Female shooter: 610 5” vs 625 5” vs 686 6”

[keithhagan]

I have a 6" no dash 610 that my GF finds pleasant to shoot as far as recoil, but after a couple cylinders the weight starts to tire her tiny wrists.

I was thinking about getting a 5" 610 in the hopes that the reduced muzzle weight would help with the torque cranking down on her wrist. The flip side is that it might not be as pleasant recoil wise (not to mention, the 5" are a little pricey). Anybody have experience with the 5" and 6" that can comment on the difference in recoil?

Other alternatives for a less muzzle heavy option I'm considering are a 5" 625 in 45 acp or going down to a 6" 686 for something lighter overall. Compared to the 5" 610, I find these all over the place for good prices. She likes the 10mm and she likes long barrels (so the 4" 610 currently available is out), but the weight is just a tad too much for extended shooting sessions.

 

[robertrwalsh]

You kind of have some competing criteria going on there. Makes it hard. Its like wanting a Ferrari that also carries six people and two dogs. With all the things you have listed I would go with the 686. Wider and cheaper ammo availability among other things (not one of your criteria I grant you.)

 

[Tanners Owner]

I agree with Robertwalsh, though, think a 5 or 4" would also be good, especially with 38s.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Well with 5 and 6 inch barrels.... she's not concealed carrying them..... firing 12-18 rounds she's not hunting.....................

"Shooting" isn't always about "shooting a lot of bullets"..... if the 610 works for her I'd just have her take breaks after a cylinder or two......talk ..... sharing a sport is a great opportunity for a couple to spend quality time.....

my $.02......

 

[k22fan]

Does she need a moon clip loading revolver for timed matches? I'm guessing that she does. Even though I normally compete with a 610 I have to admit that beyond doubt S&W .45 acp revolvers are the fastest revolvers to reload. The two tough to beat lady competitors in town both shoot 5" 625s. Most 6" L frames are full lug. That makes them at least as muzzle heavy as a 5" 625. There are lighter barreled versions that are factory cut for moon clips. In addition to weight differences the K/L frames' shorter trigger reach helps most people shoot better double action. How long are her fingers?

While reading your question my first thought was that a 6" Model 66 or 19 would be perfect. their cataloged weight was 39 ounces. They can be cut for moon clips.

Maybe she does not shoot double action or need moon clips. Give us a clue.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Don't pick one for her - let her pick her own. Don't you have ranges that rent, or friends with guns that she'd like to try?

I'd recommend a 4" 625-8 PC. No weighty full underlug, variety of ammunition and if she is shooting a 10 mm, the .45 shouldn't bother her. Or how about a shorter barrel 610 loaded with .40 S&W? Whatever - it should be her decision.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[HughD1]

If she is just shooting for the fun of it I would suggest a 6 inch Model 17. Lighter, no recoil, and a lot cheaper to shoot.


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[sodacan]

The weight difference between a 5" and 6" barrel on an "N" frame will probably not make much of a difference in the fatigue factor. A 38 special "K" frame can provide plenty of shooting fun.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Why is she shooting? Range fun? Competition? Self defense? Any or all of the above?

Generally speaking, I'd agree with Pizza Bob and take her to a rental range to try out different guns to see what works best for her.

It's been a long time since I've handled N- and L-frames, but I can't really see much of a practical difference between a 5" N-frame and a 6" L-frame in terms of weight and shooter fatigue.

I would also second sodacan's suggestion of a 4" K-frame as a good all-around suggestion, and would include that among any guns to try if you take her to a rental range.

 

[oink]

I'm with k22fan. Go with a 6" 66.

 

[Doug M.]

"Weight room."

 

[bigwheelzip]

I'm a woman that enjoys shooting sessions of 150 158grain magnum rounds from my 4" 686 Plus before I get tired. I've been considering the new 5" Performance Center 686 Plus, because it's a Performance Center target model gun, whose design gives the added barrel length without additional weight over my 4" model. It is a bit more costly than standard models of course.

I'm also a fan of renting firearms until you find what she likes, but many specific models may be hard to find at the rental counter.

Good luck.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQqemNiu3rA[/ame]

 

[keithhagan]

If she is just shooting for the fun of it I would suggest a 6 inch Model 17. Lighter, no recoil, and a lot cheaper to shoot.


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Agreed on the undeniable fun of a rimfire. Got a couple of 22's which she loves to shoot, but after she goes through half a brick of 22lr, she wants to shoot a boomer.

 

[keithhagan]

I'm with k22fan. Go with a 6" 66.

K-frames are out.

She prefers the 629 to a 66 with full house magnums (and I don't blame her).

 

[keithhagan]

"Weight room."

This is probably the credited response, and I half-thought to put it in the poll, but I know better than to drag her to the gym and suggest that she do some wrist curls.

 

[keithhagan]

I'm a woman that enjoys shooting sessions of 150 158grain magnum rounds from my 4" 686 Plus before I get tired. I've been considering the new 5" Performance Center 686 Plus, because it's a Performance Center target model gun, whose design gives the added barrel length without additional weight over my 4" model. It is a bit more costly than standard models of course.

I'm also a fan of renting firearms until you find what she likes, but many specific models may be hard to find at the rental counter.

Good luck.

YouTube

Thanks, bigwheel, really appreciate a woman's perspective. We don't get enough of those when it comes to firearms. That PC 686 is a good idea.

 

[tug700]

45 acp

45 acp is just tough.

 

[Invictus357]

Sounds like a dainty little thing.

If it's just for range fun just get her a Ruger MKIV Standard.

Nice, light and cheap to shoot all day.

If it must be a revolver get her a model 10/64 and shoot 38 wadcutters.

 

[keithhagan]

Sounds like a dainty little thing.

If it's just for range fun just get her a Ruger MKIV Standard.

Nice, light and cheap to shoot all day.

If it must be a revolver get her a model 10/64 and shoot 38 wadcutters.

Thanks for your suggestion. I agree that each of those are plenty fun to shoot, but both are outside of the scope of this thread.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

How long has she been shooting?
As a beginner we tend to really grip hard on the gun introducing hand/ arm fatigue. With practice, time and familiarity she might just shoot the current 610 without issue.
Try shooting some 40. Might help her with managing recoil, stress, and extend shooting time a bit further.
Also dry fire and practice with stance at home really helps.
Consider a laserlyte practice laser to shoot at the walls at home.
This video explains very well the correct grip.

YouTube

Best wishes.