The Allure of the Wheelgun: A Timeless Design
In a world dominated by semi-automatic pistols, the allure of the revolver, the “wheelgun,” persists. For many, it represents a connection to a simpler time, a feeling of rugged reliability, and a certain undeniable aesthetic appeal. The revolver, with its revolving cylinder and satisfying “click-clack” sound of action, continues to captivate gun enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking a trustworthy self-defense firearm. And among the myriad of revolver models, the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, particularly the five-inch variant, stands out as a shining example of excellent craftsmanship and enduring functionality. This article delves deep into the world of the S&W 686 Plus 5 Inch, providing a comprehensive review that covers its history, features, performance, and more. This review is designed for those considering purchasing a new revolver, experienced shooters looking for detailed information, and collectors interested in the history and specifications of this iconic firearm.
Smith & Wesson and the Legacy of Innovation
Before we look at the 686 Plus 5 Inch in particular, it’s important to acknowledge the rich history that Smith & Wesson brings to bear. For over a century and a half, Smith & Wesson has been a leading name in firearms manufacturing. From their groundbreaking early designs to modern innovations, they’ve consistently produced high-quality firearms, establishing themselves as a cornerstone of the industry. Their revolvers have been particularly influential. Iconic models like the Model 10, Model 29 (Dirty Harry’s favorite), and the various iterations of the Model 686 have become legendary in law enforcement, competitive shooting, and personal protection. The company’s commitment to precision, durability, and innovation has cemented its reputation for producing reliable and accurate firearms that are respected worldwide.
The Foundation: Exploring the Standard 686
The Smith & Wesson 686, introduced to the market many years ago, quickly established itself as a top-tier revolver. The original 686, part of S&W’s “L-frame” series, combined the robust construction of the larger “N-frame” revolvers with a size that was easier to handle and conceal than some of the larger frames. Crafted from stainless steel, it was known for its resistance to corrosion and overall durability. This stainless steel construction was a major departure from the blued steel finishes of many other revolvers at the time, and gave the 686 a distinctly modern and practical advantage. The 686 was designed to be a workhorse revolver, capable of handling the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge while also being able to chamber and fire the milder .38 Special rounds. It quickly gained a loyal following in law enforcement, sporting circles, and among those seeking a reliable self-defense firearm.
The Plus Factor: Introducing the Seven-Shot Cylinder
While the original 686 was a significant achievement, Smith & Wesson wasn’t content to rest on its laurels. They sought to enhance the design further, and the result was the 686 Plus. The most notable upgrade? The 686 Plus offered a seven-round cylinder instead of the standard six-round capacity of the original 686. This seemingly small change significantly boosted the firearm’s overall utility, providing shooters with one extra round of ammunition. It also maintained all the positive attributes of the original, including its stainless steel construction, robust frame, and exceptional accuracy. The addition of this extra round made the 686 Plus even more attractive for both personal defense and competitive shooting.
Unveiling the Specifics: Features and Specifications of the 686 Plus 5 Inch
Now, let’s focus on the star of the show: the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 5 Inch. This particular variant takes all the excellent features of the 686 Plus and packages them in a specific configuration that appeals to a wide range of shooters.
Chambered for the versatile .357 Magnum and the .38 Special cartridges, the 686 Plus 5 Inch offers the flexibility to handle a wide variety of ammunition. Whether you need the immense stopping power of a .357 Magnum load or prefer the more manageable recoil of a .38 Special cartridge, this revolver is ready.
The cylinder, as mentioned, holds seven rounds, providing an edge over six-shot revolvers. The increase in capacity is a substantial benefit for personal defense, competition shooting, or even recreational plinking.
The five-inch barrel length is a key characteristic. The barrel’s length provides several benefits, including:
- Increased sight radius: This longer distance between the front and rear sights improves accuracy potential.
- Improved ballistics: The five-inch barrel gives the bullets a slightly longer time to accelerate, resulting in a higher muzzle velocity and more energy.
- Balanced handling: The longer barrel contributes to the revolver’s overall balance, making it feel comfortable and stable in the hand.
Built on the L-Frame, the 686 Plus provides a balance between size, weight, and strength. This frame size is known for its ability to handle the pressures generated by the .357 Magnum cartridge while still being manageable in the hand.
The material of construction is stainless steel, a hallmark of the 686 series. This offers excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring the revolver’s longevity and durability. The stainless steel finish is also easy to maintain and gives the revolver a clean, professional appearance.
Most models feature comfortable rubber grips, which absorb recoil and provide a secure hold, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The grips are often designed with finger grooves for enhanced ergonomics.
The sights are typically adjustable, allowing shooters to fine-tune the point of impact to their preference. This is essential for maximizing accuracy and precision.
The action is double-action/single-action. The double-action mode allows the shooter to pull the trigger to both cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder, enabling quick follow-up shots. The single-action mode, where the hammer is manually cocked, offers a lighter, crisper trigger pull, enhancing accuracy for precision shooting. The versatility provided by the action is a major selling point.
The trigger pull in double-action can be a bit heavy, which is typical for revolvers of this type, but it’s usually smooth and consistent. In single-action, the trigger pull is much lighter and crisper, allowing for extremely precise shooting.
The cylinder’s construction is robust, designed to withstand the pressures generated by the .357 Magnum cartridges.
The hammer design is another key component, designed to allow smooth, reliable operation.
Many modern models incorporate internal safety features, providing an extra layer of protection against accidental discharge.
Performance on the Range: Testing the 686 Plus 5 Inch
The 686 Plus 5 Inch shines when put to the test. Its performance on the range is a testament to its design and build quality.
