S&W 686 Plus vs. 686: The Seven-Shot Difference
Smith & Wesson’s 686 family is built around the L-frame stainless-steel revolver, a platform known for handling .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. The standard 686 traditionally uses a six-round cylinder, while the 686 Plus adds one chamber without changing the basic purpose of the revolver. That extra round is the defining distinction, but it is not the only factor worth considering.
For Australian buyers, the decision sits within a more complicated setting than a simple catalogue comparison. Handgun ownership requires the appropriate state or territory licence, a genuine reason such as approved sporting use, and compliance with storage, transport and import rules. A revolver that looks ideal for a club member in Melbourne may not suit the same buyer in Sydney or Brisbane if local approval, club requirements or availability differ.
What The Extra Chamber Changes
The 686 Plus carries seven cartridges instead of six. In practical terms, that gives the shooter one additional round before a reload, which can be useful during a structured range session where interruptions are inconvenient. The benefit is modest rather than transformative, especially because both models remain manually loaded and unloaded revolvers with broadly similar controls.
The seven-shot cylinder also changes ammunition management. Speedloaders, moon clips where applicable, holsters and replacement grips must match the exact cylinder and frame configuration. A speedloader intended for a six-shot 686 will not automatically work with a 686 Plus. This is the kind of detail that matters when comparing accessory compatibility, because a small difference in fit can make an otherwise useful accessory unsuitable.
The extra chamber may appeal to competitors who value an additional shot in a stage or training exercise. For casual target shooting, however, the difference may be less important than trigger quality, barrel length, balance and the availability of approved ammunition and accessories in Australia.
Shared L-Frame Characteristics
Both revolvers use the same general L-frame concept, giving them a substantial feel compared with smaller-frame .357 Magnum models. Stainless-steel construction is common across the family, although finish, sights, barrel length and grips vary between individual configurations. Those variations can have a greater effect on handling than the cylinder capacity itself.
A longer barrel generally adds weight and sight radius, which can help deliberate target shooting. A shorter barrel is easier to store and may feel livelier in the hand, although Australian civilian handgun use is generally tied to approved sporting or occupational purposes rather than general personal protection. The best configuration therefore depends on the discipline, range rules and the shooter’s ability to manage the revolver consistently.
Trigger characteristics also deserve attention. Performance Center variants may receive refined actions, improved sights or other factory upgrades, while standard models can offer a simpler and often more economical entry point. Comparing a basic 686 Plus with a competition-oriented six-shot 686 may produce a different result from comparing two similarly equipped models.
Capacity, Balance And Range Use
The seven-shot cylinder adds capacity, but it can also alter the revolver’s balance slightly. The difference is usually subtle, and many shooters will notice grip shape, barrel length and overall weight first. A buyer who values a familiar six-round rhythm may prefer the standard 686, while someone who wants an extra cartridge may find the Plus more convenient.
The correct choice can depend on the type of organised shooting. Some clubs or disciplines specify approved handgun types, ammunition limits or course procedures. A seven-shot cylinder does not necessarily provide an advantage if the match requires six-round strings, fixed loading sequences or a particular revolver classification. Checking the rules before buying is more useful than assuming additional capacity will always help.
The 686 family is also distinct from larger Smith & Wesson revolvers chambered for more powerful cartridges. The brand’s catalogue includes several big-bore options, and a separate 686 and 629 comparison can help explain why the .357 Magnum L-frame occupies a different role from a heavier .44 Magnum model.
| Feature | Smith & Wesson 686 | Smith & Wesson 686 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder capacity | Six rounds | Seven rounds |
| Typical chambering | .357 Magnum and .38 Special | .357 Magnum and .38 Special |
| Basic frame | L-frame | L-frame |
| Main advantage | Familiar six-shot format and broad accessory support | One additional round between reloads |
| Handling difference | Usually slightly simpler cylinder geometry | Potentially marginally different balance and accessory requirements |
| Best comparison points | Barrel, sights, grip, trigger and condition | Capacity, exact accessories, barrel, sights and trigger |
| Australian suitability | Dependent on licence, genuine reason and state rules | Dependent on the same requirements |
Australian Ownership Considerations
In Australia, the model name is only one part of the buying decision. Handguns are regulated under state and territory firearms legislation, and applicants generally need an appropriate licence category, a recognised genuine reason and approval for the specific firearm. Sporting shooters commonly need membership of an approved pistol club, regular participation and records that meet local requirements.
A permit to acquire or equivalent approval is commonly required before taking possession, but the process differs between jurisdictions. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory each administer firearms matters under their own frameworks. Buyers should confirm the current requirements with the relevant firearms registry rather than relying on a retailer’s shipping statement.
Storage and transport are equally important. Firearms must generally be secured in an approved safe, with ammunition stored according to applicable rules, and transport usually involves an unloaded firearm in a locked container with a legitimate destination. A handgun kept in a suburban home near Parramatta or Geelong may require different administrative steps from one held by a club member in regional Queensland, even though the revolver itself is identical.
Which Shooter May Prefer Each Model
The six-shot 686 remains attractive because it follows the traditional revolver format and has a long history of aftermarket support. It may be a sensible choice for someone who already owns compatible speedloaders, grips or holsters, or who trains with a club procedure built around six-round loading. Its lower capacity is not automatically a disadvantage in disciplines that regulate strings of fire.
The 686 Plus is more appealing when the seventh chamber has a clear practical role. It can reduce the frequency of reloads during informal practice and may suit a shooter who simply prefers the extra capacity. The benefit should be weighed against the need to buy correctly matched loading tools and to verify that the chosen competition or club rules accept the configuration.
Useful decision points include:
- Choose the six-shot model when existing accessories and training routines are built around six-round cylinders.
- Choose the 686 Plus when the extra chamber has value during the intended range activity.
- Prioritise barrel length and grip comfort if the revolver will be used for deliberate target work.
- Compare standard and Performance Center versions separately rather than treating every 686 as equivalent.
Buying And Maintaining A Suitable Revolver
Condition deserves close inspection when considering a discounted or blemished unit. Cosmetic marks may have little effect on function, but buyers should distinguish finish imperfections from concerns involving timing, cylinder lock-up, damaged sights, uneven forcing-cone wear or an unsafe action. A qualified gunsmith or experienced dealer can provide a more meaningful assessment than photographs alone.
Availability can also shape the choice. Australian stock may be limited, and an overseas listing does not guarantee that a firearm can be legally imported, transferred or registered. International shipping claims should never be treated as a substitute for Australian import approval, dealer transfer procedures and state or territory licensing.
Before committing to either revolver, a practical checklist is:
- Confirm the exact model, barrel length, sights, grip and cylinder capacity.
- Check that the intended club or discipline permits the chosen configuration.
- Verify licensing, permit, import and dealer-transfer requirements in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Budget for a compliant safe, suitable cleaning equipment and model-specific loading accessories.
- Arrange professional inspection for used, blemished or heavily modified examples.
The 686 and 686 Plus are closely related revolvers, so the decision rarely turns on capacity alone. The standard model offers a familiar six-shot format, while the Plus provides one extra chamber with slightly different accessory and balance considerations. For an Australian buyer, the practical choice is the model that matches the approved shooting purpose, local legal pathway, available support equipment and a comfortable, repeatable fit in the hand.