Unlocking Precision: A Deep Dive into the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Performance Center Competitor Revolver

For discerning shooters who demand the pinnacle of performance and craftsmanship, the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Performance Center Competitor stands as a testament to precision engineering. This isn't just another revolver; it's a meticulously crafted instrument designed to excel in competitive environments while offering the reliability and robust build synonymous with Smith & Wesson. Whether you're a seasoned competitor seeking a competitive edge, a dedicated enthusiast valuing superior mechanics, or someone looking to understand what makes a high-performance revolver truly exceptional, this detailed exploration will illuminate its unparalleled features and benefits.

What Defines a Performance Center Firearm?

The "Performance Center" designation from Smith & Wesson isn't merely a label; it signifies a commitment to elevated quality, customization, and tuning. Each Performance Center firearm is an expression of master craftsmanship, blending traditional gunsmithing techniques with modern manufacturing precision. When you encounter a Performance Center model like the 686 Competitor, you're looking at a product that has undergone specific enhancements to optimize its function, feel, and accuracy far beyond standard production models.

What sets Performance Center firearms apart?

• Hand-Fitting and Assembly: Components are often hand-fitted by skilled gunsmiths, ensuring tighter tolerances and smoother operation.
• Enhanced Trigger Systems: Triggers are typically tuned for a lighter, crisper pull with minimal overtravel and reset.
• Specialized Components: Unique features like adjustable barrel weights, ported barrels, or custom sights are often integrated.
• Performance-Oriented Design: Every aspect is considered for its contribution to accuracy, recoil management, and competitive advantage.

This dedication to excellence transforms a robust revolver into a highly refined tool, ready for the demands of the most challenging shooting disciplines.

Engineered for Excellence: Key Features of the Model 686 Competitor

The Model 686 Performance Center Competitor, with its distinguished Model 170319 designation, is a testament to this philosophy. Let’s break down the individual components that contribute to its extraordinary performance:

The Heart of the Beast: Caliber Versatility and Capacity

Capable of firing both .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P cartridges, this revolver offers remarkable versatility.

• For maximum power and long-range accuracy: The .357 Magnum cartridge provides significant energy, making it suitable for larger targets or scenarios where greater penetration is desired.
• For precision and extended practice sessions: The .38 S&W Special +P offers a milder recoil, allowing for more comfortable and prolonged shooting, which is crucial for honing skills without fatigue.
• Six-Round Cylinder: The 6-round capacity is standard for many competitive formats and provides a reliable count for precise shot planning.

Precision Barrel Design: The Weighted Advantage

A standout feature is its 6-inch weighted barrel. But what does "weighted" truly mean for a shooter?

• Enhanced Stability: The added mass at the muzzle significantly reduces muzzle flip, keeping the revolver on target for faster follow-up shots. This is particularly beneficial in timed stages where quick sight reacquisition is paramount.
• Recoil Management: The weight helps absorb and dissipate recoil energy, making the powerful .357 Magnum more manageable and the .38 Special feel exceptionally smooth.
• Adjustable Barrel Weights: A unique aspect of the Competitor model is the ability to customize the balance using adjustable barrel weights. This allows shooters to fine-tune the revolver's feel to their individual preference and shooting style, optimizing balance for static precision shooting or dynamic transitions. This level of personalization is a rare and invaluable asset for serious competitors.

The Foundation: Robust Stainless Steel Construction

Durability and longevity are paramount, and the Model 686 Competitor delivers with a full stainless steel construction for its barrel, frame, and cylinder.

• Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel inherently resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor use and ensuring the firearm maintains its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity over years of use.
• Strength and Longevity: The robust N-Frame, a historical and highly regarded large frame from Smith & Wesson, provides exceptional strength to handle the pressures of repeated .357 Magnum firing without wear.
• Matte Silver Finish: The matte silver finish on the frame not only looks striking but also reduces glare, a practical advantage in varying light conditions during competition.

Trigger and Hammer: The Core of the Performance Center Tune

The action of a revolver is critical to its accuracy and the shooter's control. The Competitor boasts a PC (Performance Center) tuned action, complete with a chrome hammer and a trigger featuring a trigger stop.

• Smooth Double-Action/Crisp Single-Action (DA/SA): The PC tune optimizes both modes of fire. The double-action pull is exceptionally smooth and consistent, while the single-action pull is light, crisp, and predictable, breaking cleanly without creep.
• Chrome Hammer: Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the chrome finish on the hammer reduces friction, contributing to the overall smoothness of the action.
• Trigger Stop: This subtle yet impactful feature eliminates overtravel after the hammer falls, preventing unnecessary movement that could disrupt your sight picture and impact accuracy. It contributes to a faster and more precise reset, crucial for rapid fire.

Sighting for Success: Patridge Dovetail Front and Adjustable Rear Sights

Effective sights are non-negotiable for precision shooting. The Model 686 Competitor comes equipped with a Patridge dovetail front sight and an adjustable rear sight.

