First-time buyer (newbie) question: 3" vs 4"?

[CDubber]

Hi all,

Really enjoying reading this forum. I haven't owned a gun since I was 16 but want a handgun for home defense, range practice, some plinking, and anti-predator defense while camping/hiking. After much research and window shopping I've decided the 686 is the gun for me. I love the simplicity, safety and look of the revolver. Will shoot primarily 38 but like the option of shooting 357 if the situation requires it.

I decided the 4" barrel was probably the most versatile for my situation (based primarily on what I've read online), but the local dealer of choice currently only has a 3" in stock, which he'll sell me for about $90 less than what a 4" would sell for. Not knowing much about revolvers (or handguns for that matter), how much difference, practically speaking, would that extra inch of barrel make for my intended uses? Can anyone give me the pros and cons? Thanks so much. Looking forward to joining the S&W family.

 

[hsguy]

Hello and welcome to the forum. For the uses described the 3" would be a good choice and I don't think a 4" would be much of an advantage at all. For hiking the 3" will be a bit lighter and less bulky. For home defense the 3" will work well. As far as range and plinking the 4" might hold a slight advantage due to the longer sight radius. 3" guns are hot sellers right now in all models and I think 3" guns are a delight to handle and shoot. For $90 less than a 4" rather than a premium I would seriously consider the gun. Hope this helps.

Here is a recent 12 page thread about 3" guns you might find interesting. http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/149061-3-inch-barrel-madness.html

 

[686 SSR]

I too am new to revolvers, so you can take my comments with a grain of salt. For me, it's far easier for these middle-aged eyes to shoot 4-inch revolvers more accurately. The difference between 3- and 4-inch barrels is significant.

 

[TNDave]

There is something about a 3" round butt gun that makes it seem a lot smaller than a 4" square butt even though it isn't. It is just one of those things. For your application the 3" gun is the way to go. I have a Model 66 in 3" that is scary accurate so you are not giving up anything performance wise with a 3" gun. Be advised though and L frame is a heavy gun and you will need a quality belt and holster to carry it comfortably.

 

[Bat Guano]

Beg to differ slightly. There is no inherent difference in accuracy--a 2" gun shoots better than 95% of all shooters--but I think there is a difference in "shootability". My agency once issued 3" Ruger Speed Sixes. A fellow instructor and I went to an NRA instructor's class; he took a 3" and I took my personal 4" Ruger. He had quite a bit of trouble getting good groups, whereas mine were noticeably better. He was (and is) at least a good shot as I was, if not better. We finally decided that the 3" gun with its short sight radius was just less forgiving; plus he usually shot a SIG 220 most of the time. When he really concentrated hard on the fundamentals, things tightened up. A 4" is just easier to get results with than a 3", that's all. Which is why I carried one.

But they will get the job done if you do yours. I have a 3" M60 and it acts similarly. It is what it is, and it is a shooter.

Good luck.

 

[CDubber]

Thanks for the responses, all. Very helpful. So if you could have only one gun, and you had the same needs/use as me (home defense, range practice, camping/hiking, maybe in-car CCW), would you choose a 3" or a 4" revolver, everything else being equal?

 

[JumpinJack]

A 3" always. The shorter barrel is easier to move when going room to room at home. If you end up in a fight over the gun the shorter the barrel the less leverage your attacker will have. Most of all there are less 3" made than 4" and if you can get it cheaper jump with both feet!

 

[KEN L]

For what its worth, I have a 2 1/2" Model 66 and its one of the most accurate revolvers I've ever shot. Definitely go for the 3", you won't regret it.

 

[Sportsterguy]

At shorter distances, 25 yards and less I can shoot my 3" SW's just as well as a 4". Past that the 4" barrel does help out but I'm also shooting slower for a really good sight picture.

It's hard to beat a 3" for SD. With the extra 1/2" length you get positive ejection of spent cases over a 2.5" snub. All of my 3" revolvers shoot with extreme accuracy and are a delight to pack over a 4" weapon.

That 3" 686 is the perfect revolver for your needs. Buy it and you will be well protected. They are very sturdy revolvers and will last a lifetime.

 

[l.carroll]

i dont know about the shootability yet of my 686 3" since I just got it yesterday, but around here the 3 inch guns are more expensive than the 4 inchers...so $90 bucks cheaper sounds like a good deal.

 

[125JHP]

I have a selection both bbl lengths and seldom take a 4" model with me on a hike, always seem to pick the 3"

 

[Chuck Jones]

90 bucks cheeper! is it used? pre lock? If so I'd jump on that one with both feet!

4 inch guns while not inherently more (or less) accurate do have an advantage in shootability as someone has already pointed out. But 3 inch barrels are much easier to carry, and only slightly harder to shoot well.

So since you'll be carrying much more than shooting, I'd go with the 3 inch and spend a little more time at the range to master it.

/c

 

[ryland]

They now make a 2.5" model 642. Its only .38+P but Thats big enough IMO for home protection plus it would weigh nothing to carry into the woods. If your carrying because of bears its most likley at night when you would be attacked when camping anyways and you would be blinded by .357 muzzle blast and for that matter blinded in your house by the .357 as well. I just bought a snuby 642 and I have only shot it once but I love it. It seems to me like the longer barrel version would be perfect with the longer combat grips that come on a model 60 for waking around the woods and home defence. Its also much cheaper than a 686.

 

[SAFireman]

Grab that 3" sucker!

I have many 38/357's in 3" barrel and they shoot just as well as the 4" guns and they are easier to tote around....plus the 3" stuff has a cult following

 

[ENGINE18]

3-inch barrel cultist!

 

[SAFireman]

3-inch barrel cultist!

You sir, would know (Pot!)

 

[CDubber]

90 bucks cheeper! is it used?

Nope.

pre lock?

Nope.