S&W 686 357 Magnum 1000 Round Review: My Favorite Revolver

Published on February 14, 2021
Duration: 20:36

This comprehensive 1000-round review of the Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Magnum, presented by Honest Outlaw, highlights its strengths as a versatile revolver for home defense and hunting. While praising its accuracy, smooth action, and comfortable ergonomics, the review also addresses reliability issues encountered in adverse conditions and compares its performance to semi-automatic pistols.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Magnum is a versatile L-frame revolver praised for its accuracy and low felt recoil, suitable for home defense and hunting. It features a 6-inch barrel and adjustable sights. While reliable over 1000 rounds, it requires maintenance in adverse conditions, unlike some semi-automatics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction
  2. 00:53Model Overview
  3. 03:17Applications and Ammunition
  4. 05:29Features and Ergonomics
  5. 07:42Reliability and Maintenance
  6. 09:48Accuracy and Trigger
  7. 14:32Safety and Carry
  8. 15:43Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson 686 reviewed?

The reviewed Smith & Wesson 686 is an L-frame, stainless steel revolver with a 6-inch barrel, 6-round capacity, adjustable rear U-notch sights, and an orange front ramp sight. It operates in double-action/single-action mode.

How does the S&W 686 perform in terms of accuracy and trigger?

The S&W 686 is highly accurate, especially in single-action mode with a 3-5 lb trigger pull. The double-action trigger pull is around 10 lbs, requiring practice but effective when staged correctly, enabling hits at distances up to 80 yards.

What are the reliability considerations for the S&W 686?

While generally reliable over 1000 rounds, the S&W 686 experienced issues when exposed to snow or excessive dirt after 200-500 rounds, highlighting the importance of maintenance in adverse conditions.

What ammunition was tested in the S&W 686 review?

The review tested various ammunition types, including Speer Lawman .38 Special 125 gr TMJ, Hornady .357 Mag 125 gr FTX Critical Defense, Winchester White Box, and Fiocchi, showcasing the revolver's versatility.

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