My first handgun was the S&W 686 with 4 inch barrel. I loved it - it was excellent. I was at the range all the time with it and enjoyed shooting it - awesome gun. My second handgun was the S & W 686 with the 3 inch barrel. I loved it - it was excellent. I was at the range all the time with it and enjoyed shooting it - awesome gun. Today, I could not make the choice between the 2. I can't wait to shoot the 2 1/2 inch barrel. Maybe gunshooting Santa could bring me one of those next.