Description
The Model 686 has been a benchmark wheelgun since the early 1980s, and this Deluxe version is the one people slow down to look at through the glass. Smith & Wesson took the proven 686 Plus, with its seven-round cylinder chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P, and dressed it up with checkered hardwood laminate grips wearing the S&W medallion. Set against the satin stainless frame and unfluted cylinder, the warm wood gives this revolver a classic look that photos never quite do justice.
Why the 686 Plus Deluxe Earns Its Keep at the Range
The 6 inch barrel is where this gun really makes its case. The longer sight radius pairs with a red ramp front sight and white outline adjustable rear to make precise shooting straightforward, whether you are punching paper, ringing steel, or working up handloads. The L-Frame was designed from the ground up for a steady diet of full-power magnum loads, so there is no babying required here. All that stainless steel out front soaks up recoil too, which keeps .357 loads manageable and turns .38 Special range sessions into something you can do all afternoon. Owners consistently describe it as controllable with both cartridges and accurate right out of the box.
Classic S&W Craftsmanship, Modern Versatility
You get a smooth double action pull for fast work and a crisp single action break when you cock the exposed hammer for deliberate shots. The extra seventh round is a genuine advantage over traditional six-shot L-Frames, and the frame is drilled and tapped if you ever want to mount an optic down the road. Between the two-caliber flexibility, the adjustable sights, and that seven-shot cylinder, this one covers target shooting, woods carry, home protection, and the simple pleasure of owning a revolver done right.
A 686 Deluxe That Belongs in the Collection
Plenty of revolvers get the job done. This one does it while looking like something you will hand down someday. If a full-size stainless magnum has been on your list, the 686 Plus Deluxe is a hard one to pass up.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Model: 686 Plus Deluxe
- MPN: 150712
- UPC: 022188141580
- Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
- Capacity: 7 rounds
- Action: Single/Double Action
- Frame: L-Frame, Stainless Steel
- Barrel Length: 6 in
- Overall Length: 11.5 in
- Finish: Satin Stainless
- Grips: Checkered Hardwood Laminate with S&W Medallion
- Front Sight: Red Ramp
- Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
- Hammer: Exposed
- Safety: Internal Lock
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe revolver
- Factory hard case
- Internal lock keys
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 686 Plus Deluxe shoot .38 Special as well as .357 Magnum?
Yes. Like any revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, it will safely fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. Most owners run affordable .38 loads for practice and save the magnums for when it counts, and the gun's weight makes .38s especially soft shooting.
What makes this the Plus Deluxe version of the 686?
The Plus refers to the seven-round cylinder instead of the traditional six found on standard 686 models. The Deluxe treatment adds checkered hardwood laminate grips with the S&W medallion and an unfluted cylinder, giving it a dressier look than the standard rubber-gripped version. Mechanically it is the same proven L-Frame underneath.
Is the 6 inch barrel a good choice for target shooting?
It is one of the best setups for it. The longer barrel gives you an extended sight radius that makes precise aiming easier, and the red ramp front sight with the white outline adjustable rear lets you dial in your point of impact for different loads. The added muzzle weight also tames recoil noticeably compared to shorter barrels.
Can I mount an optic on the S&W 686 Plus Deluxe?
Yes, the frame comes drilled and tapped from the factory, so you can add a rail or scope mount if you want to run a red dot or handgun scope. The factory adjustable irons are excellent on their own, but the option is there for hunters or anyone whose eyes prefer glass.





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