Customer Reviews for Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus Deluxe 357 Magnum Revolver

Although I have not fired this gun yet. The reason why I purchased this gun was I fired my friends S&W 686 3" barrel. Because it only had a 3" barrel I thought it wouldn't be that accurate. I was wrong. The gun was right on, well balanced and felt solid when firing. Bud's had a decent price so, I bought one. Fast and reliable shipping as usual from Bud's. So far I am very satisfied. Thanks...Jeff G.

Beautiful, smooth shooter! It does sting a little when firing using the wood grips, but still very usable for self defense.

One of the finest revolvers ever made, hands down. This is an absolute classic I think any gun collection needs to have. Fan girling aside, Its a full frame 357 so even the most powerful hard cast loads are pretty manageable. The 3in version is easy to carry at the hip for a hunting/backwoods sidearm. The wooden grips are just beautiful, not very comfortable to shoot with, but when i go to shoot it I slip on a Houge monogrip and that takes care of that. Had a pretty standard S&W heavy double action pull with a very light and crisp single action. Gun is very very accurate and reliable as the day is long. I love the 7 shot, 1 more shot doesn’t seem like much but if its thats extra shell that saves your hide, then thats all that matters. Bottom line after all that rambling… This is the quintessential 357, you should stop thinking about it and just buy it, you will not be dissapointed.

I have had the 686 3” for a few years now and I love it. But, since the Colt Python 3” has has come out and is available I thought I would do some research with the thought of trading the S/W for the Colt. Although the Colt may have an action that is smooth as glass while the action on the S/W is excellent I found 3 or 4 reasons to keep the 686. I found the wood grips on the 686 fit my hand better. Reportedly some of the rear sights on the Colt are loose witch can be replaced by Wilson Combat sights. The S/W factory sights are excellent. Also I use SpeedBiz speed loader on the 686 which are not availed for Colt. And I like the look or the round but on the grip on the 686 on a 3” revolver. So why go though the hassle of changing?

Great gun . We use this for home protection

This was my first revolver purchase, after many semiautomatics. Being able to finally shoot the powerful 357 cartridge was a thrill. This gun is very controllable shooting both the 38 specials, and 357s. Easy to clean; just a beautiful piece of gun work. With its 7 rounds of 357 this gun is a fantastic personal/home/vehicle protector. I've purchased 2 other S&W revolvers, based on my positive experience with this one.

This Revolver is my baby favorite of all. Reliable and very durable Smith & Wesson is king!

As usual Budsgunshop was the best. This gun is a way better shooter than I will ever be. S&W 686 4 inch .357 Magnum/.38 Special. What a great gun. I've put about 500 rounds through it, about half magnums and half specials and zero issues. I can get a nice group of magnums at 25 yards and a better group with specials. Like all my Smiths, before I start shooting, I like to have a functions check or a break in period before I consider taking it to the range. After an initial inspection (visual inspection and a general cleaning) I make sure the screws are set and secure. I check the rear sight mounting screw, access plate screws, grip screw and the cylinder latch set screw. I also check the screws during and after firing as well. This is a finely made handgun. This seven shot L frame fits me well and is a pleasure to shoot. Buy this gun. Shoot it and shoot it often. Have a nice day.

Beautiful gun could not be happier with my purchase. Buds was great as usual.

Very happy with this one. Looks great and shoots very well. The double action trigger is really smooth and crisp and reasonably light for DA. The finish was not as polished as I would prefer; more of a brushed finish. A few hours with a little polishing compound and it looks fantastic. No remorse with this one! Although I do wish S&W would get rid of the lock that nobody uses.

Best handgun I've ever owned or had the pleasure to shoot. Perfectly balanced and 7 shots is definitely a nice change. It is not a small revolver but not huge. Very accurate for a 3" barrel. Bud's was great to deal with as always. Definitely a great buy and a beautiful gun.

The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe is one of the finest modern day revolvers available. However, this is not your little pocket J frame snub nose, even in the 2-3” barrels. This is a Large and heavy L frame revolver. 7 shots of .357 magnum needs a lot of metal around it to make it comfortable and safe. Make no mistake, this is a heavy gun, but very well balanced for its size. The double action trigger pull is also heavy but not ridiculously long like some revolvers. The single action trigger is amazing. Due to its heft, even the most powerful loads are easily managed during recoil. That weight really helps in getting back in target for follow up shots. If you are looking for a great .357 and don’t want to spend “Python money”, you can’t go wrong with the 686 Plus deluxe. Great adjustable sights make this a winner for whatever your plan is and the 7 rounds make it comparable to something like the M&P Shield in capacity. Only with the .357 power. Of course as with any .357, being able to shoot .38 Special or .38 P, makes this a fun range gun as well.
A wide variety of holster types makes this a one stop revolver for Concealed Carry, Home Defense, Hunting, or just a day at the range.

I'm happy with everything, but the shipping time. It took 1 week to ship my gun. I paid immediately, why did it take so long to ship it???

What a beautiful revolver!
Perfectly balanced, the fit and finish is outstanding!
This is my new favorite firearm,

My favourite revolver of all time. 3" barrel is great for concealment, but plenty long enough for accurate shooting. Love the grips, trigger is very good both single and double action. My new EDC firearm.

This is a very well made revolver and the three inch barrel length is the perfect balance of size and accuracy. It looks as good as it shoots and it is a great shooter. It’s weight absorbs recoil and makes it a little heavy for EDC but it’s power makes it well worth it. Buds has been great to do business with as well.

Gun arrived in excellent condition and in reasonable time. Have shot over 50 rounds and really enjoy shooting this pistol. Will definitely use Bud again.

Great gun exactly what I was looking for.

Always a pleasure working with buds, The S/W 686 357is a thing of beauty, shipping was a little slower than.my last order but no big deal. looking forward to purchasing a 380 from Buds.

Love this powerful and classic revolver!

Awesome Gun S&W does it again the 686 is becoming one of my favorite models. I have 2 now and plan on getting a third. I have a lot of revolvers but the S&Ws are some of my favorites this 3' is built like a tank great balance awesome trigger pull and great classic wood grips. Buds was a pleasure to deal with and I love the 90 day layaway makes buying guns so much more convenient. Thank you Buds....KCK

Worth every penny. Will never get rid of it.

Beutiful piece. Handles perfectly read other reviews where they did not like the grips but fits my hand perfectly. Verry happy with purchase.

This Smith&Wesson model 686 3” Plus Deluxe 357 Magnum has instantly became my favorite pistol. I have several semi-automatics but after practicing with the 38 Specil rounds and the magnum rounds; I love it Using the single action, I get groups on the target that I’ve never gotten before. This is the second gun I’ve bought from Buds and everything works. I especially like their layaway plan. Beautiful Pistol!!

Here is a link to my video review of the 686+ - https://youtu.be/fqjIKwzYXzo I absolutely love this revolver. I was worried about the findings of the 686 having canted barrels and I asked Bud's customer service about it. They won't open your order to check, so it is important that you look over the revolver before leaving your FFL. Don't let that stop you from getting this revolver. Mine is flawless, though I did eventually change out the TALO rosewood grips. Feel free to check out the video to see it in action and get a more detailed review!