Smith & Wesson 686+ 7 Shot .357 Magnum Revolver Review (Not Recommended, internal lock model)

Published on February 6, 2018
Duration: 17:37

This review provides a detailed technical assessment of the Smith & Wesson 686+ 7-shot .357 Magnum revolver. The speaker, demonstrating high expertise in firearms, highlights the L-frame construction, tight cylinder lockup, and compares it to other manufacturers. While praising many aspects, a significant caveat is raised regarding the internal safety lock mechanism, leading to a "not recommended" stance for that specific feature.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 686+ is an L-frame .357 Magnum revolver with a 7-round capacity and a full underlug barrel. It boasts tight cylinder lockup, often exceeding competitors. However, the review strongly advises against models with the internal safety lock mechanism due to potential reliability concerns.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction and Source
  2. 01:41Capacity and Caliber
  3. 03:23L-Frame Construction
  4. 04:57Barrel and Ejector Rod
  5. 05:36Sights Overview
  6. 08:00Grip Options
  7. 10:36Cylinder Lockup
  8. 11:14Technical Specifications and MSRP

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson 686+ revolver?

The Smith & Wesson 686+ is an L-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, featuring a 7-round cylinder, a full underlug barrel for recoil management, and adjustable sights. It is known for its robust construction and tight cylinder lockup.

Why is the Smith & Wesson 686+ considered an L-frame?

As an L-frame revolver, the 686+ is built on a frame size that is stronger than Smith & Wesson's K-frame, allowing it to better handle the stresses of firing .357 Magnum ammunition consistently without premature wear.

How does the cylinder lockup of the S&W 686+ compare to other revolvers?

The reviewer highlights that the Smith & Wesson 686+ exhibits exceptionally tight cylinder lockup, even surpassing the precision found in some high-end competitors like the Dan Wesson 715 model.

What is the main criticism of the Smith & Wesson 686+ in this review?

The primary criticism focuses on the inclusion of the internal safety lock mechanism, which the reviewer refers to as the 'Hillary Hole.' This feature is viewed as a potential point of failure and an unnecessary addition to an otherwise well-engineered firearm.

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