Smith & Wesson’s 686 SSR is the one Magnum you must own (VIDEO)

Shooters looking for to buy the highest quality .357 Magnum revolver for under a $1,000 will always arrive at the same conclusion: the Smith & Wesson model 686. If you’re being attacked by anything in North America on two or four legs, the 686 can put an abrupt stop to your would-be assailant’s nefarious plans. The 686 is a tack-driving, fire-breathing heavy-hitter, but what about armed security, wintertime concealed carry or competitive shooting? The 686 is simply too large for the last two applications, and even if it weren’t, the wide serrated trigger and Hogue target grips aren’t suited to double-action, defensive shooting. Fret not, fellow six-shooter enthusiasts, Smith has heard our cries, and has responded with the Smith & Wesson 686, Stock Service Revolver (SSR)

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Introduced in 1980, the Model 686 is the stainless twin brother of the model 586 from Smith. Both revolvers hold either six, or seven rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special, and use a double, single-action trigger mechanism. The 686 is based on the the standard model 10 revolver by Smith & Wesson, though unlike it the Model 10, is constructed of more durable steel and can safely fire .357 Magnum rounds. Additionally, the 686 series of wheel guns now feature internal locking mechanisms, that some decry as a liability.