Two New Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 Revolvers Purpose-Built For Competition

by
posted on November 13, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
model686-2.jpg

Smith & Wesson recently announced two new Performance Center revolvers in their competition lineup, the Model 686 and Model 686 Plus. Both revolvers feature Performance Center enhancements for an out-of-the-box, competition-ready package―including a speed release thumbpiece for quick reloads, interchangeable sights, and a Performance Center-tuned action. These new enhancements should prove to be an excellent foundation for those looking to gain a competitive edge in the shooting sports.

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 and Model 686 Plus
The two new revolvers feature a stainless steel frame, cylinder, and barrel with a matte silver finish. The orange front sight is interchangeable. Both also sport a unique visual design, including an unfluted cylinder, vented ribbed barrel, and a chromed custom teardrop hammer.


Chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P, the new Performance Center Model 686 revolver comes with a 6-round cylinder and 4-inch barrel. The Performance Center Model 686 Plus revolver features a 7-round cylinder, 5-inch barrel and has a cylinder cut for moon clips. MSRP: $966 for both models, backed by a limited lifetime warranty and lifetime service policy.

Tony Miele, general manager of the Performance Center, said, “We wanted to develop an out-of-the-box solution for those seeking a revolver for [competitive] shooting. Equipped with a speed release thumbpiece, tuned action, and unique visual appearance, these new revolvers have attractive features for both new and seasoned competitive shooters.”

For more information about the new Performance Center Model 686 and 686 Plus revolvers, go to www.smith-wesson.com/performance-center.

Read part one and part two of this series on becoming a better competitive revolver shooter, by Smith & Wesson pro shooter Josh Lentz.

Latest

2026 Ko2m 1
2026 Ko2m 1

Rusty Newton Goes 5-for-5 at 3,119 Yards to Win King of 2 Miles

Rusty Newton went 5-for-5 at 3,119 yards to win the 2026 King of 2 Miles Global Finals at the NRA Whittington Center.

Jessie Harrison Closes Season on Top at U.S. IPSC Nationals

Team Taurus Captain Jessie Harrison topped the Ladies Open leaderboard at the 2026 U.S. IPSC Nationals.

Mein Doubles Up at 2026 NSCA South Central Regional

Team Federal’s Derrick Mein won FITASC and Five-Stand at Providence Hill, dropping just one target in Five-Stand along the way.

New: Savage Revel Tactical Puts an MDT Stock on a Rimfire Lever Gun

Savage’s new Revel Tactical outfits the rimfire lever gun with an MDT stock, threaded barrel and optics rail, from $629.

Kate Estes Wins 2026 IPRF Ladies World Title

Proof Research shooter Kate Estes won the Ladies world title at the 2026 IPRF Centerfire World Championship, where Team USA swept every individual division title.

Suppressor Cleaning Starts At The Workbench

Your suppressor is dirtier than you think.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.