Smith & Wesson Model 686
Magnum range sessions · Seven-shot home defense · Revolver competition
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
|---|---|
| Category | Handguns |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Action | Double-action revolver |
| Barrel length | 6.0 in |
| Capacity | 7 |
| Weight | 43 oz |
| Introduced | 1981 |
About the Smith & Wesson Model 686
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 sits on the L-frame, sized between the lighter K-frame and the heavy N-frame, and its seven-round cylinder handles .357 Magnum loads that would wear out smaller guns quickly. The full underlug barrel adds front weight for steadier offhand shooting, and the stainless finish resists holster wear and weather. Double-action pulls run longer than the Python's but stay consistent, while single-action breaks are clean. L-frame 686s have served police and civilian shooters since the early 1980s on essentially the same architecture.
Best ammo for the Smith & Wesson Model 686
Live picks from Top Ammo Supply — in-stock .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, sorted by price per round. Prices and stock refresh throughout the day.
.357 Magnum training & range ammo
Full metal jacket and lead loads — the cheapest way to train.
WinchesterWINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 1000rd$583.19$0.583/rdWinchesterWINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 250rd$161.99$0.648/rdWinchesterWINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 50rd$35.63$0.713/rd.357 Magnum defensive loads
Hollow points tested for duty and self-defense use.
CCICCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 1000rd$691.19$0.691/rdCCICCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 500rd$356.39$0.713/rdCCICCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 50rd$37.79$0.756/rdDoubleTapCOLT DEFENSE 357 MAGNUM Ammo 158GR JHP BRASS CASED 20RD BOX 20rd$30.23$1.512/rdFull selection: Browse all .357 Magnum ammunition at Top Ammo Supply →
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Related firearms
Specifications are approximate and can vary by variant and production year. Verify with the manufacturer before purchase. Ammunition purchase and shipping restrictions vary by jurisdiction — Top Ammo Supply enforces shipping rules at checkout.