Smith & Wesson 686 Mountain Gun Review: .357 Magnum Revolver

The S&W 686 Mountain Gun

• ⛰️ The S&W 686 Mountain Gun is a new variant based on the 686 model, designed with features appealing to those who might carry a firearm in mountainous terrain.
• 💡 Key differences from a standard 686 include a 4-inch barrel (instead of 3-inch), a contoured barrel to reduce weight, and the absence of a key lock.
• ⚙️ It also features a beveled cylinder (sometimes called a black powder cylinder) and a ball detent lock-up under the yoke, distinct from the standard 686.

Design and Features

• 🎯 The front sight is a gold bead (though noted to be brass) and the rear sights are adjustable, offering a good sighting system.
• 💥 A notable design change is the underlug on the barrel not extending to the full length, contributing to weight reduction.
• 💪 The forcing cone is reportedly reinforced for increased durability with powerful magnum loads.

Grips and Ergonomics

• 🖐️ The firearm comes with Tyler Gunworks Bear Hug grips, which are aesthetically pleasing but can cause discomfort during shooting.
• 👍 The reviewer replaced them with Hogue Banttom grips, finding them more comfortable and practical for handling.
• 🔄 The round butt design also contributes to a more compact feel and potentially reduced weight.

Performance and Modifications

• 💥 Initially, the firearm experienced a hiccup with magnum loads, where an empty case would catch on a ledge, hindering cylinder rotation.
• 🛠️ This issue was resolved by stoning down the small ledge, a fix the reviewer was able to perform, highlighting a minor but fixable manufacturing anomaly.
• ✅ The gun handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition effectively, with the latter being suitable for plinking.

The Mountain Gun Concept

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