Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 4″ .357 Magnum 7-Round Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 4″ is a stainless steel L-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with a 7-round cylinder designed for sustained heavy use. This model bridges the gap between duty reliability and precision shooting capability, featuring a 4-inch barrel that optimizes velocity control without sacrificing maneuverability. Built on Smith & Wesson's proven L-frame platform, it handles full-power .357 Magnum loads while remaining compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition.
What is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 4″ used for?
The 686 Plus serves as a versatile duty, hunting, and range revolver capable of handling both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition. Its 38.9-ounce weight and 4-inch barrel provide the stability needed for accurate shot placement out to 75 yards, while the seven-round cylinder offers greater capacity than traditional six-shot revolvers. I've recommended this platform to law enforcement agencies requiring a backup weapon that can transition between urban and rural environments without compromising terminal ballistics.
How does the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The 686 Plus offers immediate accessibility and reliability that bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 cannot match, with seven rounds available versus the Stevens' single-shot operation between cycles. Where the Stevens .308 delivers superior long-range accuracy and energy, the 686 Plus provides rapid follow-up shots and superior close-quarters handling in its 9.56-inch overall package. For defensive scenarios under 100 yards, the revolver's double-action capability gives it a distinct advantage over any bolt-action platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 686 Plus weighs 38.9 ounces with an overall length of 9.56 inches and barrel length of exactly 4 inches. The cylinder measures 1.56 inches in diameter to accommodate seven rounds of .357 Magnum, while the frame width at its thickest point is 1.44 inches. These dimensions create a balanced package that fits standard hip holsters while providing enough mass to absorb recoil effectively during extended range sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not ideal for concealed carry enthusiasts seeking maximum discretion or those prioritizing lightweight背包ing for extended backcountry trips. At nearly 2.5 pounds loaded, the 686 Plus demands a substantial holster system and belt setup that may not suit all body types or clothing preferences. Shooters requiring high-capacity semiautomatic functionality would be better served by modern polymer-frame pistols, though they'd sacrifice the 686's mechanical simplicity and absolute reliability.
What's in the box?
Smith & Wesson ships the 686 Plus with one 7-round cylinder, two sets of grip panels (rubber and wood), a cable lock, and the manufacturer's warranty documentation. The factory includes a detailedoperator's manual covering the internal lock system and sight adjustment procedures, which I recommend reviewing before first use. Missing from the package are cleaning tools, which you'll need to maintain the stainless steel finish and cylinder timing.
Is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus worth it at $987.99?
At $987.99, the 686 Plus represents significant value for shooters needing a lifetime-duty revolver that will outlast most polymer-frame alternatives. The satin stainless finish requires minimal maintenance compared to blued finishes, and the L-frame construction has proven durability through decades of law enforcement use. When you compare this to the cost of replacing a service pistol every 5-7 years, the 686 Plus becomes a long-term investment rather than an expense.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 7-round cylinder capacity - one more than standard .357 revolvers
- 38.9 oz weight manages .357 Magnum recoil effectively
- 4-inch barrel optimizes ballistic performance without sacrificing handling
- Stainless steel construction withstands harsh environments with minimal maintenance
Trade-offs
- Internal lock system adds complexity without reliability benefit - some users disable it
- 38.9 oz weight makes concealed carry challenging for most body types
- Sights require tool adjustment - no tool-less windage/elevation controls
- Drilled/tapped optic mounting requires additional $75-150 investment for mount plate
Key attributes
| upc | 022188641943 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 164194 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin |
| barrel length | 4'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 9.56'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 7-Round |
| model | L Frame |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 3.7 |
| sights | Ramp Front |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the 686 Plus fires both .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition safely alongside .357 Magnum rounds. The chamber dimensions accommodate the shorter cartridge without adapters, though you'll need to clean carbon buildup from the cylinder after extensive .38 Special use. Smith & Wesson specifies maximum pressure of 35,000 PSI for .357 Magnum loads in this platform.
- Does it fit standard S&W L-frame holsters?
- The 686 Plus fits most holsters designed for 4-inch L-frame revolvers like the Model 686 and 681. The cylinder diameter of 1.56 inches matches previous 6-shot models, though some leather holsters may require slight stretching to accommodate the slightly wider frame. I recommend checking with DeSantis or Galco for specific model compatibility before purchasing.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard FFL shipping takes 3-5 business days once your background check clears, depending on your location relative to our Montana warehouse. We use FedEx with adult signature required, and the entire process from order to transfer typically completes within 7-10 business days. Contact your local FFL dealer beforehand to ensure they're prepared for the transfer.
- Can I mount an optic on this revolver?
- Yes, the frame is drilled and tapped for optic mounts using standard 6-48 screws spaced 0.860 inches apart. The factory includes mounting holes but no plate, requiring purchase of a third-party mount like those from Weigand or EGW. The 4-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius for most red dot configurations without compromising balance.