A New Stallion In The Heard: Smith & Wesson 686+ Mountain Gun: A Modern Classic Refined

Lipsey’s Exclusive – Smith & Wesson 686+ Mountain Gun: A Modern Classic Refined

Some revolvers transcend simple utility and become something more—an extension of heritage, craftsmanship, and purposeful design. The Smith & Wesson 686+ Mountain Gun fits squarely into that category. Built on the venerable L-Frame and chambered in .357 Magnum, this revolver blends power, balance, and carry-friendly handling in a way few modern wheelguns manage to achieve.

First Impressions & Design

At first glance, the 686+ Mountain Gun immediately conveys its intent. This is not a range-only revolver nor a purely nostalgic piece—it is a working gun designed to be carried, shot, and trusted. The Mountain Gun profile, with its tapered barrel and restrained underlug, gives the revolver a lighter, more agile feel than standard full-lug L-Frame models while retaining the strength needed for sustained .357 Magnum use. But if you do want to enjoy it on the range consider using 38special ammunition, guaranteed to bring a smile.

The overall balance is excellent. In my hand, the revolver feels alive delivered by the Tyler Gun Works Bear Hug Grips—neither muzzle-heavy nor overly light. That balance translates directly to confidence, especially when transitioning between targets or firing from field positions.

Sights & Controls

One of the standout features is the gold bead front sight. It is highly visible in varied lighting conditions and pairs beautifully with the fully adjustable windage and elevation rear sight for fast target acquisition. Whether under bright sun or muted overcast skies, the front sight draws the eye naturally and contributes to the revolver’s practical accuracy. In full transparency my eye LOVE gold bead front dots.

The flash-chromed trigger and hammer are not merely cosmetic enhancements. They provide a noticeably smooth feel delivered to the shooter, particularly during double-action work. The double action trigger feels much lighter than 9 pounds taken with my RCBS trigger guage. Trigger pull is consistent and controllable, and the single-action break is a clean, predictable 4 pounds, and worthy of Smith & Wesson’s long-standing reputation.

Grips & Ergonomics

This particular example is fitted with Tyler Bear Hug grips, and they deserve special mention. The wood exhibits beautiful grain that complements the revolver’s classic lines while enhancing the iconic Mountain Gun aesthetic. More importantly, they provide excellent purchase under recoil, even with full-power .357 Magnum loads. The grip-to-frame fit is excellent, reinforcing the revolver’s sense of quality and intention.

Capacity & Frame

The “Plus” in 686+ matters. Seven rounds of .357 Magnum is a meaningful advantage, whether viewed through a defensive, outdoors, or practical shooting lens. In a revolver that remains relatively trim and comfortable to carry, the additional round is a welcome upgrade without compromise.

The L-Frame continues to prove itself as one of Smith & Wesson’s most well-balanced designs. It is large enough to digest heavy 357 Magnum loads over time, yet light enough to carry comfortably for extended periods—exactly what a Mountain Gun should be.

Range Performance

On the range, the 686+ Mountain Gun delivered impeccable accuracy. The revolver grouped consistently and predictably, with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. Recoil management was excellent, aided by the revolver’s balance and grip ergonomics. Double-action shooting was particularly rewarding, with smooth cycling and excellent control.

Transparency & Reliability Note

In the interest of full transparency, this revolver did require a return to Smith & Wesson for replacement of the ejector rod and ejector star. On the second round fired out of the box the revolver’s hammer locked to the rear and took about 10minutes to make it safe for travel. While this is not something any owner hopes to experience, Smith & Wesson addressed the issue, and the revolver has performed flawlessly since. Following the repair, function and timing were correct, and extraction has been completely reliable.

Final Thoughts

The Smith & Wesson 686+ Mountain Gun is a revolver that successfully bridges tradition and modern refinement. From the gold bead front sight to the flash-chromed controls and beautifully figured Tyler Bear Hug grips, every element contributes to a cohesive and purposeful design.

Its balance, shootability, and seven-round .357 Magnum capacity make it far more than a nostalgic throwback—it is a serious, capable revolver that feels just as relevant today as any modern handgun. For shooters who appreciate craftsmanship, practical power, and timeless design, the Lipsey’s 686+ Mountain Gun stands as a compelling example of why the revolver remains enduringly relevant.

Let’s Introduce This Stallion To The Rest Of The Heard

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