My brother has a 686+, and we're currently watching the top of the forcing cone, which has noticeable erosion. Sometimes I suspect it's because of the trade-off of shoe-horning one more chamber in the cylinder, but that is just conjecture on my part. I would appreciate if other owners of the 686+ would let me know if this is common.
Aside from that, it's a nice shooter, and acceptably accurate. I have an old 686-3 with which to compare. The 686+ has a much nicer finish, especially on the cylinder face where it is polished, making it easier to clean. If you are buying new, I would expect both newer models to be built the same way, however. I have not actually compared the measurements between the cylinders, but the 686+ looks like it has a slightly larger cylinder.
They are well-balanced, easy pointing guns. Mine has a 4" barrel, which I feel is about perfect. Both of them have nice, smooth actions, too. You really can't go wrong with a 686, unless you happen to buy a rare lemon.
Personally, I'm perfectly happy with six shots. High-velocity 125 gr. JHP .357 loads reportedly account for the best percentage of one-shot stops. If your bad guy isn't stopped by two of those, then you should have brought a rifle, or ran like hell.
edit: spelling
