Hello everyone. So I'm in the market for my first revolver and this will be a range gun. I'm looking at the S&W 686+ in the 3inch or 4inch barrel. I'm leaning towards the 3inch. Is the recoil noticeably different between these two models? As this will be my training revolver any other considerations I should make?

Thanks!

If it is to be a range gun I'd recommend going with the 4" barrel.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

The 4" barrel will be better for your use than a shorter barrel.

No difference in recoil.

I just snagged a 6" six hole 686 and it suits me well. I know that many prefer the 4".

I just had a similar dilemma and decided on the 3". I liked the balance in my hand better. In the wait period so I'll check up when I finally get it out to the range.

I agree with this, if it were me I'd take the 3". If you're shooting .38s there's almost no recoil either way.

As others have said, the 4-inch gun is probably a better choice, but if you really like the 3-inch gun it will be OK for you to any reasonable distance. I don't think you will notice a lot of difference in recoil. These are pretty heavy revolvers and while the 4-inch definitely will kick less, neither should seem abusive. If you are practicing with .38 Specials, especially so.

I'd prefer a six-shot gun. I never loaded more than five rounds for target shooting anyway, but I just generally prefer the six-shot guns so I suppose I am a stick in the mud about this. Seven- and eight-shot guns just don't appeal to me.

Be sure to keep the gun clean. The cylinder should always rotate freely on the yoke. It's a simple thing to take apart, clean, lube lightly, and put back together. If you shoot .38s, thoroughly cleaning the chambers after every trip to the range will save you some aggravation later on.

My very first revolver for ccw and the range was a 6" barreled Python in 357mag. My second revolver was a ruger police service six in 357mag. With a 2 3/4" barrel.

Here's my S&W 686-6 .357 Magnum 4"

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Life is short,live it fully.

why not a 6".. I've always enjoyed longer barrels at the range.

Because some of us already own carbines 😜

Target ammo doesn't need to be hot, in fact, it's better if it isn't.


On the barrel, I have a 6" 686 and does feel nose heavy, but it grips and points well. So when you grip it to shoot, it doesn't feel nose heavy. I'd sure lean toward a 4".

Even if you get a 686 with recoil like a mule and a 1" barrel you will still have a great gun and a great shooter, which the 587/686 line is indeed.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

As others have said here, the 4" barreled revolver is the better choice. While technically, a 2" barrel is as accurate as a 4" barrel, it generally requires some practice and experience to extract good accuracy from the shorter barrels primarily because of the shorter sight radius.

My first 686 was a 3", and then I bought a 4", and then I bought a 5".

Crazy!!

There all good, buy the one that feels best to you.

If this is a poll.....you will be happy with a 4".

IMO @ 25 yards. ....4-6"ers. With 5"ers being current favorites.

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This is a good opportunity to find a local range that rents guns (686s are often found there). Balance, size and weight are all subjective (as noted above ) and you may find one barrel length stands out for you.

Might I also suggest a used K frame .38 Special or .22 LR? Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Unfortunately, my local range carries almost no revolvers and their in store revolver stock is also limited.

The 3" interests me too because it's looks better balanced and these are large guns. Maybe that really isn't an issue with the 4" either.

Yes, my intent is to practice on .38 and eventually buy a j frame, but I want larger range gun to practice with.

You will love the 3", and if you are considering a J frame as well, I highly suggest the 640 Pro.

I'm a really new shooter does that make any difference in my choice here? Good news is it's seems likes it's hard to go wrong either way.

There is no correct answer, just preferences. You could visit whatever local matches interest you and buy a revolver that the competitors suggest will work well. In my area the top dogs are 6" 6 shot 686s milled for full moon clips and 625s. Those are dedicated target revolvers, not training revolvers for self defense. However, most matches start holstered and your time is a very important part of your score so they might be the best training you get.

Or you could buy both.

Have you ever shot anything like an airgun or 22 before or is this really your first time around? I learned some fundamentals with a colt single action 45 and air pistols, so I personally felt more comfortable getting a 3".

If it really is your first I would have to agree a 4"-6" will be a lot more forgiving while you're learning to acquire a sight picture, flinching, etc.

