I own the 686 3”. I’m a retired 30 year LEO. I have 3 handguns that I carry at different times of the year. This is my go to in cooler weather where concealment is easier. I also prefer to carry in a cross draw. It allows to draw from inside my vehicle without having to remove a seatbelt.
I got the 6.5" one, not because of any compensation issues, but because that added barrel length gives that mag round the potential to be comparable to a rifle round at greater distances. Even a nice shoulder holster with two spare speedloaders makes it comfortable and accessible. Great handgun.
Holy cow. Where do you live that being car jacked or violently assaulted is such a possible occurrence? I too am a retired 20 year retired police officer with time working a max security prison. I know how bad criminals can be and that crime can happen anywhere. But living with the thought that at any moment I could be assaulted to where I need to shoot someone would have me moving before I could even load the moving truck.
I'm a bartender in a very methy neighborhood in the Portland Metro area. After a 250-pound psycho came behind the bar and tried to strangle me, and half a can of mace didn't get him off my throat for almost a minute, I said "okay, that's fucking it," and started doing gun research. Maybe the 686 Plus isn't a good "out-and-about" carry pistol, but it seems like it'd be just fine to stash under the counter in case the shit goes down, then off the clock I've got it in my car as a truck gun before taking it home to keep in my nightstand. Plus it's beautiful. I think we have a winner.
Fuck that guy. I read many stories like this as a teen and wondered how anyone could live without a gun, and I still do. I got one as soon as I had the money.
Im a retired NYPD Lt. and I edc a 686 plus 3 inch. I have a 2.5 and 4 inch 686plus, the 3 inch is the perfect carry for me. I agree rubber grips are perfect for this gun. I had a Kimber k6 and I sold it because for 357 it wasn’t pleasant, for 38’s no problem.
I have one. It has been sent back to Smith and Wesson twice now for repair. It has less then 200 rounds through it total. The first time after a total of 71 rounds ( a mix between .38 special and .357 Magnum) the cylinder wouldn't close. The repair ticket stated the ejector rod and trigger had been repaired. The back of the extractor was contacting the recoil shield preventing the cylinder from closing. It was gone for 7 weeks. When it was delivered, as soon as I could I took it out to verify the repair was correct. I shot less than 50 rounds through it and was adjusting the sights for a 25 yard zero and the single action function failed to operate as designed. When pressing the trigger single action, the trigger would spring forward and the hammer would fall. This happened a few times with no round going off thankfully. I didn’t try double action after that, I was frustrated and packed up and came home to package it up again and send it back. I have had to send 2 Smith and Wesson revolvers back to the company in less then 8 month for a total of 4 times for repair. One was from the performance shop! Needless to say I’m not a satisfied customer. If you decide to carry for self defense, PLEASE shoot it a MINIMUM of 200 trouble free rounds, 500 would be better. I have been shooting well over 40 years, served in the Marine Corps and was A federal Agent until 2006. I have a fairly extensive background with fire arms. I had to put this out there, I would hate for someone to get one of these and have the issues I have had, especially if it happened on the worst day of their life! Stay safe and good shooting!
Sorry to hear you've had such a poor experience with yours. I mainly shoot mags through my 6.5" 686P and haven't had any issues with it at all. Can't say for certain, but I've had to have shot more than a thousand rounds through it by now, and it's held up, reliability and accuracy. I'd demand they replace it instead of repair it, especially after a 2nd return. Inexcusable. I have only once ever needed to send a handgun back, and that was a Springfield 1911 that was jamming every other round. Fortunately they fixed that issue and it's ran perfectly since. Any gun I'd carry or keep has to break the 1K round mark before I'd rely on it.
It is the latest addition to my 64-1 , 15-3 and .36 no dash, and i love it and is my primary home defense weapon backed up by S&W 5904 .9mm for the hi cap availability when necessary. Somehow the .357 round gives me the confidence and a feeling of being never outgunned.
