Smith & Wesson Model 686
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 1981
Also known as: 686, L-Frame, Distinguished Combat Magnum
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a medium-large revolver built on Smith & Wesson's L-frame, introduced in 1981. Chambered in .357 Magnum with a 6-round cylinder. Built with a steel frame, this revolver continues Smith & Wesson's tradition of robust, reliable revolver construction. The 4.0-inch barrel provides an excellent balance of sight radius and portability, suitable for both duty carry and range work. At 1106g (39.0 oz), this is a substantial revolver that uses its mass to tame recoil from powerful magnum loads, making extended range sessions more comfortable. Smith & Wesson has been producing L-frame revolvers for over four decades, continuously refining the platform with improved metallurgy, ergonomics, and manufacturing techniques while maintaining the fundamental reliability and accuracy that has made their double-action revolvers the benchmark against which all others are measured.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1106 g (39.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 143 mm (5.63") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Revolver |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 784 J (578 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Stainless |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar
- Features: Adjustable Sights, Full Underlug, Hogue Rubber Grips, Swing Out Cylinder, Transfer Bar Safety, Fixed Sights, Stainless Steel Construction, Exposed Hammer
Variants
- Smith & Wesson 686 Plus — Capacity Increase
- Smith & Wesson 686 Silhouette — Target
- Smith & Wesson 686 SSR — Competition
Service history
Operators
- Various US Law Enforcement Agencies · adopted 1981
Production
Production years: 1981-present
Continuous production since 1981, one of S&W's best-selling revolvers
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Smith & Wesson
Notes
The 686 was introduced as the stainless steel version of the blued Model 586. The L-frame was specifically designed to handle the heavy use of .357 Magnum loads that had proven problematic for the smaller K-frame. Available in various barrel lengths from 2.5 to 8.375 inches.
Background
The 686 represents the evolution of S&W's magnum revolver line, combining the durability needed for .357 Magnum loads with modern stainless steel construction for low maintenance.