S&W Model 686 Mountain Gun | .357 Magnum at its best!

Published on July 15, 2025
Duration: 15:48

The S&W Model 686 Mountain Gun is a 4-inch, 7-shot .357 Magnum revolver designed for carry, featuring a partial underlug and lighter profile than standard models. Hickok45 details its design, compares it to standard 686s, and discusses a specific mechanical fix for casing hang-ups. He highlights its suitability as a powerful yet manageable woods gun.

Quick Summary

The S&W 686 Mountain Gun is a 4-inch, 7-shot .357 Magnum revolver designed for carry, featuring a partial underlug and lighter profile than standard models. It aims to be a 'perfect packin' pistol' balancing power with portability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Shooting
  2. 00:35Model Identification: 686 Plus
  3. 02:45Design Comparison: Mountain Gun vs Standard
  4. 04:05Technical Features: Sights & Lockup
  5. 05:58Grip Preferences: Wood vs Rubber
  6. 07:35Mechanical Troubleshooting: Casing Hang-up Fix
  7. 09:35The Mountain Gun Concept Explained
  8. 10:45Historical Context of Mountain Guns
  9. 12:38Final Thoughts & Magnum Shooting

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the S&W 686 Mountain Gun different from a standard 686?

The Mountain Gun features a lighter, more carry-friendly design with a partial underlug barrel, a tapered barrel profile, and typically lacks an internal key lock. It's conceived as a 'perfect packin' pistol'.

What is the purpose of the 'Mountain Gun' concept?

The Mountain Gun concept aims to create a powerful revolver that is lighter and easier to carry in the field, balancing the stopping power of magnum cartridges with practical portability for outdoor use.

What are the key technical features of the S&W 686 Mountain Gun?

It often includes a gold bead front sight, adjustable rear sights, a ball detent yoke lockup for improved cylinder timing, and a reinforced forcing cone to withstand magnum pressures.

What kind of grips does Hickok45 recommend for the 686 Mountain Gun?

While the gun may come with wood grips, Hickok45 prefers Hogue Bantam rubber grips for better recoil management and a more secure hold, especially when shooting full-power .357 Magnum loads.

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