First Look: Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686

At the end of 2017, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center announced the addition of new Model 686 revolvers to its collection, offering wheelgun aficionados with options that are made specifically for competition.

"The new Performance Center Model 686 and 686 Plus feature Performance Center enhancements that provide an excellent foundation for shooters looking to customize and gain a competitive edge in the shooting sports, or for those who are new to the sport and looking for an excellent competition-ready value," said Tony Miele, general manager of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center.

The new Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 revolvers are built on a stainless-steel frame and also use barrels and cylinders machined from stainless steel and finished in a matte silver. Several noticeable features jump out on the new revolvers, including a featureless, unfluted cylinder, a vented ribbed barrel and a specially designed teardrop hammer that features a chrome finish.

The company offers two 686 models in its Performance Center revolver lineup. The first Model 686 features a six-round cylinder and a 4-inch barrel, while the second model, the Model 686 Plus, incorporates a seven-round cylinder and a 5-inch barrel. Both revolvers are chambered in .357 Mag. The Model 686 Plus also features a milled-out cylinder designed to accept moon clips.

"When we began designing these revolvers, we wanted to develop an out-of-the-box solution for those seeking a revolver for competition shooting," Miele said. "these new revolvers have attractive features for both new and seasoned competitive shooters."

Some of the attractive features included on the new guns include the company's Performance Center speed release, which allows for a quick forward push on the release to eject the cylinder from the frame. The guns also use a highly visible orange front sight that's interchangeable with other options on the market. Of course, each gun features a specially tuned action from Performance Center gunsmiths.

The suggested retail price on the two new Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 and 686 Plus revolvers is $966.