Edit: I wanted to add, if you want a longer barrel but don't like the weight of the 4" 686 (like me) take a look at the 66. I almost got that instead of the 3" 686 when I was going through the exact same dilemma as you!

If you're not going to conceal & carry I would say get the 686 4". IMO better for target practice and home defense. If you're ever in a dangerous situation and run out of bullets you can beat someone over the head with it. I have a J-frame which I carry the most but shoot the least because of the snappy recoil.

I've shot some 9mm and some .38.


BTW, I appreciate every bodies input. Great stuff, thank you.

If you are just learning to shoot handguns, I would recommend a Ruger MK II pistol.

I find the 3" 686 better balanced too, it's what I would buy in your situation (and I own both 3 and 4" barreled revolvers). If you ever decide to carry your 686 it will be easier to conceal too.

Don't worry about being a new shooter - the 686 is easy to learn on, just stick to standard pressure .38 specials until you get the fundamentals down. Try to learn to shoot in double action too, rather than cocking the hammer for each shot.

I know this is the S&W forum but if you have very small hands you might like the Ruger GP 100 with the 3" barrel, very similar to the 686 but can take smaller grip sizes.

Sir,

First of all, let me welcome you to the forum; and I'm always glad to hear from new shooters seeking some assistance.

I'm a bit surprised that no one has yet asked you what it is that you're looking to accomplish with this gun. The answer to that question will, to a large degree, answer your question(but not completely). Let me try to explain myself.

There are two major, and very different, uses for a revolver: 1)defensive; and 2)target, or 'bullseye'(Hunting is a 3rd major use, but I'm including it under 'target', since the process of becoming more proficient is very similar for both.). Both require range practice in order to become more proficient, but that practice is much different for defensive shooting.

You posted later in the discussion that you ultimately want a J-frame, which seems to indicate to me that you want a gun for defensive use. Am I correct? If so, then shorter barrels are the order of the day. There's more than one reason for this, but let me summarize it by saying that shorter barrels are more easily maneuvered and retained in the very short-range, rapidly-moving situations a typical defensive encounter entails(And no, I've never experienced such a situation and pray that I never will -but one need not have such experience to know the advantage of a shorter barrel under those circumstances.). If you plan to carry your defensive gun, especially concealed, the advisability of a shorter barrel becomes even more obvious.

Having said all that, it doesn't appear to me that there is really enough difference, for defensive use, between the 3 and the 4 inch guns to matter all that much. I have 4" 686s to defend my home, since a home defensive encounter is more likely to involve a longer-range shot and more warning that something is amiss; and a 2-1/4" Ruger to carry outside the home.

Either of the options you're considering may of course be used for target shooting as well, if one so chooses. But, as has been mentioned already, longer barrels such as the 6" provide a longer sight radius to help make those groups smaller, which of course is the goal of target shooting. All my target guns have either 6 or 8-3/8" barrels.

Well, I'm up way too late and have to wrap it up for now. Others are more expert than I -just thought I'd throw in the above issue if it might help you clarify in your own mind what you want to accomplish.

Best wishes in your choice, and let us know how things go for you,
Andy

Welcome to the FORUM! I started out L frames because of a trade. Traded a 3" 65 for a 4", 586 no dash. Really liked it & bought a 686-3, 6". Well 1 thing always leads to another! In March, I traded into a 686-6 Pro-Series. It is a 5". Can't tell you which is my favorite. "Decisions, Decisions!" Bob

Welcome. For a range gun I would recommend the 4 or 6 inch barrel. For a carry gun the 3 or 4 inch barrel will do nicely. For an all purpose gun the 4 inch barrel is difficult to beat. As a former Private Security Officer I carried a 6 inch barrel Colt Python for about 3 years. I then switched to a 4 inch barrel S&W model 28-2. The 4 inch barrel did everything I wanted and was more comfortable when seated in a chair at a check-in desk or in a patrol car.

If I had a gun that was just for the range, I can't think of anything better than a 6 inch 686+.

With one gun I can use 38 wadcutters and then end the session with teeth rattling 180gr lfn-gcs.

