3 or 4" 686?

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Okay here's a question with no correct answer. I understand that. But what is your opinion? I shoot short barrels well; so I'm not concerned about accuracy. This would probably be an occasional carry and a range gun. I'm kind of leaning towards the 3". What do you think?

 

[semperfi71]

I have 2 1/2, 3, and 4 inch M586/686/696 Smith and Wessons.

If I were wanting to carry "light" I'd go 3 inch. If I was wanting to carry "outside-in-holster" and maybe horseback, in a vehicle, or even walking I'd go 3 or 4 inch, which ever I could find/afford first.

The difference in barrel length may not affect velocity enough to warrant an extra inch.

I do say this. A 3 inch barreled, round-butt L-Frame (mine is a 696) is an excellent handling revolver in my opinion. It is truly a dream to carry and handle.

I would even go so far to say that buying a 4 inch M686, and either buying a 3 inch barrel or cutting down the 4 inch barrel and roundbutting it would be a little expensive but worth it.

As well I have handled a 4 inch M586 that was round-butted. That is also an excellent handling firearm. And it would be very easy to do with a stainless M686.

Good luck on your endeavor.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Right now I've got the 3" round butt 686. I think it's the perfect size and balances well. It took a while to find the right iwb holsters and grip but I have it down to where I like it now (with a Lobo Gun Leather iwb holster and magna grips with tyler-t adapter.) I think both barrel lengths you mentioned shoot about the same, and both have a full length extractor which I like, but I tend to like my L frame's in 3 inch and my K frame's in 4+ inch.

There's a video from Hickok45 on youtube which helped me make a decision on the 3". He reviewed a 686+ here, Smith and Wesson 686 - YouTube
He's a great shooter and gives great reviews.

 

[robertrwalsh]

For concealed carry I would also go with the 3". For open carry, the 4".

 

[Will Carry]

I know Hicock45 likes the 3" barrel but I would get the 4". I think the 4" gives it a better balance. The sight radious is longer so you will shoot it more accurately.

 

[riverrat38]

For me, I don't think the extra sight radius makes much difference. I am more limited by my ability to hold a steady shot than sight pattern. It probably would be different if I used a rest, or was 30 years younger. I really like 3 inch revolvers. I have round butted my 4 inch M67-1, and added finger grove Cocobolo Ahrends grips. I want to have a chop job done on the barrel, but I need to figure out the front sight first.

Best,
Rick

 

[diamonback68]

Problem is, you can't find a 3" 686 for less than a small fortune.
4"ers are less and more available.

 

[M3Stuart]

I have a 4" 686-4, its a + RB, and have shot a new 3" 686 several times which are all + and RB. For me, they were equally accurate at 50' - which is to say they are as accurate as you are. But there's no distinct advantage, to me, at that range.

When you go out to 75'+ is where the 4" barrel pays off for me.

If it were me, I'd buy the first one I came across at a good price. If I were paying sticker for a new one - it would be a tough call. Today, I'd probably buy the 3". Tomorrow might be a different answer! Both are great.

 

[Wheel Fan]

I looked at a 3" 686 and a 4" 686 at the same time and stood there and stared at both of them for 10 minutes because I couldn't decide. I finally decided on the 3" because I just thought it looked well balanced with the round butt and thought about conceal carry. It's a bit lighter than the 4" but it's heavy enough, along with the full underlug, to handle magnums well. After shooting it and realizing how accurate it really is, I'm glad I made the decision. A very versatile gun.

 

[Maximumbob54]

My desire in a 686:

686+ 3" barrel

"The Plug"

bead blast matte finish

Ahrends cocobolo finger groove boot grip

XS Sights Big Dot front

D&L Sports or C&S rear sight

bucket of ammo

my right hand







Money for all of the above but I already have my right hand...

 

[mag318]

4" are common and widely available, the 3" I think is more desireable and will always be more difficult to find.

 

[Rio Vista Slim]

I ordered this Smith & Wesson Model 686-6 Plus from a gun shop in 2007.

I don't normally carry this gun except during the winter months, but the pictured Kramer Horsehide Scabbard and Eagle Secret Service grips assist in concealment under jackets and coats. After some diligent research, I might order an IWB this spring.

Shooting stout .357 Magnum loads is made much easier on my hands with the Pachmayer grips pictured above.

 

[LOM Ranger]

Same Plan Works for Me

For concealed carry I would also go with the 3". For open carry, the 4".

This is the same plan I follow except that my carry is a Chief's Special in .38. I don't do much open carry and the 686 presents too many concealment problems for me.

 

[litenlarry]

I have a 686-6 , 2-1/2", originally bought for carry..I haven't found a belt/holster that fit's my needs..( I fell into the Glock darkside, they fit my needs )..Fun shooter, a real flamethrower..
I also have a 686-6, 4"..Fun to shoot and very accurate..It is a pistol to carry on my hip when I OC..
I love my "wheelies", but just not for CCW...Better options...

 

[AFammo]

I had a 3" (#BPW0516)for off-duty use and sold it, like a idiot.
If there is a way for me to get it back. Let me know

 

[Mehutch]

Well, I have a 686-4 + with 2.5 barrel that I carry 50% of the time. My other carry is a Colt Defender in .45
I'd like a 3" 686 but I am not going to spend all that cash for another .5 inches. Happy with what I have, besides my target will not know the difference between the two. And again, it is a 7 shooter.

 

[murphydog]

Guys, a 9 year old thread and the OP hasn't been here in 2 years.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I have a 4" 686 ND that I had round butted in the 80s. great all around utility/duty .357 magnum.

I had a 3" 586..... if I thought about carrying it ....I'd always opt to take a 2 1/2 or 3 inch k-frame instead. Concealed carry is generally carry a lot; maybe shoot a little! So save weight!
Eventually traded it towards a PC Shorty-9

 

[CH4]

I ccw my revolvers so I prefer 2.5/3 in barrels. On Smith K, L and N and Colt I frames.

 

[ladder13]

How about a 681?