Guns Smith & Wesson Announces New Performance Center Revolvers Industry News November 8, 2017 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Written by Jacki Billings Smith & Wesson expands its Performance Center lineup, launching a pair of new competition-ready revolvers — the Model 686 and Model 686 Plus. Smith & Wesson boosts aesthetics with both models offering a stainless steel frame, cylinder, and barrel with a matte silver finish. Chambered in .357 Magnum as well as .38 Special +P, the revolvers come equipped with an unfluted cylinder, vented rib barrel, and a chromed custom teardrop hammer. The Model 686 is 6 round piece supporting a 4-inch barrel, while the Model 686 Plus boasts more bullets with a 7 round capacity and 5-inch barrel. Additionally, the Plus provides a cylinder cut for moon clips. Tipping scales at 37.9 ounces, the Model 686 is slightly lighter than its solid sister, with the 686 Plus weighing in at a hearty 38.4-ounces. The wheel guns are purpose-built for competition, with Smith & Wesson delivering enhancements created for a ready to go out-of-the-box feel. In addition to an interchangeable orange front sight, the Model 686 and 686 Plus feature a Performance Center tuned action and speed release thumbpiece for quicker reloads. Tony Miele, General Manager of the Performance Center series, said the revolvers provide a complete package for shooters looking to snag a gun off the shelf on the way to a match. “When we began designing these revolvers, we wanted to develop an out-of-the-box solution for those seeking a revolver for competition 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,” Miele said in a statement. “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.” PERFORMANCE CENTER® MODEL 686 PLUS Smith & Wesson said its Performance Center lineup blends “old-world craftsmanship” with modern technology, offering enhancements for better performance. The Model 686 and 686 Plus are the latest to hit the series, which already boasts 52 revolvers. PERFORMANCE CENTER® MODEL 686 Both the Model 686 and 686 Plus feature the same price tag of $966. For more information on Performance Center offerings, check out http://www.smith-wesson.com/performance-center. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. 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