What length barrel should I get?

[Mark IV]

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.

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]

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.

 

[fishcreekrim]

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]

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.

 

[alfsauve]

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.

 

[RGVshooter]

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]

CONGRADULATIONS!!! Keep us posted with pics & range report!! I'm sure you will love it.

 

[RGVshooter]

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!

 

[ultratec00]

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]

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.

 

[SA1911]

For me, 4" barreled .357 Mag revolvers are best balanced.

My opinion is a 4" .357 Mag revolver is the best trail gun going.

The .357 Mag needs long barrels to get anywhere close to advertised velocities, which I believe are inflated. The .357 Mag cartridge is loaded with slow-burning powder necessitating longer barrels to achieve maximum velocities. A large So Cal law enforcement agency armorer once told me that chrono'd ballistic testing revealed short barreled .357 Mag revolvers are not much more than the .38 Special FBI Load outta a Chiefs Special. But 2.5" K Frames are good looking revolvers. So I went with the much lighter and carry friendly Chief's Special.

I've chrono'd factory and hand loaded .357 Mag rounds using data that's no longer published (now considered above currently acceptable pressure). The best I could get out of a 4" 586 was ~1250 FPS with 158 grain bullets.

My advice is to go with four out the door.

 

[Arquebus357]

I can only afford cheap used S&W and they are all 4". If I were buying new there would be no question....3". The 3" models also fetch more money in case you decide to sell. Put a 4" S&W in a gun store on consignment, and it may languish for months. Do that with a 3" model and it will be gone in a week or so.To top things off the large frame 3" revolvers are perfectly proportioned. They also look much more badass.

 

[mg357]

I recommend the S&W Model 686 with a 4 inch barrel & a 6 shot cylinder.

 

[TravisPNW]

I can only afford cheap used S&W and they are all 4". If I were buying new there would be no question....3". The 3" models also fetch more money in case you decide to sell. Put a 4" S&W in a gun store on consignment, and it may languish for months. Do that with a 3" model and it will be gone in a week or so.To top things off the large frame 3" revolvers are perfectly proportioned. They also look much more badass.

Good to know. I bought my 3" 686 last month. What can I say... I liked the look of it. Badass it most definitely is.

Shoots Magnums like a dream too. 7 shots is nice.

 

[RGVshooter]

I recommend the S&W Model 686 with a 4 inch barrel & a 6 shot cylinder.

Yup, that's what i got.... Just picked it up this past monday and shot it yesterday. I'm reloading more range ammo for it now as I type...

For my needs & the pistol's intended purpose I agree with most & went for the 4" model. I live in Texas where a licensed carrier has the option to carry open or concealed. I chose both. I carry OWB in a DeSantis thumb break speed scabbard, which I highly recommend and just throw a short sleeve button shirt over but leave the shirt open. With a good thick leather gun belt, such as mine from DM Bullard & holster, the weight of the pistol is insignificant and over my right rear pocket, the pistol lays close & flat against my body. I've been carrying like this for years long before open carry passed and it's very comfortable and on my 5'11" 165lb frame, it's not even close to being noticable. Besides, in this part of Texas, it's not uncommon to see someone open carrying anyway.


Gun Leather, Concealment and Cowboy holsters, Azle, TX.