I'd go either 4" or 3". I started with a 4" based as my first 686 based on similar comments but it is a little bulky pulling in and out of safe, concealed carry, etc. Now that I'm leaning more towards carry I'm down in the 3" range. Also own 5" and 6" revolvers which are great at the range but that's about it.
What length barrel should I get?
- Thread starter RGVshooter
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muddocktor
Member
Just to be a contrarian, I say that you should also look at an N frame 627 Pro with the 4" barrel. It only weighs 1.7 ounces more than a 4" 686 Plus (40.7 vs 39.0 ounces) and gives you 8 rounds instead of 7. It also uses the interchangeable front sight system that makes it easy to change from a ramp sight to a patridge sight. And since you plan to carry OWB, the little bit of extra width shouldn't bother you. Give one a try to see how it feels when you are shopping.
flagman1776
Member
It depends... for all around use a 4 inch is great. For CC I'd go with 3" if you can find one. If I could only have one it'd be 3".
flagman1776
Member
It depends... for all around use a 4 inch is great. For CC I'd go with 3" if you can find one. If I could only have one it'd be 3". The 4" is a bit harder to conceal but the barrel length hangs vertically along the leg... the grips are horrizontal & more apt to print. Since all current S&Ws are round butt, you can use the same grips reguardless. You might even change grips for concealment.
Snapping Twig
Member
The 4" appears to be leading in the poll - for good reason.
I've had 2.5, 4, and 6", had stainless and blue.
4" is my go to now.
I've had 2.5, 4, and 6", had stainless and blue.
4" is my go to now.
I have a 3" 686 and a 4" 586. The 3" balances nicely and looks great.
A quick look at BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results will lead you to the conclusion that the 4" is a whole lot more effective, ballistically, although it is only 1" longer in the barrel.
A quick look at BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results will lead you to the conclusion that the 4" is a whole lot more effective, ballistically, although it is only 1" longer in the barrel.
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Good point. And, that's a great site, I've had it in my favorites for years, and consulted it countless times.
This one from Luckygunner is also outstanding, this section covers both 38 and 357 ballistics....
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/
Jayhawkhuntclub
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The 4" is extremely versatile. And would probably be the best pick for what you describe. But personally, I prefer a 3" in the 686. It's what all the cool kids have.
You can't go wrong with either.
You can't go wrong with either.fishcreekrim
Member
If you are going to use it for hunting, I would recommend a 5" barrel, that is what I did with my 629. I carry it strong side, high ride. Goes in and out of vehicles no problem. I consider 5" the revolver sweet spot when hunting is involved. JMHO/YMMV
vigil617
US Veteran
Throw in my vote with the 4" crowd, though I don't own any L frames. The K's though, are sweet in the 4" variety.
And when you fall in love with the 4", it's only a short walk to the 3" world, where you can be smitten all over again.
And when you fall in love with the 4", it's only a short walk to the 3" world, where you can be smitten all over again.
alfsauve
Member
Like GTBL, I'm a 5" fan. Plus the Performance Center comes as a 7 shot which could be handy, depending on the rules, in bowling pin matches.
OP
RGVshooter
Member
Alright! It's a done deal.... I've emailed Bud's gun shop regarding taking in my Kahr k9 as a trade towards a new S&W 686 4" and they offered me $400 bux for the K9 and I pay $291 for the remaining balance.. I just sent the K9 out today via fed ex to buds... (had to pay 39 bux to ship it out to them)
sdb321
Member
CONGRADULATIONS!!! Keep us posted with pics & range report!! I'm sure you will love it.
OP
RGVshooter
Member
As usual Bud's gun shop's shipping was fast & smooth. Shipped out on the 15th, received my new 4" 686-6 on the 18th. Today I finally had a chance to take it to my favorite outdoor range. Weather down here was partly sunny and 82° I bought two boxes of Remington 130gr FMJ 38spl & one box of Blazer Brass 158 gr. JHP .357 mag.
I'm guessing that S&W doesn't sight in the pistols at the factory as it appears that I was hitting low a few inches at 20 yards. Windage is spot on. I was blowing lead stuffed bowling pins clean off the table at 20 yards with the 357 mag loads and knocking them over with the Remy 38spl. I fired off all 150 rounds this afternoon without a hitch. Today I ordered a DeSantis thumb break speed scabbard OWB holster for it as well as S&W wood target grips. Nothing wrong with the stock Hogue rubber grips, it's that the wood adds a bit more class.
On a final note. Although my last S&W rebate 2 weeks ago arrived within 10 days after summiting. I wonder if this one will be just as fast and smooth?
Stay tuned for 686 pics & rebate update!
I'm guessing that S&W doesn't sight in the pistols at the factory as it appears that I was hitting low a few inches at 20 yards. Windage is spot on. I was blowing lead stuffed bowling pins clean off the table at 20 yards with the 357 mag loads and knocking them over with the Remy 38spl. I fired off all 150 rounds this afternoon without a hitch. Today I ordered a DeSantis thumb break speed scabbard OWB holster for it as well as S&W wood target grips. Nothing wrong with the stock Hogue rubber grips, it's that the wood adds a bit more class.
On a final note. Although my last S&W rebate 2 weeks ago arrived within 10 days after summiting. I wonder if this one will be just as fast and smooth?
Stay tuned for 686 pics & rebate update!
ultratec00
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Anything over a 3" will have limitations when it comes to CCW. I have a 5" and 3" 3-5-7. Both are exceptional. The 5" is a good compromise. Not quite as cumbersome as a 6" but more than enough sight radius for hunting/plinking purposes. The 3" is just enamoring. The size/balance just complement one another. However the shorter sight radius does make it a bit more difficult to shoot accurately at longer ranges. It also sports a set of VZ grips which lend more for CCW vs. the standard Hogues on the 5".
mule69
US Veteran
My 686 PC with a 2.5 inch barrel is not only fairly easy to carry but one of the finest and most fun shooting revolvers I have ever owned.
