Looking to buy my first revolver

[mjt29]

Hello everyone. So I'm in the market for my first revolver and this will be a range gun. I'm looking at the S&W 686+ in the 3inch or 4inch barrel. I'm leaning towards the 3inch. Is the recoil noticeably different between these two models? As this will be my training revolver any other considerations I should make?

Thanks!

 

[Targets Guy]

If it is to be a range gun I'd recommend going with the 4" barrel.

 

[Rpg]

The 4" barrel will be better for your use than a shorter barrel.

No difference in recoil.

 

[revolver_ph]

I just snagged a 6" six hole 686 and it suits me well. I know that many prefer the 4".

 

[Scottastic]

I just had a similar dilemma and decided on the 3". I liked the balance in my hand better. In the wait period so I'll check up when I finally get it out to the range.

 

[silversnake]

I just had a similar dilemma and decided on the 3". I liked the balance in my hand better. In the wait period so I'll check up when I finally get it out to the range.

I agree with this, if it were me I'd take the 3". If you're shooting .38s there's almost no recoil either way.

 

[M29since14]

As others have said, the 4-inch gun is probably a better choice, but if you really like the 3-inch gun it will be OK for you to any reasonable distance. I don't think you will notice a lot of difference in recoil. These are pretty heavy revolvers and while the 4-inch definitely will kick less, neither should seem abusive. If you are practicing with .38 Specials, especially so.

I'd prefer a six-shot gun. I never loaded more than five rounds for target shooting anyway, but I just generally prefer the six-shot guns so I suppose I am a stick in the mud about this. Seven- and eight-shot guns just don't appeal to me.

Be sure to keep the gun clean. The cylinder should always rotate freely on the yoke. It's a simple thing to take apart, clean, lube lightly, and put back together. If you shoot .38s, thoroughly cleaning the chambers after every trip to the range will save you some aggravation later on.

 

[BigBill]

My very first revolver for ccw and the range was a 6" barreled Python in 357mag. My second revolver was a ruger police service six in 357mag. With a 2 3/4" barrel.

 

[MCorps0311]

Here's my S&W 686-6 .357 Magnum 4"

 

[bigggbbruce]

my first revolver and this will be a range gun. I'm looking at the S&W 686+ in the 3inch or 4inch barrel. any other considerations I should make?

Thanks!

why not a 6".. I've always enjoyed longer barrels at the range.

 

[Scottastic]

why not a 6".. I've always enjoyed longer barrels at the range.

Because some of us already own carbines

 

[rwsmith]

It's easy to keep recoil down...

Target ammo doesn't need to be hot, in fact, it's better if it isn't.


On the barrel, I have a 6" 686 and does feel nose heavy, but it grips and points well. So when you grip it to shoot, it doesn't feel nose heavy. I'd sure lean toward a 4".

Even if you get a 686 with recoil like a mule and a 1" barrel you will still have a great gun and a great shooter, which the 587/686 line is indeed.

 

[federali]

Good Advice

As others have said here, the 4" barreled revolver is the better choice. While technically, a 2" barrel is as accurate as a 4" barrel, it generally requires some practice and experience to extract good accuracy from the shorter barrels primarily because of the shorter sight radius.

 

[GTBL]

My first 686 was a 3", and then I bought a 4", and then I bought a 5".

Crazy!!

There all good, buy the one that feels best to you.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

If this is a poll.....you will be happy with a 4".

IMO @ 25 yards. ....4-6"ers. With 5"ers being current favorites.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

 

[murphydog]

This is a good opportunity to find a local range that rents guns (686s are often found there). Balance, size and weight are all subjective (as noted above ) and you may find one barrel length stands out for you.

Might I also suggest a used K frame .38 Special or .22 LR? Good luck in your decision.

 

[mjt29]

Unfortunately, my local range carries almost no revolvers and their in store revolver stock is also limited.

The 3" interests me too because it's looks better balanced and these are large guns. Maybe that really isn't an issue with the 4" either.

Yes, my intent is to practice on .38 and eventually buy a j frame, but I want larger range gun to practice with.

 

[GTBL]

Unfortunately, my local range carries almost no revolvers and their in store revolver stock is also limited.

The 3" interests me to because is looks better balanced and these are large guns. Maybe that really isn't an issue with the 4" either.

Yes, my intent is to practice on .38 and eventually buy a j frame, but I want larger range gun to practice with.

You will love the 3", and if you are considering a J frame as well, I highly suggest the 640 Pro.

 

[mjt29]

I'm a really new shooter does that make any difference in my choice here? Good news is it's seems likes it's hard to go wrong either way.

 

[k22fan]

There is no correct answer, just preferences. You could visit whatever local matches interest you and buy a revolver that the competitors suggest will work well. In my area the top dogs are 6" 6 shot 686s milled for full moon clips and 625s. Those are dedicated target revolvers, not training revolvers for self defense. However, most matches start holstered and your time is a very important part of your score so they might be the best training you get.