A short-barreled 686 is rare enough to be worth looking at twice. This one has a 2.5 inch barrel, which makes the revolver far easier to carry and handle than the usual 4 inch or 6 inch versions. It is a stainless steel L-frame, chambered in .357 Magnum with a six-shot cylinder in the -6 variant.

It comes with grips and the factory box. On a used revolver, look at the timing, the lockup, and how the cylinder rotates. A good 686 locks up tight. Dry fire practice at home, with the revolver unloaded and ammunition in another room, builds a smoother trigger press. Open the cylinder and spin it by hand to feel for any roughness or drag.

The .357 Magnum also fires .38 Special, so you can practice cheaply and keep hotter loads for defense or hunting. With a short barrel the .357 loads are loud and sharp. Many owners keep the revolver loaded with .38 Special for range sessions.

Smith & Wesson revolvers hold their value well. It is sold used and as described. The revolver ships to your FFL dealer, and the background check is completed there.