The 686 should be viewed in my opinion as a compact service revolver and not a deep concealment one. I think Smith had detectives in mind rather then the civilian who can't be caught carrying. I own the six shot version as well as a 2.5 inch 66.
I'm just seeing your video. I have the 686-6 3INCH barrel black and silver wood grips Talo edition unfluted cylinder. I CC Every day 36OZ. SWEET BROTHER SWEET 👍🏿🎯👍🏿 Good Video
I really love my 686 but it is a very heavy weapon. I have a 4 inch barrel and when I fire 38 Special rounds (single action) its almost like firing a 22. The recoil is effectively suppressed by the weight. I use a Kydex OWB paddle holster, and it is surprisingly comfortable. I'm a thinner fellow so the weapon really prints. . Then again, if you are wearing a raincoat or heavier jacket it conceals well (lol). For me it is a great "winter" CW pistol.
That's why the 2.5" is perfect. It weighs about as much as the 2.75" K frame Model 66. I have a small frame, but can carry and conceal the 2.5" 686+ no problem. Part of the issue on why you're printing is you may need to install boot grips.
The weight helps soak up recoil from full power .357 Magnum ammo. If you want something light and you don't mind a bit of pain, the 386 and 327 have you covered. All great guns.
All my J frames that are 357 magnum rated , are Magnaported. These little puppies kick like a mule using 357 and 38+ P loads. Having them ported now these hot loads feel like shooting a standard 38. Me likey so much better!
Living in a blue state, CCW, up until recently wasn’t a consideration. And so any guns were for home defense or range toys. Will have to look at S&W‘s smaller frames with a new set of eyes.. that said I’ve been on the lookout for an older blued version of that 686- a 4” inch 586 is damn near perfection. hard to come by though. Enjoyed the video. Will have to check out some of the rest.
The 586 L-Comp is an outstanding carry and range gun. Some would even say the best all-rounder ever made. That, a few speedloaders, and some Underwood or Buffalo Bore ammo and you're set.
This is definitely a sign. I was just researching this same firearm yesterday, and BOOM! - You post a thorough review on the very next day. Decisions made, and I’m grabbing one. PS: If you get any messages from an angry Latina Wife, asking why you forced me to get one, just ignore the message, spend a small vacation within the witness protection program, and wellllll - maybe consider a possible name change upon returning to a different distant Country of choice😂. All jokes aside, thanks for another great review. The detail, and overall discussion you provide for each firearm is incredible. When searching for excellent firearm reviews, this is without a doubt my favorite channel.
Not if you shoot 357... It's a less robust frame, one less round, and the Model 686 doesn't weigh that much more. I'm not really a fan of K frames. It's J, L, and then N frames for me. I don't see the point of the K. The L frame was created because the K frames was inferior.
@@finalcountdown7658 66-8 combat, 2.75 inch barrel. I replaced the rear sight with one with a white outline and the front sight with a fiber optic. It’s damn near perfect.
I have two one with fluted cylinder and one with out the flutes both are three inch barrels I carry one or the other every day there’s no better shooter out there period
Hard to beat a .357, known as the king of the street here in the River Quay, I have my grandfather's 686-1 4 inch, been looking at the snubnose version, not sure I feel about the short ejection rod though.
It is not a pistol for target shooting. It is for CC up close protection. Notice reporters choice, no hammer. Hammerless snubbys offer you one big advantage if you chose to pocket or purse carry, no hammer to hang you up on the draw which could mean life or death in a surprise attack..
I drop mine into my poket. I'm an XXL guy with big pockets. Loose baggy shorts and it falls and sits perfectly. I only carry it when walking the dog. It's not an all-day thing. What I hate is how after only 6 months I found myself needing to buy the 4inch. 😂
My .357 is an excellent ccw. Although my 'hot mama', is QUITE a bit bigger... i wear long dresses 90% so she's easy to hide. Went to Korea and Vietnam... she's a true equalizer.
