Handguns · Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Model 686

Magnum range sessions · Seven-shot home defense · Revolver competition

Smith & Wesson Model 686
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
CategoryHandguns
Caliber.357 Magnum / .38 Special
ActionDouble-action revolver
Barrel length6.0 in
Capacity7
Weight43 oz
Introduced1981

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.

WINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographWinchesterWINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 1000rd$583.19$0.583/rdWINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographWinchesterWINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 250rd$161.99$0.648/rdWINCHESTER AMERICAN LEVER RANGE 357 MAG AMMO 130GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographWinchesterWINCHESTER 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.

CCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographCCICCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 1000rd$691.19$0.691/rdCCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographCCICCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 500rd$356.39$0.713/rdCCI BLAZER 357 MAGNUM AMMO 158GR HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographCCICCI 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/rd

Full selection: Browse all .357 Magnum ammunition at Top Ammo Supply →
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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.