Need Help Choosing Barrel Length on 586/686

[BabaBlueJay]

I'm planning to purchase a new S&W 586 or 686. I like the idea of having the longer sight radius of the 6" model, but also appreciate the more handy size of the 4". My current concealed carry revolvers are a S&W 351C for when I dress light (most of the time) and a Kimber K6S DCR in 357 Magnum for the rare times when the size and weight are less of an issue. I don't plan to EDC the 586, but do like keeping the option open should extreme societal circumstances ever arise. The realistic uses for either length 586 are home protection, range shooting, and just admiring. I went to my LGS and was able to handle both. I must say that I was impressed with the sight radius of the 6" model. In spite of the length, it felt pretty natural, and I had no problem sighting-in quickly and holding it steady. I like them both, but for very different reasons. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I have a 2.5" 686 and still rarely carry it. I use it for home defense and occasionally carry it if I want that extra sense of security. Thankfully that is rarely required where I live.

If carry is at all in the cards, the 4" is the better choice for you. Though what I ended up doing is getting a smaller revolver specifically for EDC. In hindsight the 6" being a high velocity home defense specialist might have been the more prudent choice.

 

[Chesney]

If you can't decide between a 4 inch or a 6 inch 686, just go with the 5inch, problem solved. I went with a 686plus with the 5 inch barrel, no regrets.

 

[sniper]

I'm planning to purchase a new S&W 586 or 686. I like the idea of having the longer sight radius of the 6" model, but also appreciate the more handy size of the 4". My current concealed carry revolvers are a S&W 351C for when I dress light (most of the time) and a Kimber K6S DCR in 357 Magnum for the rare times when the size and weight are less of an issue. I don't plan to EDC the 586, but do like keeping the option open should extreme societal circumstances ever arise. The realistic uses for either length 586 are home protection, range shooting, and just admiring. I went to my LGS and was able to handle both. I must say that I was impressed with the sight radius of the 6" model. In spite of the length, it felt pretty natural, and I had no problem sighting-in quickly and holding it steady. I like them both, but for very different reasons. Any thoughts? Thanks!

It's basically what you find that fits you best. Back in the Dark Ages, I owned a Dan Wesson with both the 6" and 4" barrels, also with Pachmayrs. Very accurate with either barrel. After shooting both barrels, I settled on the 4", length and haven't changed. through several revolvers. Think a 66 with 3" barrel would be nice, but they are waaay out of my price range, and the "new" 66 just doesn't appeal with either the 4"+ or 2 3/4" barrel. The new, no lock 19 really appeals, as does the 696 Mountain Gun, but...economic$. Owell...that's life!

 

[schutz5]

Depends on how well you shoot.
My 586 is a 6 inch and my 28-2 is a 4 inch.
At 12 yards they are comparable. At 25 yards there might be variances. Alot depends on the shooter.
You' d be safe ,on average,with the 4 inch variant no doubt.

 

[rwsmith]

This is an old thread but I have to put in my 2 cents. I have a 6" and I find it a tad nose heavy, but it's fine for range fun, which is why I got it. I'd consider optimum to be 4", maybe 5" if they made one. Certainly no less that 3"

 

[challer61]

I have many 6” but recently have been shooting 4” models much more. If you ever plan to carry 3 or 4. Lots of lovely wood grips, I prefer Nils and have them on all my smiths.

 

[66fan]

It's basically what you find that fits you best. Back in the Dark Ages, I owned a Dan Wesson with both the 6" and 4" barrels, also with Pachmayrs. Very accurate with either barrel. After shooting both barrels, I settled on the 4", length and haven't changed. through several revolvers. Think a 66 with 3" barrel would be nice, but they are waaay out of my price range, and the "new" 66 just doesn't appeal with either the 4"+ or 2 3/4" barrel. The new, no lock 19 really appeals, as does the 696 Mountain Gun, but...economic$. Owell...that's life!

I had a new 686+ with 3’’ barrel. Took it to the range and shot both .38spl. and magnum loads. I only shot three cylinders of rounds and the cylinder wouldn’t turn nor the hammer wouldn’t cock or trigger wouldn’t pull. What the hell so I sent it back to S&W and they sent it back saying nothing was wrong with it. Well I traded for a dream of mine a blue Dan Wesson 15-2 with a six inch barrel. I slowly purchased a 21/2, 4, and 8 inch barrels on eBay. My dream gun from the 70’s was now a reality. Never could afford the pistol pack back then Oh well all good now. Thanks S&W forum.

 

[Yendor357]

^Darn. Just when I had myself talked into going way out on a limb and buying a new 3 inch 686.

My six inch 686 shoots like each bullet has a laser guidance system built into it.

My 4 is almost as good. Plus it looks cooler. lol

 

[Neumann]

I have 686+ revolvers in 4", 3", and a PC 2-5/8". IMO, 4" has the perfect balance, but the 3" easier for EDC. The 2-5/8" has a half-length extractor, which sometimes needs a firm whack. I have 6" barrels in other revolvers, but they're not my favorite. Too hard to carry and offer little accuracy and ballistics over a 4". If I need something with more reach in a pistol caliber, an M1872 lever gun in .357M is my first choice.

 

[lppd4]

If I could only have 1 I think I would go with the 4”. Easy solution is to get both maybe a 4” 686 and a 6” 586. Pre lock models of course