686 magnum recoil comparison on 2.5”, 3” and 4”

[Lu..]

I shot a 686 4” over the weekend with magnums and the recoil was very manageable, reminded me of a full size 1911.

.38s with it felt like .22s. I could’ve shot .357 all day long.

Does anyone own all the barrell lengths and provide a recoil comparison with 357s between the smaller lengths vs the 4”. I prefer the 2.5” snubby, but only want to get it if the recoil is negligible more over the 4”.

I own a 442 for self defense and want to use the 686 for home defense/trail purposes.

 

[shocker]

I have a 2.75" 357 and I tune the handloads for short barrel. Not because of recoil, it's to keep the noise to a level where my ears don't ring wearing 28 db ear muffs, outdoors.
I'd stay with 4" if you shoot full power 357.

 

[Ribwizzard]

The 3" is really the sweetest one. Full length ejector rod, shoots very much like 4"

 

[bigwheelzip]

I own a 442 for self defense and want to use the 686 for home defense/trail purposes.

For magnums, I find my 2.5 inch 686 too painful to shoot with Buffalo Bore 180gr LFN trail loads. But it is a Performance Center version, with an open back strap, so perhaps that makes a difference. It's OK with Federal 125gr JHP, and American Eagle 158gr JSP.

The shorter the barrel, the louder the load, so if you intend on an indoor use, longer barrel is better for your ears. The 2.5 is MUCH louder to shoot than the 4".

I only use .357 handguns for range and trails, though I like my quiet .357 1892 rifle for home defense.

L to R: 4", 3", 2 1/2" PC. All 686-6.

 

[Mehutch]

Easy solution...

 

[Univibe]

My six inch rules. Less recoil. more boogie.

 

[RoadVirus]

My six inch rules. Less recoil. more boogie.

I second that. I have 2.5, 3, 4, and 6 in the collection and the 6 go in the range bag most often. My -4+ 6 would make anybody look good on the range.

 

[joe44va]

I have 3", 4", 5", and 6". Shoot them all. Easiest with full house loads is the 6" (surprise) but the 3' isn't really bad. The 3" I've carried with Speer 135 grain short barrel loads. The bottom one is a 69, my woods gun.