A Legacy of Excellence: Exploring the 686 Plus
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is a name that resonates with firearm enthusiasts. It’s synonymous with reliability, accuracy, and the timeless appeal of a classic revolver. Among the various configurations available, the variant equipped with a six-inch barrel holds a special place, offering a compelling balance of power, precision, and versatility. This article delves deep into the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 6 Inch, providing a comprehensive guide that explores its features, performance, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal applications.
The 686 series from Smith & Wesson has a rich history, dating back several decades. It emerged as a direct evolution of the Model 586, a blued steel counterpart. The 686, however, distinguished itself with its stainless steel construction, making it more resistant to corrosion and wear. This shift to stainless steel quickly endeared the 686 to shooters who valued durability and ease of maintenance. The 686 Plus specifically enhances the original design.
The “Plus” moniker signifies a key difference: the cylinder’s increased capacity. While the standard 686 holds six rounds, the 686 Plus boasts a seven-round cylinder. This seemingly small increase can be a significant advantage, offering an extra round of potential stopping power and tactical flexibility. The 686 Plus represents a modern iteration of a proven design, appealing to those who value both tradition and enhanced functionality.
Building a Legend: Materials and Construction
The foundation of the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is built on a robust framework. The frame and cylinder are crafted from high-quality stainless steel. This choice of material offers multiple benefits. Stainless steel is exceptionally resistant to rust and corrosion, making the revolver ideal for use in various weather conditions and reducing the need for meticulous maintenance. The inherent strength of stainless steel also contributes to the revolver’s overall durability, ensuring a long service life.
The craftsmanship extends beyond the metal components. The finish on the 686 Plus is typically a brushed or satin stainless steel, giving it a sophisticated aesthetic. The grips, which are the part of the revolver that is held during shooting, are often made from wood or rubber. Wooden grips provide a classic and elegant look, while rubber grips offer superior grip and recoil absorption, particularly beneficial with the potent .357 Magnum cartridges that this revolver is chambered in. The combination of premium materials and meticulous construction results in a firearm that exudes quality and reliability.
Key Features that Define the 686 Plus
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus has several key features contributing to its popularity. The double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system is a hallmark of the revolver design. In double-action mode, pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder, culminating in the firing of a round. In single-action mode, the hammer is manually cocked, and a lighter trigger pull fires the gun. This offers the shooter flexibility, allowing for rapid firing in double-action mode or precision shots in single-action mode.
Adjustable sights are another essential feature. The sights on the 686 Plus are typically adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing shooters to fine-tune their point of impact for maximum accuracy. This is crucial for various shooting disciplines, including target shooting and hunting.
Modern internal safety features further enhance the 686 Plus’s appeal. Incorporating internal safeties, such as a transfer bar, ensures that the firearm will not fire unless the trigger is pulled, even if the hammer is struck. These safety mechanisms contribute to the overall safe operation of the revolver, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
The hammer design is another area where Smith & Wesson has focused on. The 686 Plus typically comes with a exposed hammer, giving users the flexibility to manually cock the hammer for a lighter trigger pull. The hammer spur provides a solid gripping point, allowing shooters to easily transition from double-action to single-action shooting.
The Six-Inch Advantage: Delving into Barrel Length
A six-inch barrel on the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus presents a set of unique advantages that make it a favorite among shooters. The increased sight radius, the distance between the front and rear sights, is one of the most significant benefits. A longer sight radius allows for more precise aiming, minimizing the impact of any slight aiming errors. This translates to improved accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
Another advantage of the six-inch barrel is its contribution to muzzle velocity. The longer barrel allows the expanding gases from the cartridge to propel the bullet for a longer distance before it exits the muzzle. This results in a higher muzzle velocity, giving the bullet greater energy at impact and extending its effective range. This is particularly advantageous for hunting or any scenario where a flatter trajectory and more energy on target are desirable.
Addressing Weight and Handling
While the six-inch barrel offers significant performance advantages, it also comes with some trade-offs. The revolver with a six-inch barrel is slightly heavier than its shorter-barreled counterparts. This increased weight can affect handling. It may require a bit more effort to maneuver quickly, particularly in close-quarters situations.
The longer barrel also makes the firearm slightly less compact. This can make carrying it more difficult, depending on the intended application. Shooters considering this revolver for concealed carry should be aware of the increased bulk, compared to smaller options.
The result of a comparison shows us other common lengths, like the shorter four-inch barrels are easier to handle and conceal, but sacrifice some accuracy and muzzle velocity. Longer barrels, like those beyond six inches, further extend the sight radius and muzzle velocity but become increasingly unwieldy for most applications. The six-inch barrel strikes an excellent balance, offering a significant improvement in accuracy and performance while remaining relatively manageable.
Performance in the Field: A Real-World Evaluation
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus with a six-inch barrel delivers impressive performance in real-world scenarios. When accuracy testing, shooters often find that it easily groups rounds tightly at various distances. The adjustable sights, when properly calibrated, allow for precise shot placement, whether target shooting or in a hunting scenario.
This revolver is chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges. The .357 Magnum offers potent stopping power, making it suitable for a range of applications, including self-defense and hunting. The .38 Special rounds provide a softer recoil.