The recoil with .357 Magnum loads is noticeable, but the revolver’s weight and grip design help to mitigate it, making it manageable, even during extended shooting sessions. The stainless steel frame is particularly helpful with the recoil absorption. The .38 Special rounds provide a very pleasant shooting experience with much less felt recoil, making it a good choice for practice or for shooters sensitive to recoil.
The accuracy potential is high. The five-inch barrel, coupled with the adjustable sights and the crisp trigger pull in single-action mode, allows for tight groupings at various distances. Skilled shooters can achieve impressive results with this revolver.
The trigger feel, as mentioned earlier, varies depending on whether the shooter uses the double-action or single-action mode. The double-action pull is smooth but can be somewhat heavy, requiring a deliberate effort to pull the trigger. The single-action pull is typically lighter and much crisper, allowing for precise shot placement.
Loading, unloading, and operating the 686 Plus 5 Inch is straightforward. The cylinder swings out easily, allowing for quick reloading with speed loaders or individual rounds. The ejection rod quickly removes spent casings.
Handling and Balance: Feeling the Difference
The five-inch barrel plays a significant role in the handling characteristics of the 686 Plus. The barrel length contributes to a well-balanced feel, making the revolver feel natural in the hand. The balance is especially noticeable compared to shorter-barreled revolvers, which can sometimes feel muzzle-heavy. The weight of the revolver, while perhaps a consideration for concealed carry, contributes to the reduction in felt recoil and adds to its stability. The grips provide excellent ergonomics, allowing for a comfortable and secure grip, regardless of the ammunition used. The grip material and design are carefully considered to maximize control.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Attributes
Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 5 Inch:
Advantages:
- Durability: The stainless steel construction makes it incredibly resistant to wear and tear, corrosion, and harsh weather conditions.
- Accuracy: The five-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and crisp trigger in single-action mode contribute to excellent accuracy potential.
- Capacity: The seven-round cylinder gives you more rounds available than many revolvers.
- Reliability: S&W revolvers are known for their consistent and dependable function, which translates to confidence in any situation.
- Versatility: Chambering both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds gives a wide range of flexibility and options for both shooting and personal defense.
- Value: When considering the build quality, accuracy, and features, the 686 Plus offers excellent value for the price.
Disadvantages:
- Weight: The stainless steel construction contributes to a heavier weight, which may be a concern for some shooters, especially those who prefer lighter firearms.
- Size: While not excessively large, the overall size may make concealed carry challenging for some.
- Trigger Pull: The double-action trigger pull can be heavy for some, requiring significant practice to master.
Comparing Apples to Apples: Exploring the Competition
Versus Other 686 Models:
Compared to other barrel lengths in the 686 lineup, the five-inch model offers an excellent compromise between accuracy, handling, and portability. Shorter-barreled versions, while easier to conceal, may sacrifice some accuracy and muzzle velocity. Longer-barreled versions, designed more for target shooting, may be less practical for all-around use. The 686 Plus 5 Inch represents an ideal balance.
Versus Other Revolver Competitors:
Compared to other popular revolvers, such as the Ruger GP100 or some Taurus models, the S&W 686 Plus stands out due to its refined action, stainless steel construction, and excellent reputation for reliability. The Ruger GP100 is also a strong contender, known for its durability and robust design. While a more budget-friendly revolver, Taurus revolvers are known to offer the features of the 686 Plus, but do not have the same history or reputation for high-end craftsmanship.
Maintaining Your Investment: Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensure that your S&W 686 Plus 5 Inch continues to perform reliably for years to come.
After each shooting session, the revolver should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any powder residue, lead build-up, and other contaminants. The process involves:
- Disassembling the cylinder (usually with the push of a button)
- Cleaning the barrel using a brush and solvent
- Cleaning the cylinder chambers
- Cleaning the frame and other components.
Proper lubrication is essential to maintain the smooth operation of the revolver. Use a quality gun oil on the internal components, such as the trigger mechanism and the cylinder crane. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the frequency and amount of lubrication.
Proper storage is essential for the long-term preservation of your firearm. Store the revolver in a dry, secure location, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Consider using a gun safe or locking case to prevent unauthorized access.
Accessories and Customization: Enhancing Your 686 Plus
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 5 Inch is a highly customizable revolver, with a wide array of accessories available to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences.
Popular accessories include:
- Grips: Various grip options are available, from wood to rubber, with a wide range of styles, materials, and ergonomic designs.
- Speed Loaders: Speed loaders can significantly speed up the reloading process, allowing for faster follow-up shots in competition or self-defense situations.
- Holsters: A variety of holster options, including concealed carry holsters, open-carry holsters, and competition holsters, are available.
Customization options are also readily available. Some common modifications include:
- Trigger Work: Custom trigger jobs can lighten the trigger pull and improve the overall trigger feel.
- Sights: Custom sights can be installed to improve the sight picture and accuracy.
- Finishing: Custom finishes and refinishing can improve the firearm’s visual appeal.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Classic
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 5 Inch is more than just a firearm; it is a piece of history, craftsmanship, and functional design. It’s a revolver that seamlessly combines the power of the .357 Magnum with the flexibility of the .38 Special, offering a versatile and reliable platform for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter, a collector, or simply seeking a high-quality revolver, the 686 Plus 5 Inch is an outstanding choice. Its durable construction, excellent accuracy, and ergonomic design make it a pleasure to shoot, while its reliability provides peace of mind. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the revolver, a classic firearm that continues to impress and perform.
Consider taking the next step: if you’re looking to add a new revolver to your collection or need an excellent firearm for self-defense, the S&W 686 Plus 5 Inch is well worth your consideration. Do your research, visit your local gun shop, and experience the excellence for yourself.
