686 3" vs 4" bbl

[jas22]

Hello, I'm new to the forum so forgive my junior post. I'm close to a decision on a the ever-popular 686 as my first revolver but I'm torn among the TALO edition or regular 686+ 3" vs. the 686+ 4". I know there's a lot of posts on the 686 topic (probably to the point where people are tired of hearing about it?) but I can't seem to find good evaluation that gets this specific on the differences between these models other than the obvious 1" bbl difference, the forged hammer/trigger, etc. I'm leaning towards the 3" TALO ed. This would be primary a range/HD gun. Am I over-thinking this? Thanks for your time in any replies.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum. Yes you may be over thinking this. The M686 is a great gun in any edition. I don't recall anyone saying anything bad about a M686. I have a 2&1/2" and 4" and really like both.
If the gun is just for the range and HD I'd probably get the 4".
Heck, just pick one and get it then start saving for the other. Show pictures when you get one. We love pics.

 

[Baldy]

At the range is where the extra 1" of barrel will start to shine. You will get a little better accuracy at a distance with a longer barrel. For home protection it will make no differance at all. Both are great guns to have.

 

[Jimmymac46]

Your mention of a 'range' gun makes the choice an easy one.......go for the longer barrel. Sight radius is essential for accuracy. While I imagine if both a 3 and 4 inch were set in a Ransom rest and fired at 25 yards, the difference in accuracy would be minor. However, when fired by yourself using the open sights, you would fare much better with the longer barrel. It is the basic law of physics.

So, go with the 4 inch. I will carry nearly as well anyway.

 

[sourdough44]

Of the 2 & the reasons given I'd go 4". Maybe easier to find too.

 

[adweisbe]

Go for the 4". The extra sight radius is well worth it.

 

[ENGINE18]

Gotta love those 3-inch barrels. A pre-lock 686, 3" is on my grail list!

 

[handgunner356]

The longer sight radius is always a help as far as shooting accurately. There is no inherent gain in accuracy or big velocity gain between the 3" to 4". Barrel-to-cylinder gap and other factors and variation in loads could make the 3" better than the 4". Either way you can't go wrong, The 4" will be easier to find, the 3" will probably run a few dollers more but might hold a slightly higher resale value down the road.

 

[keithherrington]

If you're thinking the 3" is easier to conceal, think again. It's the butt, not the extra 1" in barrel length that is the challenge. They're both round butts so getting a good set of Spegel boot grips that don't print when concealed makes the 4" actually easier to conceal. The extra 1" of barrel helps hold the grip closer to the body, with the right holster. The 4" barrel is easier to learn how to shoot accurately, especially in a stress fire situation, and the extra 1" of barrel gives significantly better terminal ballistics. It's an easy choice in my mind.
Keith

 

[wuluf]

We have a 4" and use it to introduce new shooters to the sport. Loaded with .38 Specials, new shooters have little perceived recoil and are amazed at how accurate they can be right away. Everyone wants to shoot it, and it's my wife's favorite in the safe.

 

[geddylee10002000]

Have a 19-0 4" a 686+ 3". I carry the 686+ due to the slimmer profile. Plus the extra shot. I do practice with it a lot.

 

[jframefreak]

I'd just get one of each, that way you never second guess yourself.

 

[jas22]

Thanks all for your words of wisdom and welcoming me to the forum. I decided this evening to stop kidding myself like this was going to be my first and last S&W revolver, and I went for the 3" model this time. I'll be sure to post pics when I have it in my hands!

 

[Raspy]

I already had a 3" 696 44spl and so I got the Talo 686+ 3" 357. Very nice gun! The 3" might be a bit easier to conceal the 4' might be a bit more accurate at the range. I love my 3" and it has become my favorite gun. The one I'd pick to camp with, to hike with, and to open carry in the woods. Very convenient in the nightstand and in the truck.

 

[Loy Loyola]

aawww...should have gone for the 4"

 

[jas22]

aawww...should have gone for the 4"

Like I said, there will be others!

 

[BillyWayne]

You will be happy with the 3". It conceals better. Having said that I do have a 2.5", 3", 4" and 5". The 3" gets carried most and the 4" and 5" are more range guns. Enjoy the purchase.

 

[Loy Loyola]

Like I said, there will be others!

that's true. started with automatics and now have completely gone wheel gun crazy.

2 colts, 2 smiths, now looking for more!

 

[Garybock]

My range gun is the 686 with 4 inch barrel. It is my first revolver and it is great. I am a weekly visitor to the range, it is awesome. Bought a S&W 340 for my CCW, wife has one too.

 

[cometpx4]

4" 686

4" 686- Its the one gun everyone should have. I have 2, and a 5". I love my semi autos but if the SHTF tommorrow and we had to give all up but one, the 4" is the one i would keep.