Guns International #: 103078620

Category - .357 Magnum Pistols - Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Category
.357 Magnum Pistols
Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Smith & Wesson 686 SSR Pro Performance Center 357 Magnum 4" Revolver

Description:
Smith & Wesson 686 SSR Pro Performance Center 357 Magnum 4" Revolver

A double-action revolver built on the medium-sized L-frame the Smith & Wesson Model 686 is known for its durability and reliability and is a trusted choice for many police personnel. Chambered in 357 Mag it is built to withstand heavy use while the stainless steel frame cylinder and barrel resist rust and corrosion. Other features include 6-round a red ramp front sight and adjustable white outline rear sight. In addition to law enforcement the Model 686 is often used by hunters and is a suitable choice for home defense.

Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686-6 Plus: The Ultimate Evolution of a Classic
Experience the pinnacle of revolver craftsmanship with the Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686-6 Plus—a revolver that blends the legendary reliability of the 686 series with exclusive Performance Center enhancements for shooters who demand the best.
Why Choose the Performance Center 686-6 Plus?

• Performance Center Upgrades: Enjoy a factory-tuned action for a smoother, lighter trigger pull, a precision-crowned barrel for enhanced accuracy, and a speed release thumbpiece for faster reloads—features not found on standard models.
• Competition-Ready: The Performance Center 686-6 Plus often includes a 4-inch barrel, interchangeable front sight, adjustable rear sight, and a cylinder cut for moon clips, making it ideal for both range and competitive shooting.
• Premium Construction: Built on the robust L-frame with all-stainless steel construction, this revolver is engineered for durability, longevity, and superior recoil management.
• Distinctive Features: Chromed teardrop hammer and trigger, trigger stop, unfluted cylinder, and a sleek matte finish set this revolver apart visually and functionally.

Key Specifications
FeaturePerformance Center 686-6 PlusTraditional 686Caliber.357 Magnum/.38 Special +P.357 Magnum/.38 Special +P
Cylinder Capacity6 rounds6 rounds
Barrel Length4 inches 4, 6, or 8 inches (varies)
SightsInterchangeable front, adjustable rearRed ramp front, adjustable rear
ActionDA/SA, PC-tunedDA/SA
Weight~38.2 oz ~40 oz (4" standard)
FrameStainless steel, L-frameStainless steel, L-frame
Special FeaturesSpeed release, moon clip-cut, unfluted cylinder, chromed hammer/trigger, trigger stopTraditional hammer/trigger, fluted cylinder
MSRP~$1,179–$1,189~$850–$999
How Does It Compare to the Traditional 686?
FeaturePerformance Center 686-6 PlusTraditional 686Cylinder Capacity6 rounds6 rounds
Trigger/ActionPerformance Center-tuned, smootherStandard factory action
Reload SpeedSpeed release thumbpiece, moon clip-cutStandard release
BarrelPrecision-crownedStandard barrel
AestheticsUnfluted cylinder, chromed controlsFluted cylinder
PurposeCompetition, defense, enthusiastsDefense, range, duty
The Performance Center 686-6 Plus is purpose-built for those who want more: more capacity, more precision, and more features out of the box. Its upgrades make it a top choice for competitive shooters and revolver aficionados who appreciate refined details and enhanced performance.
Standout Features

• 6-shot unfluted cylinder for increased capacity and distinctive looks.
• Performance Center-tuned action for a superior trigger pull.
• Interchangeable front sight and adjustable rear sight for custom aiming solutions.
• Speed release thumbpiece and moon clip compatibility for rapid reloads.
• All-stainless construction for unmatched durability and recoil contro.
• Ergonomic synthetic grip for comfort and control during extended sessions.

The Verdict
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686-6 Plus is the ultimate evolution of the classic 686, offering more capacity, advanced features, and competition-ready enhancements. Whether for sport, defense, or collection, it stands as a testament to Smith & Wesson’s commitment to quality and innovation.
History of the Smith & Wesson Model 686
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 was introduced in 1981 as part of the company's L-frame revolver series, designed to offer a robust, versatile sidearm for both law enforcement and civilian markets. The L-frame was developed to bridge the gap between the smaller K-frame and the heavier N-frame revolvers, providing the strength needed for sustained use of .357 Magnum ammunition while maintaining a manageable grip size.
The 686 is a stainless steel version of the earlier blued Model 586, offering increased resistance to corrosion and wear—an important feature for duty weapons exposed to the elements. Available in a range of barrel lengths (from 2.5" to 8.75"), and with both six- and seven-shot cylinders (the latter introduced as the 686 Plus in 1996), the 686 quickly became a favorite among law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters alike.
Roles and Significance
Law Enforcement Duty Weapon
When it debuted, the Model 686 was rapidly adopted by law enforcement agencies, especially in its 4-inch barrel configuration. Its combination of .357 Magnum stopping power, manageable recoil, and stainless steel durability made it highly attractive for police use. The revolver's long and heavy double-action trigger pull also provided a safety advantage, reducing the risk of accidental discharges—a key concern for police administrators at the time.
The 686 was used by:

• U.S. Border Patrol
• U.S. Customs Service
• Immigration and Naturalization Service
• U.S. Navy SEALs (notably for waterborne missions)
• FBI agents (as personally owned sidearms)
• Police forces in France, Norway, and Luxembourg, among others

Self-Defense and Civilian Use
For civilians, the 686 offered a blend of reliability, power, and versatility. Its ability to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds made it suitable for both self-defense and target shooting. The robust stainless steel construction absorbed recoil effectively, making it comfortable and accurate for extended use.
Specialized and Competitive Roles
Over time, the 686 saw numerous variants tailored for specific purposes, such as the Classic Hunter, Target Champion, and Performance Center models, which featured enhancements for hunting, competition, and precision shooting. The introduction of the 686 Plus with a 7-shot cylinder provided an extra round, increasing its appeal for both duty and defensive roles.
Why the 686 Served in Its Roles

• Durability: Stainless steel construction suited harsh environments and heavy use.
• Versatility: Chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, it met a wide range of needs from duty carry to sport shooting.
• Manageable Recoil: The L-frame design balanced strength and shootability, making the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge accessible to more shooters.
• Safety: The double-action trigger reduced accidental discharges, a significant consideration for law enforcement.
• Reliability: Revolvers are less prone to malfunctions than semi-automatics, a key factor before the widespread adoption of high-capacity pistols.
• Adaptability: Multiple barrel lengths and configurations allowed the 686 to be tailored for uniformed duty, concealed carry (shorter barrels), and even specialized military or competition use.

Legacy
Although the rise of high-capacity semi-automatic pistols eventually led to the decline of revolvers like the 686 as standard police issue, the model remains popular among enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and those who appreciate its blend of classic design and modern engineering. Its continued production and the introduction of Performance Center variants underscore its enduring reputation as a reliable, accurate, and versatile revolver.

 

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 686-6 SSR Pro
Barrel Length: 4
Bore Info: New
Condition: New In Box
Metal Condition: New
Bore Condition: New
Action: SA/DA
Finish: Stainless Steel

Price: $925.00
Shipping: $35.00