{"id":202,"date":"2022-08-31T03:16:29","date_gmt":"2022-08-31T03:16:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=202"},"modified":"2022-08-31T03:16:29","modified_gmt":"2022-08-31T03:16:29","slug":"sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=202","title":{"rendered":"S&#038;W 686 \u2014 A Hard-Hitting Magnum Upgrade"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>I am not one who waxes poetic over the great revolvers of the past. Sure, a Triple Lock or an early .38-44 is an interesting firearm. Modern revolvers from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/sandw\/firearms\/handguns\/?brand=S&amp;W=&amp;utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smith and Wesson<\/a> have certain advantages. The steels are better. But then, this is a trade-off as some models use MIM action parts.<\/p>\n<p>Still these parts will stand a lot of use, so long as you don\u2019t abuse them or attempt to modify the MIM parts. The precision fit of the chamber and barrel throats are better than ever, resulting in the most accurate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/handguns\/revolvers\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">revolvers<\/a> of all time. These handguns also feature quality, fully adjustable, rear sights \u2014 and in some cases, an adjustable front sight set in a beavertail groove.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"523\" alt=\"Smith and Wesson 686 7-shot .357 magnum revolver, left profile\" class=\"wp-image-81393 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?resize=300%2C245&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?resize=640%2C523&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?resize=640%2C523&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Smith and Wesson 686 7-shot .357 magnum revolver, left profile\" class=\"wp-image-81393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?resize=300%2C245&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-1.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>This is a viable handgun for \u2018heavy duty\u2019 defense.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>I decided to retire or trade several of my long serving .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .45 Colt handguns. I wanted to end up with a superior handgun suitable for protection against <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/best-357-magnum-loads-hunting-defense\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dangerous animals<\/a> as well as protection against criminals. I did not wish the handgun to be so specialized or heavy that it would be too large to carry daily. The .357 Magnum cartridge seemed right for this role.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-2 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/?q=ap5\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>S&amp;W 686 Features<\/h2>\n<p>The Smith &amp; Wesson 686 is a mid-size frame revolver that is well-suited to personal defense. While the frame is heavier than the K-Frame revolver, the round butt grip is the same size as the K-Frame. This grip fits most hands well and makes for good control. The extra steel in the frame helps to cushion <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/shooting-101-recoil-control-marksmanship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recoil<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-1 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rdf_aug22_ad-1.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rdf_aug22_ad-1.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>In the Performance Center piece, a flat-sided, target-grade, 2.5-inch barrel, and unfluted 7-shot cylinder are good features. The action seems smoother than comparable modern Smith and Wesson revolvers. The grips are superb and offer an excellent platform for handling recoil.<\/p>\n<p>The S&amp;W 686 Plus is a seven-shot revolver. Six shots are perhaps a little short in a defensive situation. One extra shot is good to have. The cylinder is cut for fast loading <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/parts-and-accessories\/speedloaders-and-mag-loaders\/revolver\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moon clips<\/a>, a custom addition that is much more affordable in this factory handgun.<\/p>\n<h3>Specifications<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Model:<\/strong> 686 Plus (Performance Center)<br \/><strong>Frame size:<\/strong> L-Frame<br \/><strong>Caliber:<\/strong> .357 Magnum \/ .38 Special +P<br \/><strong>Action:<\/strong> Double Action \/ Singe Action<br \/><strong>Capacity:<\/strong> 7 rounds<br \/><strong>Barrel length:<\/strong> 2.5 inches<br \/><strong>Front sight:<\/strong> Red ramp<br \/><strong>Rear sight:<\/strong> Adjustable<br \/><strong>Overall length:<\/strong> 7.5 inches<br \/><strong>Grip:<\/strong> Wood<br \/><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 35 ounces<br \/><strong>Barrel material:<\/strong> Stainless steel<br \/><strong>Cylinder material:<\/strong> Stainless steel<br \/><strong>Frame material:<\/strong> Stainless steel<br \/><strong>Finish:<\/strong> Matte Glass Bead Blast<\/p>\n<h2>Improvements<\/h2>\n<p>I test fired the revolver and found it to be good. The action was smooth, and accuracy was exceptional for a short-barrel revolver. Next, I chose to look at the pros and cons of this revolver for hard use. While there are revolvers with adjustable sights that have been in use for decades, I have seen quite a few with the rear sight knocked off, knocked out of whack by contact with a door jamb or car door, or simply dropped and broken.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"576\" alt=\"round butt on the S&amp;W 686 revolver in .357 mag\" class=\"wp-image-81396 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?w=560&amp;ssl=1 560w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?resize=292%2C300&amp;ssl=1 292w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?resize=150%2C154&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?resize=560%2C576&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?resize=560%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"round butt on the S&amp;W 686 revolver in .357 mag\" class=\"wp-image-81396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?w=560&amp;ssl=1 560w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?resize=292%2C300&amp;ssl=1 292w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-4.jpg?resize=150%2C154&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The round butt fit most hands well.