Smith & Wesson PC Model 686 .357 Magnum Revolver review (Not Recommended, internal lock model)

Published on August 26, 2020
Duration: 19:47

This review covers the Smith & Wesson PC Model 686 .357 Magnum revolver, noting its seven-shot capacity and Performance Center enhancements. The reviewer highlights its shooting performance with various ammunition types, discusses its features like the unfluted cylinder and Altamont grips, and touches on trigger quality and recoil management. However, the review also points out reliability issues, including light primer strikes and a trigger failure to reset, leading to a recommendation against this specific internal lock model.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 is a seven-shot .357 Magnum revolver featuring an unfluted cylinder and enhanced trigger. While it handles various ammunition types and offers good ergonomics with Altamont Roper grips, the reviewer encountered significant reliability issues like light primer strikes and trigger failure to reset, leading to a non-recommendation for this internal lock model.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introduction: S&W PC Model 686 Review
  2. 00:43First Shots & Ammunition Types
  3. 01:04Shooting with Ultimate Grips
  4. 01:11Testing .38 Special +P Ammo
  5. 01:44Ammo Sequence: .38 Special +P then .357 Magnum
  6. 02:01No Light Primer or Timing Issues (Initially)
  7. 02:42Revolver Details: Caliber and Shot Count
  8. 03:05Performance Center Designation
  9. 03:12Ammunition Compatibility (.38 Spl, +P, .357 Mag)
  10. 03:40Model 686 PC Seven Shot with Roper Grips
  11. 03:55Light Primer Strike Observed
  12. 04:20Shooting .357 Magnum with Sig Elite Performance
  13. 04:46Fundamentals Check
  14. 05:11Unfluted Cylinder Feature
  15. 05:23Benefit of Unfluted Cylinder: Weight & Control
  16. 06:02One-Handed Shooting Attempt
  17. 06:36Improved Two-Handed Shooting
  18. 06:55Shooting Distance: Approx. 20 Yards
  19. 06:58Barrel Length and Crown
  20. 07:11Full Under Lug and Shortened Ejector Rod
  21. 07:31Ejector Rod Detent Technology Change
  22. 07:50Impact of Shorter Ejector Rod
  23. 08:05Model 686 PC Seven Shot Summary
  24. 08:08Altamont Roper Target Grips Details
  25. 08:25Loading Sig Leap Performance .357 Magnum
  26. 08:52Another Light Primer Strike
  27. 09:02Hammer Spring Screw Tightness
  28. 09:34Successful Seven-Shot Cylinder
  29. 09:42Revolver Getting Hot
  30. 09:53Single Hand Shooting
  31. 10:11One-Handed Shooting Comparison
  32. 10:38Revolver Weight: 34.4 Ounces
  33. 10:46Weight and Recoil Management
  34. 10:50Balance and Pointability
  35. 10:59Full-Size Ultimate Grips
  36. 11:04Round Butt Frame
  37. 11:07Stock Wood Grips vs. Altamonts
  38. 11:11Stock Grips: Full Size Ultima KU Style
  39. 11:16Reason for Altamont Grips
  40. 11:25Exposed Back Strap
  41. 11:30Performance Center Trigger Quality
  42. 11:52Shooting Performance Assessment
  43. 12:07Laser Rangefinder Use
  44. 12:12Shooting Distance: 22 Yards
  45. 12:21Sig Rangefinder
  46. 12:24Target Transition Strategy
  47. 12:54Revolver Heating Up
  48. 13:16Shooting at 22 Yards
  49. 13:40Missed Once at 19 Yards
  50. 13:44Distance Clarification: 19 vs 22 Yards
  51. 13:52Shooting Double Action Revolver at Distance
  52. 14:04Mention of Bowers Fortress
  53. 14:14Bowers Fortress as Wheel Gun Expert
  54. 14:22Shooting .357 Magnum Well
  55. 14:37Difference Between 1911 and Revolver Triggers
  56. 14:49Trigger Discussion
  57. 14:53Comparison to Standard S&W Revolver
  58. 15:02Trigger Press: Light, Smooth, Consistent
  59. 15:15Chromed Hammer and Trigger
  60. 15:21Over Travel Stop
  61. 15:24Smooth Face Trigger
  62. 15:31Single Action Break
  63. 15:35Comparison to Standard Smith & Wesson
  64. 15:46Standard S&W Double Action Squeeze
  65. 15:57Standard S&W Single Action
  66. 16:07Value Proposition: PC vs. Standard
  67. 16:12Model 66 K Frame Recommendation
  68. 16:19Lock-up Discussion
  69. 16:24Lock-up: Slight Movement, Tight
  70. 16:36Serrations for Glare Reduction
  71. 16:38Front Sight Post: Orange Fluorescent
  72. 16:45Front Sight Comparison
  73. 16:55Rear Sight: Standard Adjustable
  74. 17:16Frustration with Malfunction
  75. 17:25Hot and Light Primer Strike
  76. 18:06Trigger Failed to Reset
  77. 18:11Need for Rework from Smith & Wesson
  78. 18:17Fun Shooter Despite Issues
  79. 18:27Second S&W Revolver Sent for Tune-up
  80. 18:49Pulled One Shot
  81. 18:54Grips Hanging Ejector Rod
  82. 18:58Fun to Shoot
  83. 19:05MSRP: $1096
  84. 19:10Value Proposition
  85. 19:14Review Conclusion
  86. 19:20Where to Find Smith & Wesson Products
  87. 19:27Call to Action: Like, Share, Patreon, Subscribe
  88. 19:37Second Amendment Reminder

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686?

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 is a seven-shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. It features an unfluted cylinder for added weight and control, Altamont Roper style grips for a comfortable and secure hold, and a Performance Center enhanced trigger known for being light, smooth, and consistent with a crisp single-action break.

What ammunition can the Smith & Wesson PC Model 686 fire?

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 is chambered in .357 Magnum, meaning it can fire both .357 Magnum ammunition and the less powerful .38 Special and .38 Special +P rounds. This versatility allows for practice with milder loads or defense with full-power cartridges.

What were the reliability issues encountered with the Smith & Wesson PC Model 686?

During testing, the reviewer experienced several reliability issues with the Smith & Wesson PC Model 686. These included light primer strikes, where the firing pin did not fully ignite the primer, and a critical failure where the trigger failed to reset. These issues suggest potential internal problems requiring factory service.

Is the Smith & Wesson PC Model 686 recommended by the reviewer?

No, the reviewer does not recommend this specific internal lock model of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686. Despite its desirable features like the enhanced trigger and comfortable grips, the observed reliability issues, including light primer strikes and trigger failure to reset, make it a questionable choice for dependable use.

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