The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 5" 7rd Stainless (.357) is a seven-shot L-frame revolver built for personal defense and range work. This 5-inch barrel configuration delivers a balance of sight radius and carry comfort, chambered in .357 Magnum and compatible with .38 Special +P. The satin stainless finish, unfluted cylinder, and custom 357 grip make it a distinct choice in the 3-5-7 Magnum Series.
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
|---|---|
| Model | 686 Plus 5" 7rd Stainless (.357) |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Satin stainless |
| Weight | Approximately 40.2 ounces (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Seven-Round Cylinder — Why it matters: You get one more round than standard six-shot revolvers, critical when every shot counts in a defensive scenario.
- 5-Inch Barrel with Full Underlug — Why it matters: The longer barrel reduces muzzle flip and improves sight radius for faster follow-up shots, while the underlug adds weight to tame .357 Magnum recoil.
- Adjustable Rear Sight and Red Ramp Front Sight — Why it matters: You can dial in elevation and windage for precise shot placement at various distances, and the red ramp front sight grabs your eye in low light.
- Double/Single Action Trigger — Why it matters: The smooth double-action pull is ideal for defensive use under stress, while the crisp single-action break allows for precision shooting at the range.
- Unfluted Cylinder and Custom 357 Grip — Why it matters: The unfluted cylinder adds strength and a unique look, and the grip provides a secure, comfortable hold with .357 Magnum loads.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the shooter who wants a proven defensive platform with extra capacity. Ideal for home defense, camp protection, or as a range companion. The 5-inch barrel makes it a solid choice for open carry or nightstand duty, and the .357 Magnum chambering gives you the flexibility to shoot cheaper .38 Special for practice.
Pros / Cons
Pros: Seven-round capacity in a revolver; stainless steel resists rust; adjustable sights for accuracy; smooth trigger out of the box; accepts both .357 and .38 Special.
Cons: At 40.2 ounces unloaded, it’s heavier than many polymer-frame semi-autos, making it less ideal for all-day concealed carry.
Comparison
| Feature | Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 5" | Ruger GP100 4.2" 7-Shot | Colt Python 4.25" 6-Shot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7 rounds | 7 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches | 4.2 inches | 4.25 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 40.2 oz | 40 oz | 42 oz |
| Finish | Satin stainless | Brushed stainless | Polished stainless |
| Trigger | Double/single action | Double/single action | Double/single action |
| Price | $1,007.33 | ~$850 | ~$1,500 |
The 686 Plus offers a longer sight radius than the GP100 and a more affordable price than the Python, with the same 7-round capacity as the Ruger.
FAQ
Is the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 5" compatible with .38 Special +P?
Yes. Per Smith & Wesson specs, this revolver is chambered for .357 Magnum and fully compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition. You can shoot standard .38 Special and +P loads for practice and defensive use.
Does the 686 Plus 5" come with a lock?
Yes. This model includes the Smith & Wesson internal lock system. It also ships drilled and tapped for scope mounts, giving you the option to add optics if desired.
What is the difference between the 686 and the 686 Plus?
The 686 Plus has a 7-round cylinder instead of the standard 6-round cylinder. The frame is slightly modified to accommodate the extra round while maintaining the same L-frame size.
Is the 5-inch barrel good for concealed carry?
At 40.2 ounces and with a 5-inch barrel, this revolver is better suited for open carry, home defense, or range use. It can be concealed with a quality holster and cover garment, but smaller barrels are more practical for daily carry.
This revolver is part of our Revolvers collection. Also check our Home Defense and Concealed Carry categories for compatible gear.
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Last updated: April 2026
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