Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe 3″ .357 Magnum 7-Round
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe 3″ .357 Magnum 7-Round? The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe is a 3-inch L-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with a seven-round cylinder capacity, designed for reliable service use and precision shooting. With a weight of 36.8 ounces and satin stainless finish, this revolver balances durability with practical handling characteristics that appeal to both range enthusiasts and experienced carriers. The inclusion of adjustable sights and checkered wood grips positions it as a refined yet functional tool within Smith & Wesson's lineup.
What is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe used for?
This revolver serves as a versatile platform for range training, home defense, and as a duty pistol for qualified professionals. Its 3-inch barrel offers ballistic efficiency while maintaining manageable dimensions for holster carry, and the seven-round cylinder provides additional capacity over traditional six-shot designs. I've found it particularly effective for .38 Special practice sessions where recoil management is crucial for skill development.
How does the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The 686 Plus is a close-quarters defensive revolver while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a long-range precision platform chambered in .308 Winchester. The Smith & Wesson excels at rapid engagement within 25 yards with its 36.8-ounce weight aiding in fast sight recovery, whereas the Stevens 334's 20-inch barrel and rifle cartridge provide superior accuracy beyond 100 yards. For urban defense scenarios, the revolver's compact frame and immediate readiness make it the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 36.8 ounces (2.3 pounds) with an overall length of 8.625 inches and barrel length of 3 inches exactly. The cylinder width measures 1.56 inches across its widest point, making it compatible with most medium-frame holsters. These dimensions create a balanced package that absorbs .357 Magnum recoil effectively while remaining concealable under a jacket.
Who is this NOT for?
This model is unsuitable for first-time shooters or those seeking maximum concealability. The 36.8-ounce weight and substantial L-frame make it noticeably heavier than polymer-frame autoloaders, and the double-action trigger requires practice to master under stress. Consider a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun if you need a simpler platform for home defense without the revolver's manual of arms.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 7-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual with warranty documentation. Smith & Wesson typically includes a factory test target showing 3-inch groups at 15 yards, which provides a baseline for your own accuracy testing. You'll need to purchase cleaning supplies and additional moon clips separately for full range readiness.
Is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe worth it at $1007.99?
At this price point, the 686 Plus Deluxe justifies its cost through superior materials and precision manufacturing that cheaper revolvers lack. The satin stainless steel construction will outlast many polymer-frame alternatives, and the 7-round capacity provides tangible advantages in defensive scenarios. For shooters who value mechanical reliability over high-capacity autoloaders, this represents a solid investment in a lifelong firearm.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Seven-round cylinder capacity — one more than standard 686 models
- 36.8-ounce weight provides stable .357 Magnum recoil management
- Satin stainless finish resists corrosion better than blued finishes
- 3-inch barrel balances concealment with ballistic performance
Trade-offs
- Internal lock system adds failure point — requires regular inspection
- Wood grips lack modern texture — may require $60-120 aftermarket upgrade
- No included speed loader — adds $25-40 to initial setup cost
Key attributes
| upc | 022188141573 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 150713 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 3'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| model | 686 Deluxe |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 3.7 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| 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 Deluxe safely fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges without modification. The .38 Special loads produce approximately 40% less recoil energy, making them ideal for training sessions. Always verify ammunition meets SAAMI specifications before loading.
- Does it fit standard L-frame holsters?
- The 3-inch barrel configuration fits most L-frame holsters designed for 2.5-inch to 4-inch barrels. The cylinder width of 1.56 inches requires holsters specifically molded for L-frame dimensions. I recommend checking with DeSantis or Safariland for verified compatibility.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days after FFL verification. Transit time typically adds 5-7 days via UPS or FedEx to your local FFL dealer. You'll receive tracking information once the package ships.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects, with Smith & Wesson providing a lifetime service policy. The revolver must be returned through an FFL dealer, and the process typically takes 2-3 weeks for inspection and repair. Cosmetic issues don't qualify for returns under Smith & Wesson's policy.
- Does this work with Holosun 507C optics?
- The frame is drilled and tapped for optic mounts, requiring an adapter plate for specific red dot models. The Holosun 507C needs a Picatinny-to-507C mount, adding approximately 0.4 inches to the sight height. Smith & Wesson recommends their factory-installed mounts for optimal zero retention.