Looking for some facts on a S&W 686 357 magnum?

1. Yes it will kill feral boars. The .357 magnum cartridge is great for that job.

2. Max range is around 150 to 200 yards with optics.

3. Yes. I have a knockoff made by Taurus (Model 66) and like any .357 magnum revolver, it makes a great backup gun. It's good for self defense against four-legged attackers. I carry mine because we have black bear, fox, and wild boar in my area and I think the .357 magnum cartridge is sufficient for protecting me against those animals.

You won't need a 44 or 45 magnum unless you have something larger like grizzlies in your area.

Yes you can mount a laser on it. I wouldn't, but that's just me not liking a lot of stuff on my wheel-guns.

Barrel length depends on what you want to do with it. Longer barrels absorb recoil better and have more accuracy. Shorter barrels are quicker to conceal, carry, and draw. Go to a gun store and hold both and see which one will perform your duties better. I like my 6" barrel because the low recoil. When I load it with .38 special, my girlfriend can shoot it and not complain about recoil.

Yes it will kill a black bear. Yes it will kill a deer.

Here's a good review:

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/09/chris-dum...