Smith & Wesson Model 686

IN PRODUCTION

Quick Overview

Manufacturer

Smith & Wesson

Origin

United States

Production

1980 - Present

Calibers

.357 Magnum,.38 Special

Overview

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a stainless‑steel, double‑action revolver built on the renowned X‑frame platform. Designed primarily for the civilian market and law‑enforcement use, the 686 combines the durability of the large‑frame design with a smoother, lighter recoil impulse than its predecessor, the Model 29, thanks to its six‑round .357 Magnum chamber and a 4‑inch (or 2.5‑inch) barrel. Key innovations include a fully machined, stainless‑steel cylinder and barrel, a robust internal lockup system, and the use of a transfer bar safety that allows the hammer to rest down on a loaded chamber without risk of accidental discharge. The 686 quickly earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and versatility, becoming a favorite among competitive shooters, hunters, and tactical operators. Its ability to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, coupled with a crisp double‑action trigger and optional adjustable sights, makes it uniquely adaptable for a wide range of applications.

Calibers & Ammunition

.357 Magnum .38 Special

Dimensions

Overall Length

228 mm (9.0 in) with 4" barrel, 191 mm (7.5 in) with 2.5" barrel

Barrel Length

101.6 mm (4.0 in) standard, 63.5 mm (2.5 in) compact variant

Weight

1.05 kg (2.3 lb) empty, 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with 4" barrel; 0.94 kg (2.1 lb) empty with 2.5" barrel

Mechanical

Action Type

Double‑action revolver, transfer‑bar safety, internal lockup with a single‑action trigger pull when cocked manually

Trigger Type

Double‑action trigger with a 5‑6 lb pull; single‑action pull approximately 3‑4 lb when hammer is manually cocked

Sights Type

Adjustable rear sight (windage and elevation) and a fixed front blade; some models equipped with three‑dot tritium night sights

Magazine Capacity

6 rounds (standard), compatible with .38 Special cartridges of the same capacity

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Same subcategory · Shared caliber

DISCONTINUED

Mateba Autorevolver

Revolvers.357 Magnum +2

The Mateba Autorevolver, officially the Mateba Model 6 Unica, is a semi‑automatic revolver that blends the classic revolver cylinder with a short‑stroke recoil‑operated slide, allowing the barrel and cylinder to move forward on each shot. Designed primarily for civilian sport shooters and hunters, its purpose is to deliver higher muzzle velocity and reduced recoil compared to conventional revolvers by lengthening the barrel’s effective length during the recoil cycle. The key innovation is the forward‑tilting barrel that uses the recoil impulse to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer, effectively making it a semi‑automatic revolver. Its distinctive low bore axis, long sight radius, and the ability to chamber powerful cartridges such as the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum have earned it a cult reputation among collectors and competitive shooters for its smooth trigger pull and impressive ballistics. The Mateba’s unique aesthetics—a sleek, almost pistol‑like profile with an exposed slide—set it apart from traditional revolvers and have made it a frequent subject of firearms literature and media.

Weight

1.45 kg (3.2 lb) empty

Length

254 mm (10.0 in) with standard barrel

Capacity

6 rounds (standard cylinder)

Action

Short‑stroke recoil‑operated slide that moves barrel and cylinder forward to cock hammer and rotate cylinder; semi‑automatic operation with manual trigger pull for each shot