Recoil management is an important aspect of shooting the 686 Plus. With .357 Magnum ammunition, recoil can be substantial, particularly for novice shooters. However, the weight of the firearm, combined with the design of the grips, helps to mitigate recoil, making it more manageable. For shooters who prefer a softer shooting experience, .38 Special ammunition offers a lower recoil profile, allowing for extended practice sessions.
The trigger pull characteristics of the 686 Plus contribute to its overall shootability. In double-action mode, the trigger pull is heavier, requiring a firm and consistent squeeze. In single-action mode, the trigger pull is lighter and crisper, allowing for more precise shot placement. The trigger is typically smooth, encouraging accurate shot placement.
A Versatile Companion: Examining Uses and Applications
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 6 Inch is a versatile firearm that can be used for several applications. It is an excellent choice for target shooting, especially at ranges where precision is paramount. The long sight radius and inherent accuracy of the revolver allow shooters to achieve impressive groups.
The 686 Plus 6 Inch is also popular for silhouette shooting, a competitive shooting discipline that involves knocking down steel targets at various distances. The power of the .357 Magnum cartridges, combined with the accuracy of the firearm, makes it a highly effective choice for this sport.
For hunting, the 686 Plus 6 Inch can be used to take small to medium game within appropriate legal and ethical limitations. The .357 Magnum cartridge has sufficient power to effectively dispatch game animals at moderate ranges. Hunters should always choose appropriate ammunition for the intended game.
Home defense is another potential application for the 686 Plus 6 Inch. The seven-round capacity, the potent .357 Magnum round, and the reliability of the revolver platform offer a degree of security. The somewhat larger size and the potential for overpenetration in a home defense scenario are things that should be considered before choosing this firearm.
Concealed carry is less common with a six-inch barrel, however, some individuals might find it feasible with the right holster and clothing. The extended barrel makes concealment more challenging. Shooters considering concealed carry must carefully weigh the advantages of the firearm against the challenges of concealing its size.
Weighing the Scales: Examining the Pros and Cons
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 6 Inch offers numerous advantages. The most significant advantage is its exceptional accuracy. The combination of the long sight radius, a quality trigger, and the inherent stability of the revolver platform contribute to consistent shot placement.
The durability and reliability of the 686 Plus are also important strengths. Built with stainless steel and the time-tested revolver design, this firearm is built to withstand years of use and abuse.
The versatility of the 686 Plus is a significant appeal. The revolver excels in various shooting disciplines, including target shooting, silhouette shooting, and hunting.
The seven-round capacity is an improvement. It provides an extra round compared to the standard six-round revolvers.
The design of the 686 Plus is such that the weight helps absorb recoil, and the grips make the firearm more comfortable to shoot.
There are also some downsides to consider. The 686 Plus with a six-inch barrel is somewhat heavy and bulky. This can make it less convenient for all-day carry, and handling it may not be as swift as with lighter, more compact firearms.
The 686 Plus 6 Inch can be more expensive than certain other firearms. The stainless steel construction and the build quality of the Smith & Wesson revolver contribute to its cost.
Comparing the Choices: Alternative Revolvers
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 6 Inch should be looked at alongside other firearms for informed decisions. Other revolvers from Smith & Wesson, such as the 686 (without the “Plus”), the 686 SSR, and the 627, offer variations in capacity, barrel length, and features. The 686 SSR, for example, is designed for competition shooting. The 627 is chambered in .357 Magnum with an eight-round capacity.
Ruger GP100 is a popular competitor. The Ruger GP100 is a strong and reliable revolver known for its rugged construction. The GP100 often comes at a lower price point.
Other firearms should also be considered. Comparing the pros and cons of different revolvers is important.
Maintenance and Upkeep: Keeping the 686 Plus in Top Condition
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the long life and reliable performance of the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus. After each shooting session, cleaning the firearm is essential. The process should start with disassembling the firearm. Use a brush and cleaning solvent to remove any powder residue from the barrel, cylinder, and chambers. A patch with a cleaning rod can be used to remove fouling from the barrel. Wipe down all external surfaces.
Lubrication is another important aspect of maintenance. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the moving parts. This lubricates parts and prevents corrosion.
Proper storage is also critical. Always store the firearm in a secure location, such as a gun safe. This helps prevent unauthorized access.
Following these steps ensures that the 686 Plus will perform reliably for years to come.
Modifications and Customization: Personalizing Your Firearm
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 6 Inch can be customized to meet individual needs and preferences. Several options are available to enhance the firearm’s performance and appearance.
Different grips are available to improve the shooter’s comfort. Many shooters may want to try custom grips, which will improve handling.
Upgrading the sights is another common modification. Aftermarket sights, such as fiber optic sights or night sights, can improve sight acquisition and accuracy.
Trigger work can be performed. This reduces the trigger pull weight, and provides a crisper break, further enhancing accuracy.
The ethical considerations of modifications, such as those relating to legal considerations of modifying the firearm, should be considered.
In Conclusion: A Timeless Firearm
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 6 Inch is a highly capable and versatile revolver. Its stainless steel construction, high level of accuracy, and user-friendly design make it a top choice. The six-inch barrel offers a great balance between accuracy, power, and practicality.
The 686 Plus 6 Inch is an excellent choice for target shooting, hunting, and home defense. The revolver is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate firearm.
If you appreciate the quality and legacy of Smith & Wesson firearms, the 686 Plus 6 Inch is well worth considering. It offers a compelling combination of features and performance, making it a timeless classic in the world of firearms.