@@Dorn-Dvinn that's certainly an option. My Gp100 doesn't feel as lively in my hand and in my subjective opinion wouldn't be as good a fighting gun. However I know men who carried a GP100 on duty and loved them. The Sp101 is a hell of a trail gun in my opinion.
Awesome gun like we carried in the 70s-80s. Now, most carry a lighter 9mm with @16 shots vs. 6 and slow to reload. Great gun for range fun, but at a disadvantage in today's high cap lite slim 9mm carry world.
Depending on your everyday use, urban type environment 3 inch. In the woods, on trails 4inch. Both would be good in home defense though the 3inch might have more flash. I'm getting reaf to get the 3inch for ccw
Comparing the 686 Plus to a Kimber is ridiculous. Kimber makes expensive pussy guns. If that's your thing, fine. But if you're serious about self defense, look no further than the S&W 686 3-inch, 357 plus.
Before anyone jumps on me about the following, understand that I know it’s silly and irrational: seven-round revolvers just don’t seem weird. They remind me of a person with six fingers. Oddly enough, though, I don’t mind five-round or eight-round revolvers.
We live in an area where bigger four legged critters could, but not likely, be a problem so a magnum revolver like the 686 would be a good choice for a woods gun. An area we travel to in the northern USA, you may encounter a bear but maybe worse is a coyote pack or much worse a wolf pack so having a higher capacity 9mm, 40, 45 or 10mm maybe the better choice.
I agree but it's not a deal-breaker for me Smiths are made from forged Steel ruger's are made with cast steel is not strong as forged that's why ruger's are heavier
@user-rd8vp6nq8b Unfortunately, the hammer nose firing pin is responsible for more failures than the lock ever will be. Looks cool sure, but it's a design liability the revolvers are better off without.
When you’re yapping about a carry gun for 15+ minutes, I would like to hear more than that’s a 357 mag a dozen times and that it holds 7 rounds and some general remarks about size….how about mentioning the actual barrel length and the weight of the firearm? I was none the wiser after your vid…S&W gave more intel on their page in under a minute …
I own the 686 3”. I’m a retired 30 year LEO. I have 3 handguns that I carry at different times of the year. This is my go to in cooler weather where concealment is easier. I also prefer to carry in a cross draw. It allows to draw from inside my vehicle without having to remove a seatbelt.
I got the 6.5" one, not because of any compensation issues, but because that added barrel length gives that mag round the potential to be comparable to a rifle round at greater distances. Even a nice shoulder holster with two spare speedloaders makes it comfortable and accessible. Great handgun.
@@francischambless5919 I agree. I now wish I would have gotten a smaller barrel but I don’t want to to a screwing on a trade in for 1/2 to 2 inches.
Thanks for the video. I have 3inch and 4 and 7.
@@francischambless5919 You should carry it iwb appendix. You will get attention from the girls!😂
Holy cow. Where do you live that being car jacked or violently assaulted is such a possible occurrence? I too am a retired 20 year retired police officer with time working a max security prison. I know how bad criminals can be and that crime can happen anywhere. But living with the thought that at any moment I could be assaulted to where I need to shoot someone would have me moving before I could even load the moving truck.
I'm a bartender in a very methy neighborhood in the Portland Metro area. After a 250-pound psycho came behind the bar and tried to strangle me, and half a can of mace didn't get him off my throat for almost a minute, I said "okay, that's fucking it," and started doing gun research. Maybe the 686 Plus isn't a good "out-and-about" carry pistol, but it seems like it'd be just fine to stash under the counter in case the shit goes down, then off the clock I've got it in my car as a truck gun before taking it home to keep in my nightstand. Plus it's beautiful. I think we have a winner.
Fuck that guy. I read many stories like this as a teen and wondered how anyone could live without a gun, and I still do. I got one as soon as I had the money.
If not carry, get the 3” or the 4” for higher velocity and a bigger punch
Great idea, just make sure when you shoot him, he dies so it’s only your story. The DA will try to hammer you to appease the far left Antifa scumbags
I HIGHLY recommend Thunder wear
or smart carry holster.
