looking into a revolver & narrowing my decision

[rosader]

So after owning a Taurus POS I've been thinking for quite some time about getting a better revolver. I just sold the Taurus today so I'm getting close to "pulling the trigger" I was thinking about jumping up to 44 mag because it will occasionally be a woods carry gun but I've decided to go 357 as it's cheaper to practice with and packs plenty of power. It will also be a home protection gun. As far as brands go it's between S&W 686 P or Ruger GP-100 I think I'm leaning more towards S&W for the better resale value, 7 round capacity, warranty... so anyways one more decision to make, 4" or 6" What are your thoughts? I know the 6" will give better accuracy which is important to me but the 4" is just attractive! What do you guys think?

 

[hittman77]

4" Security Six

 

[rosader]

Classic style revolvers are cool but not really what I'm looking for right now. I like the modern stainless with hogue grip and full length under-lug (or whatever it's called)

 

[hiram2005]

4 inch 686.

 

[cp1969]

Hard to go wrong with a 686. I have a 586 and love it but the stainless would let me abuse it that much more.

Smith makes so many good .357's that it's hard to choose.

Forget resale, though. If you get a good Smith, you will probably never want to sell it. If somebody asked to buy one of mine today, I could not remember what I paid for them--it's irrelevant. The price paid will probably be the first thing you'll forget.

 

[SteveG]

I like the 4 inch since it would seem to be easier to bring into play in a home defense situation and is a couple ounces lighter for hiking. Can't go wrong with either. I prefer the 357(you can also shoot 38 special out of it and for home protection I load a .38+P) and carry Buffalo Bore 357 19A in the mountains on those increasingly rare occasions when I do hike and that'll handle most anything. (Like you I also looked closely at the Ruger GP-100, but when push came to shove, went with the S&W and never looked back.)

 

[Dale53]

The Smith 686 is NEVER a mistake. I have both a CS-1 (4") and a 6" 686. Both shoot VERY well. The actions are NICE and the single action trigger pull is excellent. Further, they are extremely rugged and will handle full .357 magnum loads with aplomb.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Reevolvers]

I vote 686SSR, or the 627 pro

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I vote 686SSR

I know I sure love my SSR.

I found that the wedge, or tapered barrel gives it almost perfect balance in my hand.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Four inch 686.

And lose the profanity. It never belongs here.

 

[Model29Lover]

I vote for the 629 sense you don't want a classic model 29 right now, which is what I obviously would recommend. The 44 magnum has the power for carry in the woods, and makes a great defense round; if you make a well placed shot, you probably won't have to make more than one in a self-defense situation!!!! You also have the option of using 44 special, if you don't want the recoil,so you can't go wrong with a 629!!!!!

 

[TNDave]

A 6" gun can be like carrying a sword. Get the 4" version of whatever you decide.

 

[Mule88]

686 regardless of Bbl length, better trigger and more accurate than the ruger

 

[JollyJerry]

I own both a 4" and 6" 686 (both about 20 years old now). I have fired maybe 250 rounds through the 6". I don't even have an idea of how many rounds have been through the 4". The 4" is easier to carry when I go out while the 6" is just too long for easy carry - especially while hiking in brush or in the woods. If I had to live with just one 686 it would definitely be the 4".

Smile often and shoot straight.

 

[Casehardn]

686 is a great gun. You won't regret your purchase.
Barrel length does not determine accuracy, it's simply a better sight picture with the 6 inch.
Personally, I'd go with the 4 inch because I feel it's better "all-around" choice.
Still is going to be super accurate.

 

[three-five-seven]

Re: Making a decision...

I would go for a 686 either 6 or 7 shot and for a barrel 4, 5 or a 6 inch. A 5 inch is a good compromise and satisfies the legal lenghts for some states for a hunting pistol ( Ohio has a 5 inch requirement) . I like the versatility of the 686 but if you did go for a .44 mag the 629 is also available with a 5 inch barrel. If you reload you can even have more fun with them. Good Luck. Cant go wrong with a stainless one. I also have blue classics and I like them too.

 

[rosader]

Ok thanks guys I think I'll go 4" 686 7 shot

 

[Reevolvers]

Ok thanks guys I think I'll go 4" 686 7 shot

Be sure to look at the new 686 Plus pro series. Very Cool, same everything, and a neat barrel profile

 

[mg357]

i would also go with the smith and wesson model 686 with a 4 inch barrel but thats just my 2 cents

 

[DON1937]

I've owned both the 686 and the GP100. The 686 has a better trigger out of the box but with a very small amount of work the Ruger trigger can be made almost as good. I find no difference in accuracy between the two. With the price being equal I'd probably go with the 686 but I recently found a like new GP100 for $349. The original GP100 grips are much better than any I've ever seen on any other revolver. I'd get a 4" either way. You would be happy with either one but the bragging rights are better with the 686