I prefer a 4 - 5 inch barrel in that size frame. It feels better balanced in my hands. You really can't go wrong with a 686 of any barrel length. Go with what feels or looks best, and you'll be all smiles at the range...guaranteed!

Now I know this is a Smith forum but I'd suggest you also look at the Ruger GP100 Match Champion. It has a 4.2 " inch barrel and upgraded grips and sights out-of-the-box. There is a choice of either fixed or adjustable sights. It was my first large frame revolver and it has been great for me. It takes to Wolff springs very well!

Greeting to all. Long time lurker, first ever post.

I was a LEO for 25 years, and started with Smith and Wesson revolver's back in the day when it was still considered normal to see one on a cops duty belt. Been shooting nothing but autos for the last 20 years, and just now got reacquainted with great Smith and Wesson revolver's. I'm going to start collecting.

With that in mind, many people on here are spot on with their advice. Personally, for a range gun I would get a 5 inch or 6 inch. If you can afford TWO, get One of those for the range, hunting, plinking, or whatever, then pick up a nice small J frame for CHL.

If you can only afford one, and have to have a one size fits all, then get the 4 inch. Hard to beat a 4 inch 686.

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Veteran, Former LEO, NRA Lifer

Thanks for the input everyone, the 4" is beating out the 3".

I did have a look at the Ruger GP100, but seems most people get trigger jobs on them, so that is a turn off. Nice looking revolver as well.

Please post pictures when you get. Even though they all look alike, we still still love looking at them.

Why paint yourself into a corner with the 686 (fine as it is). S&W & others made some mighty fine guns. See what just may fall in your lap. I know I set out looking to buy a specific gun more than once, and came home with something completely different & better. RE your ? The 4" would be easier to pair up with a 4" 617 22 lr for practice. I'm always surprised at how close accuracy can be with the 3" vs the 4". The 3" would make a better trail gun. My 2 cents anyway. No bad choice.

As a range gun, and an introduction to a J frame, I suggest a used S&W Model 64. Centerfire, on-line, has trade-ins for $319.99 plus shipping.

They are 4 inch, K frame, fixed sight 38 specials. I shoot J-frames and a 4 inch 686... my M64 just puts a smile on my face. Simple, accurate, great trigger.

The two I bought from Centerfire needed a good cleaning, but were well maintained. Needed two, because my wife has a habit of adopting my favorites...

Will

The Gp100 is cheaper, going to have to do some more research on it.

I love K frames, would love to own one but I'm not ready to buy used yet.

Ive had two (actually 3) gp100s. HAD. Don't own them any more. And one, i broke.

Why not a 4" model 66 k frame new? They shoot amazingly accurate. I think the m66 and the gp are the same pricewise . And the gp is bulky, heavy and will need a trigger job. Taking them apart is kinda crazy also.

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Buy once, cry once.

Pony up and get what you want. I'm hearing that you want a nice S&W, so GET a nice S&W. If not, you will not be happy, and will trade in or sell what you got on the cheap (at a loss) and STILL buy that S&W eventually... Ask me how I know.

Now... K-frames are great, but are a little more snappy if you run magnum ammo through them. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I moved to s 686 and NEVER looked back.

IMHO, a 4" K-frame is great... But a 4" 686 would be much sweeter shooting, IF you every want to run magnums. If you never run anything other than standard pressure .38's then a k-frame is fine. Personally, I'd go with the bigger frame for the option.

Either way... Buy once, cry once.

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Veteran, Former LEO, NRA Lifer

I absolutely love shooting longer barrel guns, as the extra weight tames the recoil, while the extra length helps reduce muzzle flip. But they're not really practical for carry. Since you said range gun, I say long barrel. I prefer 6 in. for a good compromise on length.
This hobby is addictive, so a second revolver could be a carry sized. A lot of people do carry a 686 snub. But I believe the market is saturated with 5 shot 38 models for a reason. I have a couple of model 66 snubs, and they'd be a big chunk on your side all day. So you need to be honest with yourself about what kind of use this gun will get.
I honestly don't enjoy shooting my snubs as much, but I have to keep practicing. For fun, I pull out my 6 in. 686. Or my 8 in. Python, now there's a real treat.