They work excellent
Keep that baby on you not under the counter
Best revolver I own.
Im a retired NYPD Lt. and I edc a 686 plus 3 inch. I have a 2.5 and 4 inch 686plus, the 3 inch is the perfect carry for me. I agree rubber grips are perfect for this gun. I had a Kimber k6 and I sold it because for 357 it wasn’t pleasant, for 38’s no problem.
Why you have both the 2.5 and 3 inch? They are so close. This doesnt make sense to me.
I have one. It has been sent back to Smith and Wesson twice now for repair. It has less then 200 rounds through it total.
The first time after a total of 71 rounds ( a mix between .38 special and .357 Magnum) the cylinder wouldn't close. The repair ticket stated the ejector rod and trigger had been repaired. The back of the extractor was contacting the recoil shield preventing the cylinder from closing. It was gone for 7 weeks. When it was delivered, as soon as I could I took it out to verify the repair was correct. I shot less than 50 rounds through it and was adjusting the sights for a 25 yard zero and the single action function failed to operate as designed. When pressing the trigger single action, the trigger would spring forward and the hammer would fall. This happened a few times with no round going off thankfully. I didn’t try double action after that, I was frustrated and packed up and came home to package it up again and send it back.
I have had to send 2 Smith and Wesson revolvers back to the company in less then 8 month for a total of 4 times for repair. One was from the performance shop!
Needless to say I’m not a satisfied customer.
If you decide to carry for self defense, PLEASE shoot it a MINIMUM of 200 trouble free rounds, 500 would be better. I have been shooting well over 40 years, served in the Marine Corps and was A federal Agent until 2006. I have a fairly extensive background with fire arms.
I had to put this out there, I would hate for someone to get one of these and have the issues I have had, especially if it happened on the worst day of their life!
Stay safe and good shooting!
Wow, sorry to hear about your experience. I've been considering a 686 for my first revolver but may steer towards the GP100.
Sorry to hear you've had such a poor experience with yours. I mainly shoot mags through my 6.5" 686P and haven't had any issues with it at all. Can't say for certain, but I've had to have shot more than a thousand rounds through it by now, and it's held up, reliability and accuracy. I'd demand they replace it instead of repair it, especially after a 2nd return. Inexcusable. I have only once ever needed to send a handgun back, and that was a Springfield 1911 that was jamming every other round. Fortunately they fixed that issue and it's ran perfectly since. Any gun I'd carry or keep has to break the 1K round mark before I'd rely on it.
Love mine 3 inch easy to carry carry in a don hume iwb holster and I have the plus 7 shot .
“carrying a gun is not supposed to be comfortable; it's supposed to be comforting.”
It can be both.
Can’t be comforting if you won’t carry it because it is uncomfortable.
One of the most handsome firearms available!
It is the latest addition to my 64-1 , 15-3 and .36 no dash, and i love it and is my primary home defense weapon backed up by S&W 5904 .9mm for the hi cap availability when necessary. Somehow the .357 round gives me the confidence and a feeling of being never outgunned.
The 686 should be viewed in my opinion as a compact service revolver and not a deep concealment one. I think Smith had detectives in mind rather then the civilian who can't be caught carrying. I own the six shot version as well as a 2.5 inch 66.
This will be my first ever gun to own! Excited to have this in my hands, thanks for the video!
This is the model I have. Great gun. The DA really smooths up a bit after live/dry firing it for a while.
I'm just seeing your video. I have the 686-6 3INCH barrel black and silver wood grips Talo edition unfluted cylinder. I CC Every day 36OZ. SWEET BROTHER SWEET 👍🏿🎯👍🏿 Good Video
I really love my 686 but it is a very heavy weapon. I have a 4 inch barrel and when I fire 38 Special rounds (single action) its almost like firing a 22. The recoil is effectively suppressed by the weight. I use a Kydex OWB paddle holster, and it is surprisingly comfortable. I'm a thinner fellow so the weapon really prints. . Then again, if you are wearing a raincoat or heavier jacket it conceals well (lol). For me it is a great "winter" CW pistol.
