The 686 Plus is Smith & Wesson's answer to a simple question: why not 7 rounds? Built on the L-Frame, this revolver holds one more round than the standard 686 without changing the external dimensions. The 9.56" overall length and 39.2 oz weight are identical to the 6-shot version, but that extra chamber puts it in a class of its own among production .357 revolvers. Only the S&W TRR8 (8 rounds, N-Frame) holds more, and that gun is considerably larger.

The 4" barrel with full underlug gives the 686 Plus enough weight forward to settle between shots. Owners on forums consistently describe the L-Frame action as smooth from the factory, and it only gets better with a spring kit or dry-fire time. The adjustable white outline rear sight paired with the red ramp front is easy to pick up in most lighting conditions. The stainless steel frame and barrel handle a lifetime of full-power loads without concern.

The L-Frame 686 has been the benchmark .357 revolver since 1981. The "Plus" variant with its 7-round cylinder is the version most people should look at unless they specifically need the thinner cylinder profile of the standard 686. That seventh round is free capacity with no real trade-off in size or handling. The Ruger GP100 is the closest competitor and runs about 0.8 oz heavier at 40 oz, but stays at 6 rounds.