The Most Versatile Revolver, The S&W Model 686 Plus.

Jack of all trades master of none... That’s what comes to mind after hearing something can “do-it-all.” To me, that typically means getting something that isn’t specific to any one role. Contrary to my overall belief in the right tool for the job, at a certain point having quality items that are well rounded, capable, and fill multiple roles is simply efficient. Nevertheless, certain applications and situations do require specificity.

The classic wheel guns seem to get cast aside amongst the plethora of high capacity, lightweight, magazine-fed semi-auto pistols. The revolver is still a capable gun and classification of firearm that is actually much more customizable than we realize. If you’re into firearms at all, it just makes sense to have a revolver – they’re reliable, immensely fun (and challenging) to shoot, and can be chambered in rounds that no semi-auto can touch. If there’s one wheelie out there that can fill almost any of these roles, and do it well, it’s the?Smith & Wesson? Model 686 Plus.

Let’s be clear, I’ve owned four revolvers prior to this one: a .22 LR single action, and three .357 Magnums ranging from 2.75” to 6.5” barrel lengths. Being the analytical person that I am, I scoured forums, comment boards, and Instagram rants, and found that there’s a great balance within 3” revolvers. Not only that, but the 686 in any flavor constantly came up as the quintessential revolver. The short barrel is easily carried or stowed. The L-Frame of the 686 has enough bulk to soften the recoil of spicy .357 Magnums, while managing to make .38 Special and .38 Special +P feel exceptionally pleasant. Whether it’s getting more training in, or personal preference for carry, the ability to scale up or down easily found cartridges makes this gun extremely versatile. The three-inch barrel allows the gun to maintain consistent accuracy at distance and create enough energy for proper defensive/hunting/survival applications.

The larger frame is not overly heavy for carry and it allows the cylinder to hold seven rounds. While the extra round may not sound like a lot, but it puts it nearly on par with the capacity of a 1911 with more powerful cartridges. But this doesn’t mean it’s a giant gun, it’s nearly the same length or shorter, than a Government 1911 depending on where you measure from and about the same weight. Aside from the cylinder, it’s ultra-thin.

The 686 Plus comes with rubber grips, which perform the best when managing recoil and provide a tacky surface to grip. However, the grips of the 686 can be changed out to suit your profile and material preferences. The round frame of the newer 686 models allows for the shorter “boot” grips made of wood, G10, or other natural materials creating a smaller and more concealable grip. When switching out to a new grip, you can choose options like checkering, finger grooves, rounded or squared butts. Most installation is easy and can change the look and feel of the gun quite a bit, allowing you to customize the gun to your specific purpose.

The 686 Plus just may be the do-it-all revolver if that is what you’re looking for. I may not end up with just one revolver, but if I do, I’ve concluded that this is the most well-rounded version of a revolver out there.

• 7 shot capacity
• .357 Magnum and .38 Special (and +P) provide ample power and variable loads for training, hunting, personal-defense, and the range
• Grip flexibility
• Large frame to tame recoil, yet small enough to comfortably carry
• Heavy, but smooth double action trigger, with light and crisp single action for precision shooting

If versatility is what you’re after, the?Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus ?sacrifices little, while shining in most roles due its overall balance. On top of all that, it is one beautiful handgun.