S&W 686 Plus Deluxe .357 Mag/38 Spl 6″ 7rd Revolver

The first time I held the S&W 686 Plus Deluxe .357 Mag/38 Spl 6” 7rd Revolver, I knew this was something special. This isn’t just another stainless L-frame; it’s a seven-shot .357 Magnum built with the kind of fit and finish that makes you want to take it to the range and never put it down. The satin stainless steel gleams under the lights, and those textured wood grips wrap your hand like a custom glove. If you’ve been hunting for a revolver that balances classic looks with modern capacity, this is the one.

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Model	686 Plus Deluxe
Material	Stainless Steel (L-frame)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Satin Stainless
Weight	41.6 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Seven-Round Cylinder — Why it matters: One more round than the standard 686 means you get a full cylinder of .357 Magnum with an extra shot on tap. That’s a serious advantage on the range or in a defensive scenario.
• 6” Barrel with Full Underlug — Why it matters: The extra barrel length and underlug weight reduce muzzle rise and soak up recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. You’ll hit steel at 25 yards without breaking a sweat.
• Textured Wood Grips — Why it matters: These grips lock your hand in place without being sticky or abrasive. They look beautiful, but they also give you the control you need for heavy .357 loads.
• Drilled and Tapped for Optics — Why it matters: If you want to mount a red dot or reflex sight, this revolver is ready out of the box. No gunsmith needed, just a mount and a screwdriver.
• Satin Stainless Finish — Why it matters: This finish resists corrosion and hides holster wear better than a high-polish mirror. It’s a working finish that still looks like a showpiece.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who wants a seven-shot .357 Magnum with a classic profile, but it’s also for the shooter who demands precision. If you’re a gun-show regular who appreciates the difference between a standard 686 and a Deluxe, you’ll notice the upgraded wood grips, the perfectly tuned trigger, and the satin finish that’s just right. It’s also ideal for the recreational shooter who wants to run .38 Special for plinking and .357 Magnum for serious work.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Seven-round capacity in a proven L-frame design means you get more firepower without sacrificing reliability.
• Pro: The 6” barrel and full underlug make this revolver exceptionally accurate and soft-shooting with .357 Magnum loads.
• Con: At 41.6 ounces, it’s on the heavy side for concealed carry. This is a belt holster or range gun, not a pocket piece.

How It Stacks Up

Feature	S&W 686 Plus Deluxe	Ruger GP100 Match Champion	Colt Python 6”
Capacity	7 rounds	6 rounds	6 rounds
Barrel Length	6”	4.2”	6”
Weight	41.6 oz	36 oz	46 oz
Finish	Satin Stainless	Stainless	Stainless
Optics Ready	Yes (drilled & tapped)	No	No
Price	$1,007.33	$949	$1,499

The Ruger GP100 Match Champion is lighter and cheaper, but you lose the seventh round and the optics-ready capability. The Colt Python is a beautiful revolver with a legendary name, but it costs nearly $500 more and still only holds six rounds. The 686 Plus Deluxe gives you the best balance of capacity, accuracy, and modern features at a price that makes sense.

FAQ

What is the cylinder capacity of the S&W 686 Plus Deluxe?

It holds 7 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special +P. That’s one more than the standard 686, giving you an extra shot in the same frame size.

Can I mount a red dot sight on this revolver?

Yes, the top strap is drilled and tapped for optics. You can install a mount and attach most miniature red dot sights without any permanent modifications.

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?

It’s heavy at 41.6 ounces and has a 6” barrel, so it’s best suited for open carry, range use, or home defense. For concealed carry, look at the 686 Plus with a 3” or 4” barrel.

What kind of grips come on the Deluxe model?

The Deluxe model features textured wood grips with finger grooves. They provide a secure hold and a classic look, but they are not rubber or synthetic.

Why Buy From Us?

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Explore more in our Revolvers collection, or check out Smith & Wesson and .357 Magnum firearms.

Last updated: April 2026