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Smith and Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe 3 Inch Review

Smith & Wesson 686

Many of the guns I have purchased have been washed so with the idea of existence the "concluding rifle" or "last pistol" I'll ever need to buy. Of course this never actually works out in practice – something new comes along and I catch the bug. Once in a while, though, I notice something that is pretty much perfect as-is, and information technology endures. An instance of this phenomenon: the venerable Smith & Wesson 686. It is my One if I could have simply ane, my hell or high-water sixgun, my "gun to ride the river with."

Smith & Wesson 686

The 4″ Smith & Wesson 686 is the revolver that captured my imagination more than whatever other as a kid. Considering I didn't handle many actual revolvers as a kid, my fascination was merely due to the aesthetics of the matter. And I acknowledge that to this day, no other revolver comes shut to achieving the perfectly balanced look of the four″ 686 (except maybe the 3″ and 5″ 686s…which however only come shut). Just calling a revolver perfect based on looks alone could responsibly be characterized every bit irresponsible. So why practise I consider the S&Westward 686 to be the perfect revolver (and perchance even the perfect handgun)?

Perfect Revolver
My four″, pre-lock 686-three.

It's made to shoot. The 686 is built on the Fifty-Frame, Smith & Wesson's medium-large revolver chassis. The L-Frame was designed to correct the weaknesses of the smaller, lighter Thousand-Frame with a thicker top strap and heavier forcing cone, while keeping the grip the same size. A few other dimensions in the gun were increased, resulting in a revolver that is designed for hard use with full-power .357 Magnum ammo.

Perfect Revolver
The beefy forcing cone and tiptop-strap of the 686.

The mid-big dimensions of the L-Frame make the 686 heavy. This is not the worst matter. First, information technology soaks upwardly recoil like a sponge. Y'all can run the gun hard and run it fast. You can shoot whatsoever SAAMI-spec'd .357 Magnum load available, and do then with a smile on your confront. The heft of this wheelgun also lends some stability when more precision is desired. In competent hands, a revolver of this size can be counted on to ring steel reliably at 100 yards or more. Information technology is likely that it could also brand an sick-intentioned rifleman of mediocre skill downright uncomfortable at like remove.

Perfect Revolver

It doesn't demand modification. I have toyed with the idea of lightly customizing this revolver. But I've reached the conclusion that Due south&W pretty much did information technology right when they made this 1. The double-action trigger is one of the smoothest and cleanest I've ever seen, breaking right around an even ten lbs. Fifty-fifty the Hogue Monogrip that no one else likes just works for me, though I accept replaced information technology with VZ Grips' Tactical Diamonds.

Smith & Wesson 686 It'south rugged and reliable. Information technology is said that a human being to ride the river with is a man that tin be counted on in whatever state of affairs and confronting any peril. A revolver to ride the river with should alive up to the same standard. It should be one that earns and keeps the confidence of its owner, equally the 686 has and does. The Smith & Wesson 686 is as reliable a gun as I've every carried.

The i facet of this revolver that I have contemplated changing is the rear sight. As my "hell or high-water" sixgun, this revolver is expected to accomplish its job regardless of difficulty. The mill adjustable sights are the most visible weak link in this gun if there is one. Possible replacement candidates are the Bowen Crude Country adjustable rear sight or the D&L Sports fixed rear sight, but I have not notwithstanding committed to either. I like the idea of both, just each has a disadvantage. The Bowen cuts a slighter higher, sharper profile, and the D&L would require the gun exist permanently sighted in with a specific load (probably 125-grain Speer Gold Dots).

Smith & Wesson 686

It's versatile. This is perhaps the most compelling reason that the 686 would exist the one, if I could only take one. It's as well my become-to gun for outdoor carry. Although it gets a lilliputian heavy for all-day carry, it tin be carried. Though it's a little large for concealment, it can be curtained. Though it's a little calorie-free for predator defense, it works. Appropriately loaded for the task at hand, the 686 will do what needs to be done. It's the minimalist's gun: a generalist in the farthermost.

Smith & Wesson 686
These Buffalo Bore 180-grain LFNs are capably handled by the 686, as are the lightest of .38 Special loads. Check out the heavy roll-crimp on these rounds.

As I stated earlier, if I could have just ane, this would be The One. The 686 is classy, rugged and reliable, and to a higher place all, versatile. And so let me hear from you: what is your "gun to ride the river with"?

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Justin Carroll is a old MARSOC Marine and veteran of both Republic of iraq and Afghanistan. Leaving service after eight years in the U.South. Marines, Justin continues his involvement with a diversity of government agencies to this twenty-four hours. Justin began RevolverGuy.com in late 2016 with an unproblematic thought: provide an source of high-quality information for revolver enthusiasts. View all posts by Justin

jonesthatic.blogspot.com

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