SMITH & WESSON 686 PLUS - 357 MAG - 3" - 7 RD
Smith & WessonThe Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is a legendary L-Frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, delivering the rugged reliability and pinpoint accuracy that law enforcement professionals and serious shooters have trusted for decades.
- 7-round cylinder gives you one extra shot over standard .357 revolvers
- 3-inch barrel offers a compact, versatile profile for carry or range use
- Satin stainless steel finish resists corrosion and withstands hard daily use
- Red ramp front sight and adjustable white outline rear sight for precise targeting
- Rubber grip absorbs recoil and provides a secure, comfortable hold
- L-Frame construction engineered for continuous Magnum-caliber firing cycles
Who This Is For
The 686 Plus is an ideal choice for hunters, competitive shooters, and home defenders who demand a full-power Magnum revolver with a capacity edge. Its 3-inch barrel strikes the balance between maneuverability and muzzle velocity, making it equally at home in a hip holster on the trail or locked in a bedside safe. Fans of wheel guns who refuse to compromise on stopping power or build quality will find the 686 Plus hard to beat.
Specifications
| Brand | Smith & Wesson |
|---|---|
| Model | 686 Plus |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P |
| Capacity | 7 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches |
| Frame | L-Frame |
| Action | Double / Single Action |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
| Grip | Rubber |
| Front Sight | Red Ramp |
| Rear Sight | Adjustable White Outline |
| Overall Length | 7.5 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 34.7 oz. (approx.) |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the S&W 686 Plus also fire .38 Special ammunition?
Yes. The 686 Plus is fully compatible with .38 S&W Special and .38 Special +P cartridges in addition to .357 Magnum. This makes it an extremely versatile revolver — you can practice economically with .38 Special loads and step up to full-power .357 Magnum rounds for hunting or self-defense without changing firearms.
How does the 3-inch barrel compare to the 4-inch or 6-inch versions of the 686?
The 3-inch barrel 686 Plus offers a more compact overall length than the 4-inch or 6-inch variants, making it easier to carry in a holster while still delivering meaningful muzzle velocity from the .357 Magnum cartridge. Shooters who prioritize portability over maximum ballistic performance or target-range precision often prefer the 3-inch model as the best all-around compromise.
What holsters are compatible with the S&W 686 Plus 3-inch?
The 686 Plus fits holsters designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson L-Frame with a 3-inch barrel. Many leading holster manufacturers — including Safariland, Galco, and DeSantis — produce both OWB and IWB options for this revolver. Always verify the listing specifies L-Frame and 3-inch barrel compatibility before purchasing, as K-Frame or N-Frame holsters will not fit correctly.
- Caliber:
- 357 MAG
- Capacity:
- 7 RD
- Night Sights:
- No
- Barrel Length:
- 3"
- Action Type:
- Revolver
- Optics Ready:
- No
- Frame Material:
- Steel
- Slide Color:
- Silver
- Frame Color:
- Silver