I started out with a 586 no dash that came from a trade. It is a 4" I did like it so well that I got a 6" 686-3, within 6 months. Both are for range use. On my particular guns, the 586 seems (to me) to have a better trigger. The 6" 686, seems to be a little more accurate. My disclaimer.... IF I could have only have 1, would be the 4 incher. I RARELY shoot any .357 rounds. Shoot plenty of .38 hand loads. Bob