Smith & Wesson 686
After four decades,
no signs of slowing down
Smith & Wesson’s Model 686 with 6" barrel is fitted with an UltraDot
L/T optic on Weigand Machine and Design’s mini-mount.
In 1981 a real workhorse galloped out of the Smith and Wesson stable in the form of the company’s model 686 — a stainless version of their model 586. Here we are almost 40 years later and the Model 686 is still going strong.
Based on S&W’s well-engineered L-Frame revolver, the 686 was designed for a steady diet of .357 Magnum ammo. When the 686 first hit the radar screen, it was a bit difficult to get your hands on one as many law enforcement agencies were adopting it as a service revolver. Before the world became emotionally attached to high capacity semi-autos, the 686 quickly procured a strong following. The 4″ 686 was commonly seen resting in the holster of on-duty officers — and the rest of us mere mortals were just trying to find one for sale.
Through the years, the burgeoning 686 became available in these barrel lengths: 2 1/2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, and 8 3/8″. Other barrel lengths and modifications could be found on exclusive offerings or by special order. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the 686, a multitude of variants occurred including the Classic Hunter, Black Stainless, Target Champion, Model 686 Plus, featuring a 7-shot cylinder. Regardless whether you were in law enforcement, competitive shooting, recreational plinking or a hunter, the 686 was a reliable revolver you could depend on.
Fixing It Up
I took the 686 to the range recently and felt bad it had been neglected. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to discover my aging eyes and iron sights don’t play well together. When I went to install a mount for optics, I realized the early models were not drilled the same as the newer versions so I sent the gun to Mag-na-port. Ken Kelly worked his magic — along with a nice action job — and now this revolver is a dream come true to shoot. Thanks to Weigand Machine and Design, a neat little compact base was installed for an UltraDot L/T reflex optic.
Just about any company who makes grips will offer one or more options for an L-Frame Smith & Wesson. Preferring finger-grooves, I chose Eagle Grips with their genuine rosewood combat grips. These grips are super comfortable and attractive to boot.
After some modifications, this 686 really shines at the range and I can see the targets better thanks to the UltraDot. Karen, my wife of 40 years, also enjoys shooting this revolver so I started looking for another 686 to add to the stable.
Fortunately, I was able to pick up an 8-3/8″ model. It too was an older gun and had to be sent to Mag-na-port for their alterations to install a Weigand base. This model was a 686 “no dash,” which means it was in the first production run. If a 686 has a number proceeding, it denotes engineering modifications during the production life of the particular model.
The 686-1 implies the redesigned “radius-stud/floating hand” change occurring in 1986 which many people consider less desirable. The 686-2 (1987) S&W changed the hammer nose. The 6″ version I have is a 686-3. This model began regular production in 1988 and signifies a new yoke retention system. The 686-6, manufactured in 2001, has the internal key lock was incorporated. In 1996, S&W introduced a 7-shot cylinder with a round-butt frame and Hogue grips, while deleting the square butt.
After Mag-na-port drilled the top-strap for the Weigand base, I mounted a Leupold 4x scope. Options for grips are almost endless but I finally landed a beautiful set of Claro walnut combat grips from Culina Grips.
Whether you’re a handgun hunter, target shooter, or like banging steel targets, the 686 is accurate.
Versatility Defined
One of the many attributes of the .357 Magnum is versatility. In my younger years when I was 10-foot-tall and damn near bullet-proof, I shot .44 Magnums for most revolver pursuits. Now, I’ve reached the point in life where I find pleasure in less recoil so Karen and I have been shooting a lot of 38 Specials. Both of these guns are extremely pleasant to shoot. When you want to up your game, there is a plethora of .357 Magnum ammo available.
There are so many options when it comes to bullets for .38 caliber. I’ve been loading Nosler, Hornady, and Sierra 158-gr. bullets for the most part. Cast bullets abound too. Powder choices are also widespread and I generally use Longshot, Unique, 2400, and 231 for plinking loads. H 110 gets the call for magnum rounds. You can tailor your loads for any application from small game hunting, competition shooting, banging steel targets, or handgun hunting.
There are hordes of holsters available for the 686 depending on barrel length and carrying preference. Since I’m packing the longer barrels in the field, I lean toward Simply Rugged, Barranti Leather, Pistol Packaging, or Diamond D Custom Leather rigs.
My next purchase will be a 686 Plus with a 3″ barrel, a seven-shot model. Karen has a slight aversion for semi-autos as she has issues with racking the slide. The shorty 686 will be an ideal home protection piece for either of us.
What The Future Holds
For the moment, I’m having too much enjoyment shooting the two models with 6 and 8-3/8″ barrels — both being very accurate. On our farm, Karen and I have a few deer blinds situated in the woods where shots seldom range beyond 75 yards. This fall I plan on taking one of the revolvers to the woods and hope to fill our freezer with venison.
If a hog hunt happens to hit the radar screen, I won’t hesitate to use Swift ammo and their 180-gr. A-Frame bullet. Many years ago, I watched my good friend JD Jones drop a big hog over 200 lbs. with his 686- and 180-gr. bullets. The shot was well-placed and the big, mean hog dropped quickly. There are better hunting rounds such as the .41 and .44 Magnums but the smaller Magnum will work with proper shot placement and the right bullet.
I won’t be here 50 years from now but I’m willing to bet the Smith & Wesson Model 686 will be. It will go down in the history books as a classic revolver. Long live the 686!
