Revolvers enjoy popularity dating back to their inception as the first widespread repeating firearm. Updates and tweaks over the years have improved their function. However, the basic DA/SA revolver is largely unchanged from the turn of the 20th century. Decades of incremental improvement have led us to the revolvers of today. Today we take a look at the flagship revolver of long time industry giant Smith and Wesson, the Model 686.
History
Smith and Wesson has manufactured revolvers for decades. The first successful S&W was their Model 3, a top break design released in 1870. In 1899 S&W developed the Model 10 in 38 Special, which served as their flagship revolver for many years.
In 1934 Elmer Keith designed the legendary 357 Magnum and S&W needed to build a duty sized revolver that could handle magnum pressures. They accomplished this in 1957 with the Model 19, a K-frame sized revolver. However, over time they learned the Model 19 couldn’t withstand a steady diet of 357 Magnums. In 1981 S&W beefed up the frame to an L-frame and added a full underlug and the 686 was born.
Specifications
The Model 686 is the stainless version of the Model 586. In the common 4.125 inch configuration it weighs 40oz. Most models have a 6-shot cylinder although there are 7-shot versions available. The entire 686 lineup is focused around the 357 Magnum chamberings.
Like most general purpose DA/SA revolvers, the S&W has a swing out cylinder and an exposed hammer. Usefully, the barrel features a full underlug which reduceds the muzzle flip when firing full-house 357 Magnum loads. Additionally, for practice the 686 can easily handle popular 38 Special cartridges.
Advantages
The S&W Model 686 is a mature design that does many things well. First of all, it is phenomenally accurate. The double action trigger is very smooth and doesn’t stack like some of its competitors. Also, the single action trigger is light and breaks like a glass rod. Unlike most semi-automatic handguns, the 686 has a fixed barrel. This in turn helps to ensure that the Model 686 is more accurate than virtually any shooter.
Also, the S&W 686 is incredibly reliable. Revolvers in general are known for their reliability. This is because many common malfunctions simply can’t happen with a revolving design. Revolvers physically cannot fail to feed, fail to extract, or fail to eject. While cheaper revolvers can sometimes suffer catastrophic failures, a quality revolver like the Model 686 is as reliable as any firearm in existence.
Next, the Model 686 is superbly versatile. A standard 4-inch 686 can serve adequately as a duty handgun, a carry gun with appropriate clothing, and has the horsepower for hunting deer sized game. With an appropriate cartridge selection, the 686 is potent enough to provide protection from predators in the wilderness. With such versatility, legal limitations pose more challenges than the capability of the firearm.
Weaknesses
The primary shortcomings of the S&W 686 are endemic of all revolvers. First of all, the high bore-axis and long double action triggers make it difficult to shoot them blisteringly fast. However, it is not impossible. Experts such as Jerry Michulek can shoot revolvers virtually as quick as autoloaders. However, this takes more practice than most will put in.
Also, revolvers have low capacities. While situations are rare that more than 2-3 shots are needed, at the end of the day more is more. Modern double stack handguns can hold 15 rounds of 9mm. That is almost triple the ammunition from a six shooter. This is partially offset by the potency of the 357 Magnum cartridge. However, it is hard to argue that the 357 Magnum is three times as effective as 9mm.
Finally, the 686 is a large gun. Weighing 40 ounces, the 686 certainly makes itself known. This extra weight can make it difficult to carry comfortably. However, the weight does come with a benefit. The added mass, particularly under the barrel helps to soak up the recoil at the range.
Competition
In my mind there are two chief competitors in the full-size 357 Magnum market. The first of the two is the legendary Colt Python. The Pythons have been known for exquisite fit and finish and are incredibly fine guns. That said, the double action triggers and the cylinder releases are a bit better on the S&W. However, the single biggest difference between the two is the price.
Until recently, the Colt Python was out of production for a number of years. This lead to the revolver gaining a cult following on the second hand market and driving up the price of original Pythons to north of $3000 dollars. This drives these revolvers into collector status and out of the realm of hard use firearms.
The other competitor to the S&W 686 is the Ruger GP 100. In function these two firearms are exceedingly similar. The Ruger is built a bit heavier due to its usage of the trademark Ruger injection molding techniques. This leads to a beefier feel in the hand compared to a more streamlined Smith and Wesson. The push button cylinder release also provides a different feel. Both are fantastic revolvers so pick whichever feels best in your hand.
Closing Thoughts
In the 21st century revolvers no longer dominate the defensive handgun market. Despite this, they still fill a niche for a reliable handgun that can serve both as a wilderness carry, a hunting firearm, target gun, and a defensive tool. We will never again see the day where the revolver is the primary tool for military and law enforcement. But for someone who is looking to do it all with a single handgun a six shooter in 357 Magnum can do it all. If you’re looking for a 357 Magnum handgun, the S&W 686 is one of the best.