S&W 686 Plus Custom for protection and hunting

By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor

When it comes to firearms there is more to the equation than accuracy, power, and magazine capacity; fit, feel, the heft of the handgun in the hand and balance on the belt count for a lot. Absolute reliability cannot be taken for granted. This is something very few handguns may boast. The Smith and Wesson double-action revolver has been respected the world over not only for fit, finish and accuracy but reliability for over 120 years.

The modern double-action Smith & Wesson could be fired well by any well trained shooter of the previous four or five generations. Modern revolvers are greatly improved from those of even a decade ago despite retaining simplicity of operation. The fit of the cylinder, chambers, throats, and action are superior to most handguns and accuracy potential is the best ever. While it is fine to collect older revolvers and search for pinned and recessed revolvers at the gun show the modern Smith & Wesson Model 686 and similar revolvers are the best to leave Springfield, MA, since Smith and Wesson laid their foundation.

The Smith and Wesson 686 Plus is pleasant to fire but muzzle blast is strong with Magnum loads. Firing off-hand control was good but recoil stout with Magnum loads.

The S&W 686 Plus features a seven shot cylinder. With modern steels it isn’t difficult to construct a seven shot cylinder on the L frame Magnum. The L frame was developed in response to problems with the K frame Magnum and excess wear. The K frame revolvers were originally developed as .38 Special revolvers. When the .357 Magnum was introduced into the K frame by lengthening the cylinder it became a popular service handgun. While N frame revolvers were usually problem free the same was not true of the lighter K frames. Excess wear and gas cutting was common with K frame Magnums that were fired extensively.

Note the heavy under-lugged barrel of the modern 686 Plus

The guns did not blow up but they went out of time and suffered from early wear. The L Frame is a beefed up revolver with the same grip frame size as the K frame making for a fast handling and reliable handgun. When the new seven-shooter was introduced I examined several and discovered that at least for me the new action is sharper and incrementally faster. The result is a smooth double-action revolver with a desirable lock time.

When firing a double-action revolver the proper technique is to bring the trigger back with a smooth steady press. As you press the trigger you will affirm the sight picture. As you bring the hammer almost back to falling affirm the sight picture then continue the press. With practice you will have a hit. As the revolver recoils allow the trigger to return and reset. Then begin again.

This is a handsome, rugged revolver true to a long tradition of nice looking Smith & Wesson magnums.

At close range the double-action trigger is simply pressed to the rear in one long smooth motion. The double-action press is very smooth. I have seen shooters used to heavy double-action self-loaders actually jerk the trigger of Smith and Wesson revolvers too soon. The piece must be mastered and those that appreciate the double-action revolver will find it a great all around defensive handgun.

The revolver illustrated is a special model and limited production piece. The barrel is three inches long. This makes for better balance than the common 2.5-inch-barrel revolvers. While there is some velocity loss compared to a four-inch barrel the Magnum is still plenty strong as the accompanying tables show. Most stainless revolvers are satin finished; this one is polished bright. The 686 Plus features a set of grips that offer excellent hand-fit and recoil control. The front sight features an orange insert front sight with a white outline rear. The rear sights are fully adjustable. These sights offer excellent hit probability in fast combat shooting as well as absolute accuracy at longer range.

The extra round is welcome and makes for a greater reserve of ammunition. I have coupled the revolver with the new SpeedBeez speed loader. This speed loader features a fresh design. Cartridges are loaded into the speed loader and then simply pressed into the cylinder without turning a knob. The SpeedBeez loader is secure and fast. The 686 Plus and a speed loader allow the user to carry fourteen Magnum cartridges, a respectable amount of ammunition.

I normally deploy the handgun in a Lobo Gun Leather inside-the-waistband holster. The 686 Plus is well balanced and carries well. The Lobo Gun Leather holster keeps the cylinder off of the belt line and offers a good fast draw. When carrying the revolver on the trail I usually deploy a Lobo Gun Leather strong side pancake. This holster rides high and offers good speed when worn under a long covering garment. (For more information, check out Lobogunleather.com; phone: 712-541-5730.)

SpeedBeez speed loaders give shooters the edge. They work well for those that practice.

I practice with the 686 Plus often. It has been recommended that you fire 20 rounds of .38 Special for every .357 Magnum in practice. This is a reasonable standard. The action and sight picture are the same, the Magnum kicks more. I fire a good number of Magnums to keep my edge.

The .357 Magnum offers real versatility. As an example if you need a revolver for home defense for those that do not train as hard there is nothing better suited to most individuals than a .357 Magnum loaded with .38 Special ammunition. Magnum revolvers are heavier than most .38s and accept the slightly shorter .38 Special cartridge without a problem. The .38 Special Federal 129-grain Hydra Shock +P is a good choice for this role.

When carrying the piece in the wild for animal defense a deep penetrating load is ideal. The Federal 180-grain Cast Core load offers plenty of penetration. A revolver is the best choice for animal defense as the revolver may be thrust into the animal’s body and fired time after time while a self-loader would jam if used in this manner. This is a counter for the common animal attack when the victim is bowled over during the initial attack.

Lobo Gun Leather holsters are ideal for concealed carry and field use.

For personal defense the Federal Cartridge Company 125-grain JHP breaks 1,350 fps (1442 fps in a four inch barrel revolver) and offers excellent wound potential. This is a proven loading with excellent potential. The Federal 130-grain Hydra Shock is slightly faster and offers excellent wound potential. There are a number of loads that offer excellent wound potential for those that practice. The .357 Magnum enjoys an excellent reputation for stopping felons with a single shot.

The modern 686 Plus is a well-made and well finished revolver with excellent practical accuracy. This is among the finest revolvers I have tested. The action is smooth, the piece is rugged in hard use, and it is well worth its price. The L frame weight and balance result in good recoil management. Smith & Wesson is still at the top of the heap.