I am extremely new to the handgun world.  I have a Bushmaster XM15 M4 Carbine, but I am clueless when it comes to handguns.  I decided to pick up a revolver this afternoon at a local gun shop.  I was looking for a 4" stainless .357 MAG revolver that had a decently high capacity.  I decided on the S&W 686 Plus.  My question is this...I understand it will fire a .38 Special +P along with the .357MAG.  Will it also fire a normal .38 special round (w/o the added pressure)?

Yes, any .357 mag will fire any .38 Special rounds.  Except for the case length, its basically the same round.  Cheaper practice ammo!
dp

Sounds like a good choice... although if you don't like it, you can send it to me!

No problem shooting the 38special. You also won't have to worry about bullet shape or any of those other things. You made a great choice. Now get us a range report and some pictures.

I've got a 686+ with the 5" barrel.  I don't ever recall firing anything except .38 Special out of it.  It's just too much fun -- it feels like shooting a .22 out of that big heavy sucker.

Oh, and I have a photo tutorial on my site explaining how to clean your revolver.  There are pictures of me cleaning my 686.  www.geocities.com/kemays/pistolclean.html

Thanks for the answers guys...i'll try to have some photos up here shortly. (if i can figure out how to do it.. >:/