Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum: Because You Can Ban a Magazine

Published on June 2, 2013
Duration: 7:07

This guide covers the fundamental shooting techniques for the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus revolver in .357 Magnum. It emphasizes safe handling, understanding caliber compatibility between .38 Special and .357 Magnum, and mastering both double-action and single-action firing modes for optimal accuracy. The instruction highlights the manageable recoil of the .357 Magnum in this L-frame revolver and the benefits of its 7-round capacity and ergonomic design.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is an L-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, also firing .38 Special, with a 7-round capacity. Its stainless steel construction and textured grips enhance handling. Recoil from .357 Magnum is manageable due to the frame's mass, and its smooth single-action trigger aids accuracy. The longer case of .357 Magnum is a safety feature preventing its use in .38 Special-only firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to the S&W 686 Plus
  2. 00:40Initial Shooting Impressions (.38 Special)
  3. 02:11Shooting .357 Magnum
  4. 03:22Key Features and Capacity
  5. 04:00Caliber Compatibility Explained
  6. 05:18Mechanical Details and Action

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is an L-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, also capable of firing .38 Special. It boasts a 7-round capacity, a stainless steel finish, and textured grips, with a smooth double-action/single-action trigger mechanism.

How does the recoil of .357 Magnum compare to .38 Special in the S&W 686 Plus?

While .357 Magnum has more recoil than .38 Special, the L-frame's mass in the Model 686 Plus makes it very manageable, offering a more comfortable shooting experience compared to smaller revolvers firing the same magnum rounds.

Can you safely fire .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver?

Yes, you can safely fire .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver. Both calibers share the same .357-inch bore diameter. The .357 Magnum cartridge simply has a longer case, which is a safety feature preventing it from being loaded into firearms designed only for .38 Special.

What is the cylinder rotation direction for Smith & Wesson revolvers?

Smith & Wesson revolvers, including the Model 686 Plus, typically feature cylinder rotation in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the rear of the firearm.

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