Description
The Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun pairs the most useful revolver cartridge with the Mountain Gun treatment: a 4-inch tapered barrel with no underlug, which takes weight off the muzzle without shortening the sight radius. Seven rounds of 357 Magnum in a stainless L-frame, and it feeds 38 Special for practice.
Seven Rounds and the L-Frame
The 686 is an L-frame, which sits between the compact K-frame and the heavy N-frame, and the Plus designation means a seven-round cylinder instead of six. That extra round matters more than it sounds — it is a fifteen percent capacity increase in a class where capacity is the main limitation.
The Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun is built to handle a steady diet of full-power 357, which older K-frame magnums were not. That durability is the reason the 686 became the standard by which other 357 revolvers are judged.
Parts, grips and gunsmith familiarity for the Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun are as common as they get — the 686 is one of the most supported revolvers ever made.
What the Mountain Gun Barrel Does on the Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun
A tapered barrel with no underlug removes several ounces from the muzzle. The revolver points faster, hangs lighter on a belt and carries better in the field. The cost is that less muzzle weight means more felt recoil with heavy Magnum loads — a straightforward trade of shooting comfort for carrying comfort.
For a gun worn all day and fired occasionally, most people take that trade every time.
357 Magnum and 38 Special in the Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun
The Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun chambers both, and that flexibility is the cartridge’s great advantage. Full-power 357 for hunting, defense against animals, or serious work. Thirty-eight Special for practice that costs less and does not punish you.
Most owners shoot a lot of 38 and keep 357 for when the revolver is actually earning its keep. Point of impact shifts between the two, so confirm zero with whatever you carry.
Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun Specifications
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
|---|---|
| Model | 686 Plus Mountain Gun |
| UPC | 022188900743 |
| Caliber | 357 Magnum / 38 Special |
| Capacity | 7 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4 in |
| Barrel Profile | Tapered, No Underlug |
| Frame | L-Frame, Stainless Steel |
| Action | Double Action / Single Action |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
| Condition | New in Box |
| NFA Item | No |
Who the Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun Is For
Hikers, hunters and anyone who wants one revolver that covers defense, field use and range work. The 357 is the most versatile centerfire revolver cartridge there is, and the Mountain Gun barrel makes this the version you will actually carry. It is also a strong first centerfire revolver.
If you only shoot at the range and never carry, a full-lug 686 shoots heavy loads more comfortably. The Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun is built for the walk.
It also sits naturally alongside the 629 and 610 Mountain Guns if you are building a set; the Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun is the one that costs least to feed.
Shooting and Practice
A four-inch L-frame is about as pleasant as 357 Magnum gets, and 38 Special through it is genuinely mild. Double-action practice is the skill that matters on a revolver and it is worth building deliberately — dry fire costs nothing and does most of the work.
Seven rounds means speedloaders and moon clips differ from six-shot patterns, so buy accessories that specify the 686 Plus.
Shooters new to the Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun should start with 38 Special and work up to full-power loads.
Grips, Holsters and Carry
Standard L-frame holsters fit, and a Mountain Gun profile is slimmer than a full-lug so some tight kydex may run loose. Chest rigs suit it well for hiking. Grips are the most effective upgrade if recoil bothers you — rubber shoots better, wood looks better, and many owners of the Smith Wesson 686 Plus Mountain Gun keep both.
Speed strips carry flatter in a pocket than speedloaders.
Ordering and FFL Transfer
We ship to your local FFL after we receive a copy of their license. If you have a preferred dealer, tell us at checkout and we will coordinate directly with them. Pennsylvania buyers can complete the transfer with us in Collegeville.
Browse more handguns in stock at MAG5 Firearms, or see the manufacturer page for the Smith & Wesson line.
Every firearm we ship leaves our Collegeville, Pennsylvania shop through a licensed FFL dealer and must be transferred to you by an FFL in your state. Questions about grips, holsters or ammunition? Call or email us before you order.
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