That's why the 2.5" is perfect. It weighs about as much as the 2.75" K frame Model 66. I have a small frame, but can carry and conceal the 2.5" 686+ no problem.
Part of the issue on why you're printing is you may need to install boot grips.
The weight helps soak up recoil from full power .357 Magnum ammo. If you want something light and you don't mind a bit of pain, the 386 and 327 have you covered. All great guns.
All my J frames that are 357 magnum rated , are Magnaported. These little puppies kick like a mule using 357 and 38+ P loads. Having them ported now these hot loads feel like shooting a standard 38. Me likey so much better!
This is an L frame.
Mine is a 4 inch love it.
Living in a blue state, CCW, up until recently wasn’t a consideration. And so any guns were for home defense or range toys. Will have to look at S&W‘s smaller frames with a new set of eyes.. that said I’ve been on the lookout for an older blued version of that 686- a 4” inch 586 is damn near perfection. hard to come by though. Enjoyed the video. Will have to check out some of the rest.
The 586 L-Comp is an outstanding carry and range gun. Some would even say the best all-rounder ever made. That, a few speedloaders, and some Underwood or Buffalo Bore ammo and you're set.
This is definitely a sign. I was just researching this same firearm yesterday, and BOOM! - You post a thorough review on the very next day. Decisions made, and I’m grabbing one.
PS:
If you get any messages from an angry Latina Wife, asking why you forced me to get one, just ignore the message, spend a small vacation within the witness protection program, and wellllll - maybe consider a possible name change upon returning to a different distant Country of choice😂.
All jokes aside, thanks for another great review. The detail, and overall discussion you provide for each firearm is incredible. When searching for excellent firearm reviews, this is without a doubt my favorite channel.
I just purchased one after seeing this video (lol) June 15 2023. It is a great weapon and you will NOT regret it.
Thorough review? No mention of gun weight, dimensions or barrel length. No mention about the lock. Incomplete review.
@@raydunn9435 Well, this is your chance to buy one, and show us rookies how it's done😉
I did end up grabbing one, in 3”. I absolutely love this firearm. Out of my collection, this one definitely ranks within the top 3.
One of the best ever❤
Just got the 686 2 1/2 inch barrel great weapon
The Model 66 K frame be the way to go
Not if you shoot 357... It's a less robust frame, one less round, and the Model 686 doesn't weigh that much more. I'm not really a fan of K frames. It's J, L, and then N frames for me. I don't see the point of the K. The L frame was created because the K frames was inferior.
@@finalcountdown7658 you think
It’s the way I went
@@boop8621 Which model and how long of a barrel?
@@finalcountdown7658 66-8 combat, 2.75 inch barrel. I replaced the rear sight with one with a white outline and the front sight with a fiber optic. It’s damn near perfect.
I have two one with fluted cylinder and one with out the flutes both are three inch barrels I carry one or the other every day there’s no better shooter out there period
Hard to beat a .357, known as the king of the street here in the River Quay, I have my grandfather's 686-1 4 inch, been looking at the snubnose version, not sure I feel about the short ejection rod though.
3 inch model has a full length ejection rod
I have the 4in barrel, love carrying it
Love mine
It is not a pistol for target shooting. It is for CC up close protection. Notice reporters choice, no hammer. Hammerless snubbys offer you one big advantage if you chose to pocket or purse carry, no hammer to hang you up on the draw which could mean life or death in a surprise attack..
I carry the 686+ 3".
I would love to have this in a 686 plus 3" I have carried a .44 spcl 3" on my belt for many years and I'd like to have this one, too.
I drop mine into my poket. I'm an XXL guy with big pockets. Loose baggy shorts and it falls and sits perfectly. I only carry it when walking the dog. It's not an all-day thing. What I hate is how after only 6 months I found myself needing to buy the 4inch. 😂
My .357 is an excellent ccw. Although my 'hot mama', is QUITE a bit bigger... i wear long dresses 90% so she's easy to hide. Went to Korea and Vietnam... she's a true equalizer.
