Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3″ .357 Magnum 7rd Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction withstands 10,000+ rounds with proper maintenance
- 7-round cylinder provides 16% more capacity than standard 6-shot .357 revolvers
- 3-inch barrel optimizes ballistics while maintaining 8.625-inch overall length
- Adjustable sights allow precise zeroing for 125-grain versus 158-grain loads
Trade-offs
- Internal lock mechanism adds failure point - requires quarterly inspection
- 36.8-ounce weight demands heavy-duty belt for all-day carry
- Wood grips transfer more recoil than Hogue rubber - $45 upgrade recommended
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3″ .357 Magnum 7rd Revolver is an L-frame stainless steel wheel gun that delivers seven rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special in a duty-ready 3-inch barrel configuration. This 36.8-ounce revolver bridges the gap between full-size service weapons and concealable backups with its unfluted cylinder and adjustable White Outline/Red Ramp sights. Smith & Wesson engineered this platform specifically for shooters who need the terminal ballistics of .357 Magnum without the bulk of a 4-inch or 6-inch barrel.
What is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus used for?
This 686 Plus serves as an ideal duty, trail, or home defense sidearm where reliability matters more than capacity. The 3-inch barrel provides approximately 50-75 feet per second higher velocity than typical 2-inch snub noses while remaining manageable in a chest rig or OWB holster. I've seen these function flawlessly through 500-round qualification courses and Montana backcountry hunts where semi-autos might choke on dust.
How does the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The 686 Plus offers immediate close-quarters stopping power where the Stevens 334 Rifle provides precision at distance. While both platforms serve defensive roles, the Stevens .308 Winchester delivers 2,800 fps muzzle velocity versus the .357 Magnum's 1,450 fps from this 3-inch barrel. Choose the revolver for rapid presentation under 25 yards; opt for the rifle when you need ethical kills beyond 100 meters.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 36.8 ounces (2.3 pounds) with an overall length of 8.625 inches and cylinder width of 1.67 inches. The 3-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius for precise shooting while keeping the package compact enough for chest-carry during winter months. Compared to polymer-frame semi-autos, the stainless steel construction adds heft that mitigates recoil but demands a quality gun belt.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you prioritize high-capacity rapid engagement or appendix carry convenience. The 7-round cylinder requires 8-12 seconds to reload with speed strips versus 3-5 seconds for a semi-auto magazine swap. For urban concealed carry where printing matters, consider a slimmer Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun or micro-compact pistol instead.
What's in the box?
Smith & Wesson includes the revolver, one 7-round moon clip, cable lock, and operator's manual in the factory case. Unlike some competitors, they don't bundle cleaning kits or additional grips. Expect to spend $40-60 on a quality bore snake and Hoppe's solvent before your first range session.
Is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus worth it at $1007.99?
At just over a grand, this revolver justifies its price through legendary Smith & Wesson timing and lockup that lasts generations. The investment pays off when you consider that a comparable custom-tuned 686 from a specialist like Cylinder & Slide runs $1,600+. For shooters who value mechanical perfection over tactical trends, this is one of the few production revolvers still worth its premium.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188145175 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 150853 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 11 |
| magazine included | 1 x 7-Round |
| model | 686 Plus |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 3.65 |
| sights | Red Ramp Front/Adj White Outline Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard .357 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers any SAAMI-spec .357 Magnum or .38 Special load without modification. I've tested everything from 110-grain personal defense rounds to 180-grain Buffalo Bore hardcast. Avoid +P+ .38 Special loads as they can accelerate wear on the ejector star.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket holsters?
- Most L-frame holsters for 3-inch barrels will fit, but verify compatibility with DeSantis #036 or Galco SAW206 specific models. The unfluted cylinder adds 0.1-inch width that may interfere with some tight leather designs.
- Can I mount an optic on this revolver?
- The frame is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but requires a $150-200 baseplate from EGW or Weigand. This isn't a simple Picatinny solution like modern semi-autos - expect 30-45 minutes of gunsmithing for proper alignment.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-7 days depending on your FFL's location. All shipments require signature confirmation and follow ATF 2020R-10F regulations.