Advise on a 4 or 6 inch Model 686

[SeamasterSig]

If you're only shooting at paper targets for fun, you probably won't appreciate the extra 2 inches in barrel length. However, you might not always live in NYC. A 4" 357 magnum is extremely handy. Quick to draw, decent velocity. If you don't clearly favor one over the other, the best argument in favor of the longer barrel is hunting. Otherwise, the shorter barrel will prove more useful.

 

[magicmanmb]

Personally I like the 4" for carry. I have 2, 6" both for hunting hogs or larger a 41 mag and a 500. As both were inherited I took them but, not a daily carry when I started uniform patrol it was with a model 10 4". These days relegated to dress uniform & a safe queen. But on occasion I have gone out with a 586 with rookies just to show my age.

 

[Dpapa]

My preference is 4 inch

I have S&W revolvers in 1-7/8 in, 2-1/2 in, 3 in, 4 in, 5 in, and 6-1/2 in, barrels. For general use I prefer the 3 in and 4 in barrels. For CC, the 1-7/8" works best, for hunting, I prefer the 6-1/2 or 5 inch barrels. If you're going for steel plates or paper targets, the 4 in is plenty accurate. Unless you're shooting bullseye competition, at sub 50 yards sight radius on a 6 in barrel isn't a whole lot more advantageous than the sight radius on a 4 incher. The 4 in barrel is also a bit easier to carry. Either way, 6" or 4", you can't go wrong.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Unless it is a carry gun, I do not see the logic to a shorter barrel other than personal preference.

 

[Green Frog]

So it seems that being limited to shooting paper and a few reactive steel targets indoors and out that it's very unlikely that the capabilities of the gun in short or long barrel length are ever going to be exceeded. The limitations are far more likely to be my own.

In the end, I guess it comes down to a matter of personal taste and aesthetics. When I would help friends choose between two similar motorcycles the ultimate defining question was often, "Which one makes you smile the most?"

For me, this is the definitive answer for just about all questions that begin with "Which gun..." Unfortunately, each of us must discover our own preferences in taste and perceived needs, and these even change from time to time, so the best thing I have been able to do is try what seems good and buy/keep those things that seem to suit me the best, regardless of what even my best friends like as well or better. This is JMHO, but I've been at it for over 40 years.

Froggie

PS BTW, my 686 is a 6", but my "go-to" mid-frame gun is my custom 4" K-frame in 327 Fed Mag (with rebored 617 barrel with full underlug.) Go figure!

 

[Riflemann]

I have both a 4" and a 6" 686, and I like and shoot the 4" alot more than the other. I will never get rid of the 6", but the shorter one is in my carry rotation along with a 642CT, and 3" Colt Defender in 45acp. If I had to get rid of all but one of my handguns, the 4" 686 stays.

 

[Mehutch]

S&W 686 Plus... May the 357 Force be with you!

 

[Boudiepitbull]

Just to follow up on this thread...today I flew down to Florida for a visit with my son and my belated Father's Day present was not another tie. He got together with my girlfriend, and there was a new 6 inch 686 in the box, a hundred rounds of frangible .38 Special , a hundred rounds of FMJ .38 Special, and 50 rounds of .357 waiting for me. I can't begin to describe how excited I am. We'll throw a couple hundred bulk rounds of .22LR for the 617 in the bag and be visiting the range tomorrow!

 

[Boudiepitbull]

Back from the range this morning after running about a hundred rounds of .38 and 30 rounds of .357 thru the new 686 (and about 200 rounds thru the 617). I am amazed at how smooth and light the trigger is shooting SA. Happiness abounds!

BTW... Thank you everyone for all of the advice and wisdom you shared earlier. You guys are great and this forum is a great place to be.

 

[Mehutch]

Get the 6"... no the 4"... wait yes get the 6"... 2.5" is sexy.... that's right a blue 4" is best...
Now look what I have done....



and these, one is missing, yes another 4" 686 plus 7 shooter. God help me.

 

[rwsmith]

The 4" balances better....

The 6" is great for range, hunting, etc, but it IS just a tad nose heavy. That doesn't bother me, because with a good grip it shoots like a dream. But a 4" would automatically be better balanced. If I had a choice, I'd get the 4". I got the 6" because they are more economical as the shorter barreled jobs demand a premium price. (I think 3" is a little short but they are ultra popular)

 

[triaxle]

I would go with the 4 inch they are good all around . Then I would move from New York , make sure you VOTE

 

[Voyager28]

The answer is obvious .............. BOTH!!

Bob

 

[Wee Hooker]

So why not split the difference and go with a 5"?

Product: Model 686 3-5-7 Magnum(R) Series

or

Product: Model 686 Plus

Maybe it's just my non-conformance nature but 5" 357's are quickly becoming my favorite. I find their balance to barrel length ratio to be the sweet spot.