Talo Edison 3 in barrel is the best I think full injector rod, like the unflutted Cyl
Nice revolver. Shame that S&W still insists on the Hillary hole.
Yeah. That has to go.
It is ugly and a reminder of a offensive time. However I have several revolvers with it and never experienced a failure.
Get a Ruger. Sturdier and no HH.
@@Dorn-Dvinn 👍!
@@Dorn-Dvinn that's certainly an option. My Gp100 doesn't feel as lively in my hand and in my subjective opinion wouldn't be as good a fighting gun. However I know men who carried a GP100 on duty and loved them. The Sp101 is a hell of a trail gun in my opinion.
Awesome gun like we carried in the 70s-80s. Now, most carry a lighter 9mm with @16 shots vs. 6 and slow to reload. Great gun for range fun, but at a disadvantage in today's high cap lite slim 9mm carry world.
3 or 4 inch barrel for all around use?
Depending on your everyday use, urban type environment 3 inch. In the woods, on trails 4inch.
Both would be good in home defense though the 3inch might have more flash. I'm getting reaf to get the 3inch for ccw
@Mike-xp8zc Thanks. I just purchased the 3. Waiting for a background check to return before I can take it home.
The 4" is best as long as you'll actually carry it.
The J frame is a little smaller and though its only has five rounds do a good job, I carry cross draw, so I can get it in the car a little better
The Model 66 would be a good choice on a k frame
You can't go wrong with a Model 60/640, or if you like pain, the 340/360.
Comparing the 686 Plus to a Kimber is ridiculous. Kimber makes expensive pussy guns. If that's your thing, fine. But if you're serious about self defense, look no further than the S&W 686 3-inch, 357 plus.
Before anyone jumps on me about the following, understand that I know it’s silly and irrational: seven-round revolvers just don’t seem weird. They remind me of a person with six fingers. Oddly enough, though, I don’t mind five-round or eight-round revolvers.
Has anybody found a good holster for this yet ? been searching everywhere.
Try Galco, Lobo Gunleather, or Renaissance Firearms.
I’d love to buy a 686 if I could find a good condition one for a reasonable price.
What price would you put on your life? I bet you'd afford one with a few less amenities or vices for a few months.
We live in an area where bigger four legged critters could, but not likely, be a problem so a magnum revolver like the 686 would be a good choice for a woods gun. An area we travel to in the northern USA, you may encounter a bear but maybe worse is a coyote pack or much worse a wolf pack so having a higher capacity 9mm, 40, 45 or 10mm maybe the better choice.
Anyone carry this in a shoulder rig? If so feedback
I'm new to guns. I got a gofer in my garden will that kill it?
Only one way to find out
Not if you miss
Get rid of the Hillary hole and I might buy one
I agree but it's not a deal-breaker for me Smiths are made from forged Steel ruger's are made with cast steel is not strong as forged that's why ruger's are heavier
Well I'm old enough to have them without a hole , I like the firing pin on the hammer better 2
@user-rd8vp6nq8b Unfortunately, the hammer nose firing pin is responsible for more failures than the lock ever will be. Looks cool sure, but it's a design liability the revolvers are better off without.
What size barrel has that one got ..
Probably 2.5 inch exact one I have 😅
Talky talky no bang bang. Boo.
I prefer the 586
Whats the price of this 686?
Around $750-$900 depending on where you buy. The 686 Performance Center will be more.
When you’re yapping about a carry gun for 15+ minutes, I would like to hear more than that’s a 357 mag a dozen times and that it holds 7 rounds and some general remarks about size….how about mentioning the actual barrel length and the weight of the firearm? I was none the wiser after your vid…S&W gave more intel on their page in under a minute …
Tell people the barrel length genius.
Its a 3 inch barrel.
Reliable except for that stupid lock.