3in or 4in 686

[sawlog]

If you could only buy one? It will be a long while before I can buy another.
Which way would you go? Don't think I would try to conceal carry, I have my model s for that. Just want a good all around gun.

 

[S&W Rover]

I've got the 3" and it looks and handles beautifully.

I want to add a 4" someday because I think it is more accurate (longer sight plane) and has better ballistics. The extra inch makes quite a difference with .357 magnum - almost 200 fps in the case of the 125 grain JHP in the test guns! See BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results

So I guess it depends on what you are going to do with it. If you intend to open carry in the field, then the 4" barrel carries some advantage. If you intend to carry it concealed, the 3" barrel may be better.

Either one is pretty nice. But the 3" just looks fantastic.

 

[sdb321]

686 3 or 4inch

I bought a 4 inch(a 686 SSR). I love the balance and love shooting it. My suggestion to you is to shoot both and buy the one you like best.

 

[diyj98]

The only reason I'd want a 3" would be for concealed carry. 4" would be the minimum I'd want for hunting, plinking, etc. I'd actually prefer a 6". I do have a 5" that's a nice compromise.

 

[TravisPNW]

I bought my 3" 686 last month based on the many dozens of reviews I read that said it was a great gun and fun to shoot.

The fact that it looks totally badass made it an even easier choice. My first Smith and I bought it locally. Concealed carry is also something I'd like to do... I did my CPL app a couple weeks ago and expect to have it in a week or two.

The reviews were spot on... the gun is just amazing. Fun to shoot... no discomfort after 100+ magnum rounds the other day... and super accurate. A beautiful firearm and I'm totally satisfied with the purchase.

 

[TravisPNW]

Forgot to add...

Hickok45 endorses the 3"... another reason for my purchase.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn2XX81_kPU[/ame]

 

[bigwheelzip]

If your not going to carry it, the new 5" PC 686 with the chamfered underlug and ribbed barrel brings a lot to the table and weighs less than the 4". Performance Center(R) Model 686 Plus | Smith & Wesson

I have both the standard 3 and 4 inch, and between those two, the 4" wins if not concealing it, but the 3 balances better. Both are favorites.

 

[ridgewalker]

If you could only buy one? It will be a long while before I can buy another.
Which way would you go? Don't think I would try to conceal carry, I have my model s for that. Just want a good all around gun.

Given the parameters you described I think you will be much happier with the 4 inch. My experience is a 4 inch barrel is the sweet spot for balance and accuracy. I can shoot the 4 inch barrel almost as accurately as my 6 inch. But when you start subtracting barrel length accuracy suffers. Don't get me wrong, the 3 inch is fun and fairly accurate but the 4 inch is much easier to shoot accurately. If you are like me, accuracy equals fun.

I also feel that the 3 inch 686 is not as easy to conceal as some people seem to think. It's a fairly hefty, big sized L frame revolver. That's why people prefer J and K frame revolvers for concealed carry.

 

[g-dad]

I've had a 2 1/2, a pair of 4's and the 5" Pro. All but the original 4" is gone.

 

[rwt1405]

If you could only buy one? It will be a long while before I can buy another.
Which way would you go? Don't think I would try to conceal carry, I have my model s for that. Just want a good all around gun.

You answered your own question.

If you are seeking the best barrel length, for an AROUND .357, that would be the 4", IMHO.

6" are great for hunting or target, BUT, if I was forced to pick only one, from my more then twenty .357's, it would no doubt be one of my 4", most likely one of my 4" 686-4's.

 

[RGVshooter]

I posted the same question a couple weeks ago and the general consensus was towards the 4" model, which i chose. for bowling pins it completely clears the table with 158 grs lswchp's and even after shooting 150 rounds of .357 magnum my hand was ready for more. The weight of this thing really takes up a lot of the recoil. With standard 38spl, it felt like a 22lr pistol.

Go for the 4" incher

 

[sawlog]

Well my choice would be between a 3in deluxe for 690 out the door or a 4in 686-5 That has only been factory fired for 725 out the door. Hard choice!

 

[ridgewalker]

Well my choice would be between a 3in deluxe for 690 out the door or a 4in 686-5 That has only been factory fired for 725 out the door. Hard choice!

That $35 difference will be totally insignificant over the life of the gun. Get the gun that you will enjoy the most.

What makes the 3 inch deluxe? It's just some wooden stocks, right? Those might look nice but most people end up changing to rubber grips anyway. You can buy some real nice to shoot Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips on the site named for that big river in South America for $20.

Also the -5 is no lock, isn't it? That's worth the price difference right there.

 

[Doc Holliday 1950]

I went with the 3" because the 4" Was too cumberson to carry concealed. Since you said that concealed was not an option, I would go for a 6" minimum not a 4'. However, since you went with the 4", you picked a great revolver.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR'S.

 

[toad67]

4" or longer if you plan on shooting 357's out of it and not carrying it...

 

[oberon]

I would rather shave my head with a cheese grater while chewing on a ball of aluminum foil than run full power .357s in anything shorter than a 6".
High performance loads in little guns do not improve the likelihood of me scoring good hits.
A hit with an easily managed load is infinitely better than any number of misses with a stout snappy one.
.38 Specials are much more to my liking in a short barreled revolver.

 

[loknload]

I have a 4" 686 and it is a great shooting handgun. I also have the 2 1/2 version as well.
Wouldn't sell either of them!