• Patridge Front Sight: This classic design, characterized by its rectangular profile, provides a crisp and clear sight picture, minimizing glare and reflections.
• Adjustable Rear Sight: The fully adjustable rear sight allows for precise windage and elevation adjustments, enabling shooters to zero the revolver perfectly for different distances or ammunition loads, a critical feature for competitive accuracy.

Ergonomics and Control: Hogue Synthetic Grip

The interface between the shooter and the firearm is crucial. The Hogue synthetic black grip offers superior ergonomics and recoil absorption.

• Comfort and Control: Hogue grips are renowned for their comfortable, hand-filling design, which provides a secure and consistent purchase, even during rapid fire or with sweaty hands.
• Recoil Absorption: The synthetic material and ergonomic design help to dampen recoil, further enhancing shooter comfort and control, especially with the more potent .357 Magnum loads.

An Added Layer of Security: Internal Lock

For responsible firearm ownership, the internal lock provides an additional layer of safety. This mechanism, engaged with a key, prevents the revolver from being fired when activated, offering peace of mind during storage.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Smith & Wesson 686 Competitor?

This exceptional revolver is tailor-made for specific user profiles:

• Competitive Shooters: Particularly those involved in Bullseye, PPC (Police Pistol Combat), or even some multi-gun competitions where a revolver is permitted. The tunable nature, superior trigger, and recoil management features are direct advantages.
• Revolver Enthusiasts and Collectors: Individuals who appreciate the craftsmanship, history, and engineering of high-performance firearms will find this model a prized addition to their collection.
• Accuracy-Focused Target Shooters: Anyone whose primary goal is to achieve the tightest possible groups at the range will benefit from the precision-tuned action and adjustable features.
• Discerning Sportsmen: For those who demand the highest quality for recreational shooting, the Competitor offers an unparalleled shooting experience.

Real-World Applications: Where Does the Competitor Shine?

Imagine these scenarios where the Model 686 Performance Center Competitor truly stands out:

• The Precision Pistol Match: You’re on the line, aiming for that tiny ten-ring. The crisp, predictable break of the PC-tuned trigger allows for precise shot placement, while the weighted barrel keeps your sights steady through the entire shot process.
• The Bullseye Range: Practicing for hours, refining your stance and grip. The ergonomic Hogue grip and the reduced felt recoil from the weighted barrel mean less fatigue, allowing for longer, more productive training sessions.
• A Personal Best Challenge: You want to see just how tight a group you can shoot. The adjustable sights allow you to zero in perfectly for your preferred ammunition, maximizing your potential. The ability to fine-tune balance with the barrel weights gives you an unmatched level of control over the firearm's behavior.

Why Choose the 686 Performance Center Competitor?

Choosing a firearm is a significant decision. The Model 686 Competitor offers compelling reasons:

• Unparalleled Accuracy: The combination of a PC-tuned action, weighted and adjustable barrel, and precise sights creates a system optimized for extreme accuracy.
• Superior Control and Comfort: Recoil management features like the weighted barrel and Hogue grip make even powerful .357 Magnum rounds comfortable to shoot, improving your ability to stay on target.
• Customization for Peak Performance: The adjustable barrel weights offer a unique level of customization, allowing you to tailor the revolver's balance to your exact needs and preferences, a feature rarely found in production revolvers.
• Legendary Smith & Wesson Quality: Built on the robust N-Frame, this revolver embodies the durability and reliability that Smith & Wesson is known for, ensuring a lifetime of performance.
• Investment in Craftsmanship: Owning a Performance Center firearm means owning a piece of advanced gunsmithing, a firearm where every detail has been considered and optimized.

When searching for a revolver that transcends standard expectations, one that embodies both heritage and innovation, the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center Competitor, available at trusted retailers like DEGuns, emerges as an unequivocal choice for those who truly appreciate the art and science of shooting. Its meticulous design and performance-enhancing features make it not just a firearm, but an extension of the shooter's will, designed to deliver exceptional results.

Model 686 Performance Center Competitor Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Smith & Wesson
Series	Competitor
Model	Model 686 Performance Center
Caliber	.357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P
Capacity	6 rounds
Action	Double Action / Single Action (DA / SA)
Frame Size	N-Frame
Frame Material	Stainless Steel
Frame Finish	Matte Silver
Barrel Length	6 inches
Barrel Finish	Stainless Steel
Barrel Description	Weighted, Adjustable Barrel Weights
Cylinder Material	Stainless Steel
Cylinder Finish	Stainless Steel
Grips	Hogue Synthetic Black
Sights	Patridge Dovetail Front / Adjustable Rear
Safety	Internal Lock
Overall Length (OAL)	11.50 inches
Weight	55.30 ounces
Hammer Style	Exposed, Chrome
Trigger Features	Chrome, with Trigger Stop
Performance Enhancements	PC Tuned Action, Adjustable Barrel Weights
UPC	022188703191
SKU	83444
MPN	170319