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 GARC Akron 6
2026 GARC Akron 6

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Closes Season with Record Performance at GARC Championship

Akron set a school smallbore record of 2346 and finished fifth at the 2026 GARC Championship at West Point, just one point behind Army.

Cameron Hicks Takes FITASC and EZGO Shootout Titles at 2026 Seminole Cup

Cameron Hicks wins FITASC HOA over 205 shooters at the 2026 Seminole Cup, matching his father’s FITASC victory from 2003.

Rhode Island Wins Inaugural National Intercollegiate Rifle League Title

Rhode Island wins inaugural Scopos Intercollegiate Rifle League team title while Georgia Military College’s MacKenzie Sookhoo sweeps all eight individual competitions.

USPSA Managing Director Reflects on Record-Setting 2025, Outlines Vision for 2026

USPSA Managing Director Alan Turner recaps a record-breaking 2025—including all-time highs in membership, participation and Nationals attendance—and highlights 2026 initiatives.

New: Real Avid Master Maintenance Collection for Glock

Real Avid bundles 13 Glock-specific tools and cleaning supplies into one comprehensive kit covering sight installation, trigger work, maintenance and cleaning.

Hillsdale College Opens Doors to New Nimrod Complex with Two-Day Public Open House

Hillsdale College to host public open house March 6-7 at its new Nimrod Complex, a new indoor/outdoor range at the Halter Center.



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