Need Help Choosing Barrel Length on 586/686

[Morton Henderson]

You already have some great concealed carry choices, so why go short?

You make a very good point that I just hadn't given thought to. My Kimber K6 w/2" barrel already gives me 357 magnum capability in a package I know I can carry. Plus, I've fitted it with the slightly longer Altamont Altai grips for a much better hold than the original boot grips. Based on that, I can probably remove concealed carry from this equation and let the 586/686 fill the role of range, home defense, or wilderness gun. That makes the 6" model quite a bit more attractive than before. I thank everyone for your responses. They really help me to sort this out.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

I have had 686 6", 586 4" and now have 586 which was originally 8 3/8" and 686 4" %86 is now 3 1/5"
I've liked all of them, it's a shame that I sometimes sold the 686 and 586.

A short barrel is better in my opinion, max 4"

 

[Lou_the_welder]

If I had to consolidate my 686s, (there are a few), I'd still keep a 6". And a snub.

 

[71vette]

I’ve only got one L frame at this point, a 4” 586-ND. It’s a peach. My father has a 6” 686. I’ve shot my father’s 686 a TON since he bought it new in ‘91. I’ve only had my 586 for about 2 years. I prefer shorter barrels so for me, it’s the 4”.

586 with some friends:

 

[cjcutter1]

4” definitely I have both 4” & 6” definitely prefer the 4”

 

[AlHunt]

6" all day. You say it's not for carry (and really, a $300 LEO trade in glock is better in so many ways for that role). The 6" with that full underlug shoots soft as can be without being so heavy you can't spend the afternoon with it at arms length.

Just the view from here.

 

[ladder13]

2 1/2 to 4, about the only time short counts.

 

[gwpercle]

When I bought my first handgun ... I went with the often said ...
Longer is better ... 6 7/8" long Must / had to be more accurate ...
longer sight radius ... Horse Pucky !
I shoot the shorter barrels better , my scores improved with a 4 inch barrel .
In Theory ... longer sight radius is more accurate but in Real Life I shot better with 4" and 5 " barrels on my guns ... Go Figure !

My advive ... the 4" revolver barrle ( or the 3" if you can get it ) is the best all around ... and it's not too hard to conceal carry if you want too !
Gary

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Well if you're not locked in to either a 4" or a 6" go with a 5".

S&W still makes the 686 Plus 3-5-7 Magnum, Model #150854, in a 5" bbl.

Back in 2010 TALO commissioned S&W to make the 686+ in 3", 5" & 7" barrel lengths for them, thus the dual meaning name 3-5-7.

Personally I like a 5" bbl. for common use, if factors don't dictate otherwise, & have several of that length in different calibers.

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[Shark Bait]

My personal favorite is the 3 inch, but that's just my opinion. Hard to go wrong with any 586/686.

 

[Rakkasan13F]

My personal favorite is the 3 inch, but that's just my opinion. Hard to go wrong with any 586/686.

I would LOVE a 3" 686-4 round butt with an unfluted, 6-shot cylinder.

 

[rwsmith]

I have a 6"....

Since it's a range shooter, I don't mind the 'nose heavy' aspect of the 6" but a 4" is about right and as short as I would go.

 

[Darkenfast]

The question that will NEVER get a totally satisfactory answer: 4" vs. 6" in a .357?

Back in my revolver days (civilian), I had two six-inch barrelled .357s - a Security Six briefly, and a fairly early 586, for longer. The 586 was very easy to shoot, and handled .357s in a very civilized manner. It also weighed 46 oz. unloaded, and was not that handy. I also had a Combat Magnum with a 2 1/2" barrel. Beautiful, but hard to handle with magnums. Every time I would handle someone's four-inch wheelgun, I would think: "Ooh! This hits the spot!"

These days, my 9mm Parabellums do anything I really need, but if I ever do succumb and get a revolver, it will be a current 686+ with the 4.125 inch barrel. I find its seven round capacity, 39 oz. weight, and barrel length to be just the right compromises for an all-rounder gun. I am a heretic who actually likes the current rubber grips (I have my roots in the days when lots of us immediately replaced the wood grips on magnums, mostly with Pachmayrs). I'm also a doubleplusungood heretic who likes the appearance of the 4.125" tube, the newer curve of the frame below the hammer, doesn't care about the presence of the lock hole, and stopped listening to the MIM parts hysteria a long time ago.

But, that's just me. Your mileage can, and should, vary.

 

[SteveJewels]

I'm planning to purchase a new S&W 586 or 686. I like the idea of having the longer sight radius of the 6" model, but also appreciate the more handy size of the 4". My current concealed carry revolvers are a S&W 351C for when I dress light (most of the time) and a Kimber K6S DCR in 357 Magnum for the rare times when the size and weight are less of an issue. I don't plan to EDC the 586, but do like keeping the option open should extreme societal circumstances ever arise. The realistic uses for either length 586 are home protection, range shooting, and just admiring. I went to my LGS and was able to handle both. I must say that I was impressed with the sight radius of the 6" model. In spite of the length, it felt pretty natural, and I had no problem sighting-in quickly and holding it steady. I like them both, but for very different reasons. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Your logic is flawless.

I strongly preferred the 6". That was until I actually handled a 4" that a friend of mine 'made' me buy. Now I like both.

 

[Dino44]

OP, before you decide on a new model 586 or 686. I strongly recommend you seek out and handle one of the new 686-7 Mountain Guns.

 

[bananaman]

I have a 586 no dash 4". Had a 686-3, 6". Kinda best of both worlds is a 5" as is my 686-6, 7shot Pro Series. Smooth action too. Bob

 

[Leonard]

4" keep the handgun handy

 

[MTjk]

When you take this new 586/686 to the range will you mostly shoot single action or double? If its double get what's comfortable, if its single get the 6 inch. I shoot single 90% of the time so I have 2 6 inch 686s. One with stock sights and one with a red dot. Just my opinion from my experience

 

[Lou_NC]

When you taking pictures for the internet a 4-in gun definitely looks cool, when you're standing at a shooting lane shooting 357 magnums you'll appreciate the extra weight and sight radius of the 6-in.

For carry, should the need ever arise, you also have shoulder holsters as an option which can easily handle a 6-in barrel. That's what I use for my 686 when deer hunting.

You can't go wrong with either a four or six inch barrel, but for your particular interests I would certainly consider the 6-in before making my decision.

Lou

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

As yu have already it is largely a matter of preference and what makes you feel safe. I would like the battleship Missouri around me in a gunfight, But I am only going to carry so much. particularly as I age. These days, I use my 586 and 686's mostly at the range. I have acquired proficiency and became comfortable carrying the Lightweight 5 shot Smith and Wesson revolvers as they are easy to carry and accurate up to the ranges my senior eyes allow.. Recommended for those who are old or going to be old. We are all different for me the best carry weapon is one that I am likely to have on me. If i "only were going to buy one revolver for everything". I would likely go with 4". One old man's two cents.