The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum is a stainless steel L-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, introduced as a more durable alternative to the steel K-frame Model 19. The L-frame was designed specifically to handle a full diet of .357 Magnum loads without the forcing cone cracking issues that plagued the K-frame under sustained Magnum use. The 686 combined the handling of the K-frame with the durability of the heavier N-frame. Type: Revolver Action: Double-Action Caliber: 357 Magnum Capacity: 6 Year introduced: 1980, USA Weight: 42.5 oz Overall length: 11.5" Status: Active Intended use: law_enforcement, collector, competition, hunting