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Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting All aspects of competitive shooting using Smith and Wesson Firearms. Including: IPSC, IDPA, Silhouette, Bullseye.


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Old 01-05-2011, 12:01 PM
btplus btplus is offline
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Default 686 --- 4 and 6 inch accuracy difference

Looking at 25 yard shooting. How much difference in accuracy would the 2 inch difference make? Trying to compair a 6 inch stock 686 and a custom 686 build 4.7 inch ppc gun Plan to use the gun for ppc and bullseye [ can't afford seperate guns for each ] Thanks

Last edited by btplus; 01-05-2011 at 12:41 PM. Reason: further explanation
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Old 01-05-2011, 12:09 PM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is online now
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I have 4, 6, and 8" 686s; the 8" has a 2x Leupold scope.

The inherent gun accuracy difference with their favorite loads is negligible at 25 yds, but the ease of the shooter achieving that inherent accuracy varies.
Another consideration is what size target you are trying to hit, and do you have to meet the specifications of a particular competition rule?
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Old 01-18-2011, 04:25 PM
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I also strongly believe two identical revolvers, except from the barrel lengths, are, if equally made, inherently, equally accurate guns.

The fact is a shorter tube means a shorter radius, then, a somewhat more difficult gun to shoot accurately with.

Plus, a shorter tube also often means less weight, and somewhat more recoil. Another difficulty to shoot accurately.

My almost daily shot revolver is my 4", .22 Lr mod 18.
This relatively short barreled revolver is, I believe, the pinnacle of training, learning revolver.
Each and every time I feel, and see on the targets, I'am getting bad habits with larger bored revolver, I get bak to the small K frame.
This way, it is very easy for me to find out where is the trouble, solve the problem, and then get back to larger bored revolvers...
This, despite the relatively short tube of the venerable rimfire six guns...

Then...Shall we conclude a shorter barreled revolver is ALWAYS
a more difficult gun to shoot accurately....? Maybe not....
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Old 01-19-2011, 03:06 AM
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I compete using a 2.5" 686 and a 4" and 6" 586, all three are fitted with fairly tall patridge front sights. All three shoot equally tight at 25 yards when I am on my game.
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Old 01-20-2011, 07:00 PM
brucev brucev is offline
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Theoretically barrel length is irrelevant to accuracy. But, experience trumps theory every time. From my own personal experience, I would say that actual results on target using equal ammunition under equal condition, etc., with the only variable being the length of the barrel of the revolvers... the longer barrel revolver will most likely produce better results on target. JMHO.
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Old 01-22-2011, 09:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MKT View Post
I compete using a 2.5" 686 and a 4" and 6" 586, all three are fitted with fairly tall patridge front sights. All three shoot equally tight at 25 yards when I am on my game.
Agreed...
The shorter sight radius is less forgiving when youre not completely on your game though
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586, 686, bullseye, k frame, patridge, ppc, rimfire, scope

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