The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, particularly the 3-inch barrel variant, has earned a reputation as a formidable revolver, appealing to both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike. This review dives deep into its features, performance, and overall value, offering a comprehensive assessment for those considering adding this firearm to their collection.
Design and Features: A Classic Refined
The 686 Plus 3-inch boasts a classic revolver design, immediately recognizable to firearms enthusiasts. Its robust construction, primarily using stainless steel, ensures durability and resistance to wear. The 3-inch barrel offers a sweet spot between concealability and effective range, making it versatile for various applications, from concealed carry to home defense.
Key Features:
- 7-Shot Capacity: A significant advantage over many competitors, providing ample firepower in a self-defense scenario.
- 3-Inch Barrel: The ideal balance of portability and accuracy, striking a compromise between a longer barrel's accuracy and a snub-nose's concealability.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion, essential for a firearm that might be subjected to various conditions.
- Adjustable Sights: Allows for precise sight adjustments to personalize accuracy, catering to different shooter preferences and distances.
- Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) Trigger: Provides flexibility in shooting style; DA for quick draw and SA for enhanced accuracy.
Performance and Handling: A Smooth Shooter
The 686 Plus 3-inch's performance is largely praised. The trigger pull, while initially somewhat stiff in double-action mode, breaks cleanly and predictably with practice. The single-action trigger pull is crisp and light, contributing to improved accuracy. Recoil is manageable, even for less experienced shooters, thanks to the revolver's weight and design. The relatively short barrel slightly increases muzzle flip, but this is negligible for most shooters.
Accuracy and Range:
The 3-inch barrel, while shorter than longer-barreled revolvers, still offers respectable accuracy at typical self-defense ranges. Precise shot placement is achievable with practice, making it a reliable firearm for its intended purposes. However, it's important to remember that the shorter barrel does slightly impact range and velocity compared to longer barrel options within the 686 line.
Practical Applications and Versatility:
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3-inch excels in various roles:
- Concealed Carry: Its compact size and weight make it a viable option for concealed carry, particularly for those who prefer the reliability and stopping power of a revolver.
- Home Defense: Its high capacity and manageable recoil make it suitable for home defense scenarios.
- Target Shooting/Practice: Its accuracy and comfortable handling make it an enjoyable firearm for target practice and honing shooting skills.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Performer
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3-inch is a highly regarded revolver that offers a compelling blend of power, accuracy, and portability. Its durable construction, manageable recoil, and substantial capacity make it a strong contender for self-defense, home defense, or even recreational shooting. While not without some minor drawbacks (the initial trigger pull stiffness), its overall performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for many firearm owners. Its relatively high price point should be considered, but many users feel the quality and reliability justify the cost. For those seeking a reliable and powerful revolver in a compact package, the 686 Plus 3-inch is certainly worth serious consideration.
