The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3-inch revolver has earned a reputation as a formidable and versatile firearm, favored by both law enforcement and civilian shooters. This in-depth review explores its features, performance, and suitability for various applications. We'll delve into what makes this revolver stand out and help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
Key Features of the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3-Inch
The 686 Plus 3-inch distinguishes itself through a number of key features:
- Compact Design: The 3-inch barrel makes it significantly more compact and concealable than its longer-barreled counterparts, while still offering respectable accuracy and power. This makes it ideal for concealed carry or personal defense situations.
- .357 Magnum Caliber: Chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum, this revolver packs a punch. It can also fire the less powerful, but more readily available, .38 Special cartridges, offering flexibility in ammunition choice.
- 7-Shot Capacity: Its seven-shot cylinder provides a significant advantage in capacity compared to many other revolvers in its class, enhancing its defensive capability.
- Robust Construction: Smith & Wesson's reputation for building durable firearms is well-earned. The 686 Plus is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring reliability and longevity.
- Adjustable Sights: The adjustable rear sights allow for precise sighting adjustments, crucial for optimizing accuracy at various distances.
- Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) Trigger: The revolver offers both double-action and single-action trigger modes, providing flexibility depending on the situation.
Performance and Handling
The 3-inch barrel, while shorter than some other models, delivers respectable accuracy. The manageable recoil of the .38 Special makes it suitable for practice and training, while the .357 Magnum provides the stopping power needed for self-defense. The weight of the revolver contributes to comfortable recoil management, even with the more powerful .357 Magnum rounds.
The smooth double-action trigger pull is generally well-regarded, though individual experiences may vary. The single-action trigger pull is crisp and light, perfect for precise shot placement.
Ideal Applications
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3-inch excels in a variety of situations:
- Concealed Carry: Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry, offering substantial firepower in a discreet package.
- Home Defense: Its stopping power and capacity make it a reliable option for home defense.
- Law Enforcement: Many law enforcement agencies utilize similar revolvers for their compact size, reliability, and stopping power.
- Target Shooting/Recreational Shooting: While not as common as semi-automatics for competitive shooting, it's a capable option for practice and recreational shooting, particularly with .38 Special ammunition.
Considerations
While the 686 Plus 3-inch offers many advantages, potential buyers should consider:
- Weight: Though manageable, it is still heavier than some lightweight polymer semi-automatic pistols.
- Capacity: While 7 shots is impressive for a revolver, it's less than many semi-automatic pistols.
- Maintenance: Like all firearms, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for optimal performance and reliability.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 3-inch revolver is a well-built, versatile, and reliable firearm. Its compact size, powerful caliber, and high capacity make it suitable for a range of applications. While it's not the perfect choice for every shooter, its strengths make it a strong contender for those seeking a powerful and concealable revolver. As always, responsible gun ownership and adherence to all relevant laws and regulations are paramount. This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a firearms expert before making any purchase decisions.