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>They don\u2019t seem to wear out, but they are too fragile for my intended use. Since the front sight is windage adjustable it would not be difficult to sight the revolver in, once I added a set of rugged fixed sights. It isn\u2019t difficult at all to change the rear sight out.<\/p>\n<p>Simply remove the original sight by taking out the single stabilizing screw. The rear sight is also held in by butting into the top strap in a small trough in the rear. Slip the sight to the rear.<\/p>\n<p>Modern S&amp;W revolvers such as this one feature three holes drilled for optional mounts and sights. Slip the rear sight into place and then button it down. I had a very small adjustment to make with the front sight at this point.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"524\" alt=\"Bob Campbell shooting the S&amp;W 686 revolver at an outdoor range\" class=\"wp-image-81410 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?resize=300%2C246&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?resize=640%2C524&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?resize=640%2C524&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Bob Campbell shooting the S&amp;W 686 revolver at an outdoor range\" class=\"wp-image-81410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?resize=300%2C246&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-18.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The author found the S&amp;W 686 controllable in off-hand fire. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>My next move may be controversial. If it isn\u2019t for you, don\u2019t consider this move. However, the Smith &amp; Wesson action lock isn\u2019t a safety. We are not removing a safety lever, firing pin block, or a safety feature we find superfluous.<\/p>\n<p>The action lock is a relic of a past that has nothing to do with current Smith &amp; Wesson owners and management. Some jurisdictions may require some type of lock. The problem is that there have been well documented failures of the lock \u2014 including one in my own hands.<\/p>\n<p>The chances are very small, and there have been very few of these locks to fail. I am eliminating that possibility. Online, you can find replacement kits. The lock is removed, and a small stud is placed in the hole left by the lock\u2019s removal.<\/p>\n<p>The 686 Plus isn\u2019t a small revolver, but it isn\u2019t the largest handgun either. It is remarkably well balanced. I took the upgraded revolver to the range with a wide choice of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/ammunition\/handgun-ammo\/.38-special\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">.38 Special<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/ammunition\/handgun-ammo\/.357-magnum\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">.357 Magnum<\/a> ammunition.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-4 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--End of Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest?utm_source=CTD_Blog_AD&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=blog_range_day_friday_mobile&amp;utm_content=square\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rdf_aug22_ad_mobile-1.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rdf_aug22_ad_mobile-1.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-3 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--End of Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/?q=ap5\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Five-shot Accuracy 25 Yards Using a Solid Rest<\/h2>\n<h3>.38 Special<\/h3>\n<p>Remington 130-grain FMJ \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.0 inches<br \/>Remington 158-grain RNL\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.4 inches<\/p>\n<h3>.357 Magnum<\/h3>\n<p>Hornady 125-grain Critical Defense \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.75 inches<br \/>Remington 125-grain JSP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.9 inches<\/p>\n<p>With .38 Special loads, this is a cream puff easily handled in rapid fire and very accurate. Moving to .38 Special +P, such as the Federal Punch, I found the handgun remained docile. For those preferring a revolver for home defense, you would be hard-pressed to find a better combination.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"bullet grouping on a blue silhouette target\" class=\"wp-image-81400 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"bullet grouping on a blue silhouette target\" class=\"wp-image-81400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SW686-8.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>That is a 7-yard double-action group at top and 10 yards at the bottom. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Moving to the .357 Magnum, I fired a good mix of 125-grain JHP from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/federal\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/remington\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Remington<\/a>. These loads clocked about 1,300 fps from the 2.5-inch barrel, and still developed a lot of <em>thump!<\/em> (A four-inch barrel revolver has a more complete powder burn and will generate about 1,400 fps.) The magnums remained controllable. <\/p>\n<p>The revolver is well balanced and has enough weight to make firing full-power magnum loads viable. This is a versatile handgun that offers a high degree of protection. It will be on my hip a great deal in the foreseeable future and not only in the wild.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>How does the S&amp;W 686 7-shot .357 Magnum compare to your favorite revolver? How important do you think seven shots versus five or six, would be in a self-defense revolver? Share your answers in the comment section.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span id=\"tve_leads_end_content\" style=\"display: block; visibility: hidden; border: 1px solid transparent;\"\/><!-- AI CONTENT END 1 -->\n\t<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=sw-686-a-hard-hitting-magnum-upgrade\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I am not one who waxes poetic over the great revolvers of the past. Sure, a Triple Lock or an early .38-44 is an interesting firearm. Modern revolvers from Smith and Wesson have certain advantages. The steels are better. But then, this is a trade-off as some models use MIM action parts. Still these parts [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gun-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=202"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}