If you are talking about a new purchase, the L-frame (medium frame) 4" 686+, SKU #164194, weighing in at 39 oz, has an MSRP of $849. The slightly larger N-frame 4" 627 Pro, SKU #178014, weighing in at 41 oz, runs an MSRP of $969. The 627 Pro has some desired features over the 686+: an improved trigger, an easily changed (no tools) front sight, a target barrel, eight shot capacity, and it is moonclip ready. My one 686+, a 5" partial lugger, has sat for over four years in my safe since that 4" 627 Pro arrived. My 627 Pro is top, below:
I fitted my 627 Pro withaftermarket grips I like, but most like the stock Hogues, same as the 686+'s. Also fitted - the HiViz fiber optic front sight - a tool-less change. Note the moonclipped rounds in the lower left - and the 5starfirearms.com speedloader and base plate, too - great accessories. The shorter barrel version is from the Performance Center and is a 2 5/8" PC627 UDR, SKU #170133, 39 oz, MSRP $1,049 and takes the same 8-shot moonclips and speedloaders.
As others have said, the beauty of shooting a .357 Magnum/.38 Special is the wide range of ammo you can buy - and wider range which you can make. I have no need for 'real' .357 Magnums, even my 'protection' rounds being the Remington R38S12 .38 Special +P 158gr LHPSWCs, as in the speedloader and moonclip. I do reload - and use a lot of .357 Magnum cases - at decidedly 'wimpy' load levels. That, too, is a benefit of 'rolling your own'. You can't beat the availability and cost of brass and reloading components, either. Good luck!
Stainz