Aside from a defective yoke screw that just sheared on me, I will put in a word for the 686+ pro series. With a 5" barrel the balance feels just about right. And it is not that bad OWB carry. The inch off of a 6 inch is noticeable when sitting, etc. But if this pistol is primarily carry or concealed carry, then yeah, the shorter barrel may be the way to go. Still too much of a chunk for carrying for this guy, but YMMV.

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Long barrel, short barrel, as long as it's a S&W!!!!!

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I have the 3" 686 and a 640 Pro - both incredible shooters. Can't go wrong with the 4" either.


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Pass it on.
Mark

A S&W mdl 10-6 4" heavy pinned barrel really floats my boat, but is a 38 only and you may still be able to find a police/military returned/refurbished for 350$ ISH. Later dash models shot 357's I believe. It's much lighter than a 686 or 681, but MY TIMES are an rch faster with the 681.

Old school.
Forget defense. Go for fun ! You need a real hawgleg.

Instead of the 686, how about its twin brother in blue:
A used 586 with an 8 3/8" barrel. $650
A used 14 or 15 with an 8 3/8" barrel. $650 (38 specials)

Great triggers. Great accuracy !
Beautiful, fun shooters. They are already collectibles.

The dudes at the range are shooting 10 or maybe 25 yards.
You shoot 100 yards plus. Get the J frame scandium for carry.

I know the question was about 3" or 4" 686. Great gun ! I like mine.
I personally love to check the balance like anybody. Tilt it forward, tilt it back and feel where it falls by gravity. I also think that test has little to do with my shooting accurately. As a rookie, I didn't like heavy guns. As a more mature shooter, I totally appreciate the controllability of a revolver with more weight, especially at the barrel end.

IMHO, Triggers are the most important element for accuracy. Sights/sight radius is the second.

Boy this is tough, all the comments are leading me to the 4", but when I look at it versus the 3". My eyes want the 3" without question. That's the gun I want, just not sure if I should I buy it!!

If you decide on the 4 inch version, be sure to check out the SSR model. A very nice 686 six shooter.
If you think you might like the 3 inch version, watch this guys youtube video:


I have had 6, 4, 3 and 2.5 inch versions, and I prefer shooting the shorter models, plus I carry the 3 inch and 2.5 inch model , but the longer ones are hard to conceal. I am sure that you will enjoy shooting any of the M686 revolvers.

Best,
Rick

Doesn't matter, your gonna buy one of each in the end anyway.
Revolvers are like that.

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Dave

Gun buying is 95% about want. Buy what you like and enjoy the feeling of a decision well made ( and an itch well scratched :-).

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Dave

WELCOME TO THE FORUM mjt29. IMHO, THE MOST VERSATILE VERSION OF THE 686, IS THE 4" MODEL 686+. IT HAS PERFECT BALANCE, AND EXCELS ON THE RANGE, FOR WOODS WALKING / HUNTING / CAMPING, ETC, AND FOR SD /HD IT HAS NO EQUAL. ITS EASILY CARRIED CONCEALED IN A SHOULDER RIG.......

AS YOU INTEND YOUR REVOLVER TO BE A RANGE GUN, PRIMARILY, THE BIG ADVANTAGE TO YOU, COMES IN THE INCREASED ACCURACY AFFORDED BY THE EXTRA INCH OF SIGHT RADIUS.........

I HAVE OWNED THE 686 IN ALL LENGTHS AVAILABLE, FROM 2 1/2" TO 8 3/8" THE ONLY VERSION THAT WILL NOTICEABLY OUTSHOOT THE 4" IS A BENCH RESTED 8 3/8"......

IF I WAS RELEGATED TO OWNING JUST ONE REVOLVER (GOD FORBID) IT WOULD BE A 4", MODEL 686+.....

BTW--AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PIC BELOW, MY "GO TO" BARREL LENGTH IN REVOLVERS IS A 4". I MAY HAVE OTHER LENGTHS OF A PARTICULAR MODEL / CALIBER, BUT I ACQUIRE THE 4" VERSION FIRST, TO GET ALL THE BASES COVERED......

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