THE CHAMBERS, WHERE THE METAL IS THINNER. IF YOU EVER HAVE TO SHOOT TO DEFEND YOURSELF, THAT EXTRA ROUND MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE….

THIS IS YOUR FIRST REVOLVER, SO YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW YOU WILL USE IT. WHILE IT MAY "PRIMARILY BE A RANGE GUN" THERE ARE MANY OTHER ROLES THAT IT COULD FULFILL. YOUR NEEDS MAY CHANGE OVER TIME. DON'T PAINT YOURSELF INTO A BOX BY PURCHASING A 6'', 6 SHOT REVOLVER SUITED SOLELY FOR RANGE USE…

I HAVE THREE MODEL 686s. THE 686+ SHOWN BELOW, IS A CARRY AND HOME DEFENSE GUN. I HAVE AN 8 3/8" WITH A RED DOT, THAT I SHOOT AT THE RANGE BOTH INDOORS, AND OUTDOORS AT LONG DISTANCES. IT SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE. FINALLY, MY FAVORITE IS A 4" 686+ MOUNTAIN GUN, THAT CAN DO IT ALL. SELF DEFENSE, HOME DEFENSE, HUNTING, AND RANGE WORK INSIDE OR AT LONGER RANGES OUTSIDE. I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING FOR 60 YEARS. IF I COULD KEEP JUST ONE GUN, IT WOULD BE MY 4" MODEL 686+. IT APPEARS ON THE EXTREME LEFT OF THE ROW OF MOUNTAIN GUNS, WHICH ALL HAVE 4" BARRELS…..

Excellent!! Thanks so much sir. Sounds like my taste in the 686 Plus is a good decision. That's my pick then! Brand New 686+ with 4" Barrel

 

[Rpg]

The 7 shooters seem to have timing problems out of the box much more often than the 6 shooters.

 

[Titan]

I did a LOT of research prior to selecting the 686 plus w 3 inch barrel for my first revolver.

It is perfect for having fun at the range, as well as being able to be holstered and carried, if you choose to.

For maximum flexibility, you can't do better than a plus with a 3 inch barrel.

 

[shadetree]

S&W 686 to a 686+

HI Dfresh, WELCOME TO THE FORUM.THE 4" MODEL 686+ (7 ROUND) IS IMHO, THE MOST VERSATILE AND BEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER ON THE MARKET. THE 4" BARREL IS VERY ACCURATE FOR RANGE WORK AND GIVES UP LITTLE TO THE 6" GUN. THE 4" BALANCES VERY WELL, CONCEALS EASILY AND IS PERFECT FOR SELF DEFENSE OR HOME DEFENSE. THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER IS AN ASSET TO AVAIL YOURSELF OF. ITS OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS ARE THE SAME. IT IS MERELY DRILLED DIFFERENTLY THAN THE 6 ROUND PATTERN. IN FACT, THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER IS STRONGER, IN THAT THE NOTCHES LIE BETWEEN THE CHAMBERS, RATHER THAN ON TOP OF THE CHAMBERS, WHERE THE METAL IS THINNER. IF YOU EVER HAVE TO SHOOT TO DEFEND YOURSELF, THAT EXTRA ROUND MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE….

THIS IS YOUR FIRST REVOLVER, SO YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW YOU WILL USE IT. WHILE IT MAY "PRIMARILY BE A RANGE GUN" THERE ARE MANY OTHER ROLES THAT IT COULD FULFILL. YOUR NEEDS MAY CHANGE OVER TIME. DON'T PAINT YOURSELF INTO A BOX BY PURCHASING A 6'', 6 SHOT REVOLVER SUITED SOLELY FOR RANGE USE…

I HAVE THREE MODEL 686s. THE 686+ SHOWN BELOW, IS A CARRY AND HOME DEFENSE GUN. I HAVE AN 8 3/8" WITH A RED DOT, THAT I SHOOT AT THE RANGE BOTH INDOORS, AND OUTDOORS AT LONG DISTANCES. IT SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE. FINALLY, MY FAVORITE IS A 4" 686+ MOUNTAIN GUN, THAT CAN DO IT ALL. SELF DEFENSE, HOME DEFENSE, HUNTING, AND RANGE WORK INSIDE OR AT LONGER RANGES OUTSIDE. I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING FOR 60 YEARS. IF I COULD KEEP JUST ONE GUN, IT WOULD BE MY 4" MODEL 686+. IT APPEARS ON THE EXTREME LEFT OF THE ROW OF MOUNTAIN GUNS, WHICH ALL HAVE 4" BARRELS…..

Since the cylinders are the same size, how much must be modified to convert the 686 to a 686+?

 

[Telecaster]

I’d consider the 3” Plus too, for general use.

 

[robvious]

I am a fan of the 3" & 5" models... 686 plus is nice but not necessary... I have both and the 686 is probably the best 357 S&W makes...

 

[Bob L]

My 586 L-Comp is one of my favorites and a real joy to shoot and shoot it does. As jrod noted, find a local range and try them all. You just might end up with one of each as many of us have already found out. Enjoy your new revolver, which ever one you get and remember the pictures and range reports.

 

[bearman49709]

I think that in the last four and a half years the OP has made his choice and bought one by now, maybe many more if he's like most of us.

OP's last post was 12-22-16, so he may no longer visit this forum.

 

[gnystrom]

I sold my 686 Pro Series and now I have a 586L-comp and a 686+ both are three inch seven round guns and the timing and actions are perfect. The 586 is from the Performance Center and I can tell little difference between the two. I shoot both at 25yds. DA offhand with great results.

 

[Mehutch]

Just get them all like me, you can't go wrong. I have them all... except maybe the 3", 5", 7" and the 8 3/8"... but I do have them all. 6 and 7 shooters, ya can't go wrong. Buy them all , shoot them all, repeat.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I have never experienced any issues with a 686+ in any barrel configuration and the 4" is amazingly fun to shoot. If you're not concealing it then it is the perfect sixgun for range fun - and if you open carry it then it is still the perfect sixgun. Okay, seven-gun.

But they're all grrrrreat anyway!

Now, when you add a longer barrel, well, you can really reach out and touch something. I find these more fun in the field than on the range.

586 with 6 rounds - still, plenty of gun for whatever you like!

 

[ultratec00]

I have a vintage 586 that is butter smooth and well worn. When I decided to get a 686 recently, I decided on 686+ and haven't looked back. Have two 3-5-7s in 5" and 3". Both lock up well before the sear engage and very accurate. Like most any smith, it didn't take much to clean them up and having 7 vs. 6 rounds sure isn't a bad thing.

 

[Sgt911]

I just cant decide between 3" or 2.5" 686+

 

[bigfatty]

I just cant decide between 3" or 2.5" 686+

I went with the 3". AAMOF, I have a 686+ 3" and a 586 L-Comp. The extra 1/2" makes more difference ballistically than the inch between that and a 4" barrel.