Regardless of what kind of setup you’re looking for — 3, 5, or 7-inch barrel — this revolver provides quite a few options.

No conversation about American firearm manufacturers is complete without mentioning Smith & Wesson. The legendary company has been in the gunsmithing business for almost 170 years, affording them more than ample time to perfect firearms. While the company does offer several lines of modern semi-automatic pistols as well as rifles, it is their revolvers — perfected through the company’s long history — that are particularly noteworthy.

And while Smith & Wesson’s revolvers are a cut above the rest, the company’s Model 686 Plus is a particularly potent design.

The Model 686 Plus utilizes Smith & Wesson’s L-frame, a proprietary medium revolver frame that is primarily paired with the .357 Magnum cartridge, though is also stout enough to accommodate .44 Magnum cartridges. In the Model 686 Plus’ case, the revolver has a sufficient cylinder size to accommodate 7 rounds of .357 Magnum, offering shooters a relatively high cylinder capacity.

As the Model 686 Plus is chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, it can also fire the .38 Special, a shorter rimmed pistol cartridge with a dimensionally identical bullet that produces less recoil. For shooters who want a more affordable alternative to the .357 Magnum cartridge that is easier to comfortably shoot — especially for new shooters — the flexibility offered by the 686 is certainly a plus.

Smith & Wesson offers the Model 686 Plus in a variety of barrel lengths, including 2.5, 3, 4.125, 5, 6, and 7-inch versions, so whether you desire a short snub-nose or a long-barreled revolver, the 686 Plus is sure to please. Regardless of barrel length, each Model 686 Plus has a full-length barrel lug. While this does make the revolver heavier, the extra weight helps to manage perceived recoil for a more pleasant shooting experience.

Depending on the desired barrel length, the Model 686 Plus comes with either synthetic rubber grips or engraved wooden grips, both of which have finger grooves to afford a firm, secure grip. Two-cylinder styles are also offered, including fluted and unfluted versions.

Compared to some of Smith & Wesson’s more pricey precision revolvers, the Model 686 Plus is actually more modestly priced, with all versions currently listed under $900 on the Smith & Wesson website.

Clearly, Smith & Wesson has carefully designed their Model 686 Plus in order to offer potential shooters essentially everything they could ask for — a variety of barrel lengths, fluted or unfluted cylinders, synthetic or wooden grips — and does so at an agreeable price point. Smith & Wesson’s quality gunsmithing shines through with the Model 686 Plus and offers concealed carry protection, sport, and target shooting, as well as plinking all on one platform.

Caleb Larson is a Defense Writer with The National Interest. He holds a Master of Public Policy and covers U.S. and Russian security, European defense issues, and German politics and culture.

Image: Wikimedia Commons