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

Desi E Hof Nov2025 1
Desi E Hof Nov2025 1

Desirae Edmunds Takes Her Place in the NSCA Hall of Fame

Desirae Edmunds earns NSCA Hall of Fame induction, capping a sporting clays career defined by dominance and a decades-long rise from Alaska prodigy to global champion.

New: Mantis TitanX Laser Trainer

The new TitanX is an inert laser trainer pairing realistic controls with the MantisX analytics ecosystem for data-heavy dry-fire practice.

Collegiate Rifle: Nebraska Takes Over No. 1 Spot in CRCA Rankings; TCU, Navy Surge into Top Three

Nebraska claims the top CRCA rifle ranking, TCU surges to No. 2 with a big win and Navy jumps to No. 3.

Marksmanship Milestones: 1985 National Matches

The 1985 National Matches featured record scores, historic wins and major facility upgrades at Camp Perry.

Inside the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

Nils Jonasson claims top title at multi-discipline 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship, held at Camp Atterbury in October.

White Flyer, Winchester Boost South Dakota’s New Shooting Sports Complex with Massive Target Donation

Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer Targets fuel the debut of South Dakota’s new shooting sports complex with a major donation and focus on community growth.

Interests



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