6-inch or 4-inch

[NytWolf]

How much velocity are you really gaining with 2 extra inches of barrel?

Average of 200 fps.

[John Joseph]

To get the full performance of the 357 Mag cartridge, you need a 6" barrel.

This^

[faterikcartman]

I've got 4, 5, and 6 inch S&Ws and a 4" GP100.

If I were forced to pick one as a do-it-all piece, including TEOTWAWKI, it would be the the 4" GP100. Not that it is necessarily the prudent course to mess with the trigger and springs in a self-defense sidearm, but just so you know the GP100's action can be tuned to be as smooth and nice as a S&W. I did mine myself and added night sights. Great gun.

[TMB 1]

6" is perfect length for the 357. Model 19 with 4" barrel has a good feel to it though.

[Creampuff]

If I had to pick only one, it would be my 4" GP100. Balances well in my hand.

[Jimmybacon43]

Average of 200 fps.

Hm wow. I'd like to see a ballistic test done with 4" and 6" barreled .357's to see what that equates to in penetration.

[curt1950]

I like the s&w, for target and hunting the 6" for carrying/target the 4" is good. I have a model 13 with a 3" and a 629 in 4", like them both. For hunting I have an old flat top ruger in .44 mag, I like that also, guess I'm easy.

[pitbull30]

I have the 686+ 4". I have not shot the 6. The 686 is one of my favorites.

Maybe you can rent or meet someone at a range and decide.

[SloChicken]

6" has a longer sight radius, but how much velocity are you really gaining with that 2"? And how much is that really going to matter in the grand scheme of things?

With a 6" barrel You are gaining about 150ft/sec over a 4"barrel
And you are gaining about 150lb/ft of ME
Which is about a 20% increase. - so you could say it is substantial.

I have a 4" and 3" barreled 357s. But I would prefer a 6" for hunting

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/megraphs/357mag.html

[SloChicken]

Hm wow. I'd like to see a ballistic test done with 4" and 6" barreled .357's to see what that equates to in penetration.

See the links in my post above

[sholling]

6" for a home defense revolver and range toy, 4" if you ever plan to carry it.

[maylebox]

4" just felt right to me when I was shopping for my 686. Just like 6" just felt right for my 629.

[John Joseph]

What is your intended use? For home defense or carry a 4" is far more comfortable to carry. For targets and hunting, a 6" will give you better accuracy at distance and performance. I've had and enjoyed both lengths. I wish I still owned them.

[JTROKS]

5" is a very good compromise. I used 6" GP100, 586 and 686 for PPC Type and steel shooting. The 6" full lug barrels gave me that faster follow up shot due to the added weight. The 4" tend to point higher during recoil with the accompanying more felt recoil. I handled a 5" GP100 and if I could start over I would get the 5".

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I would lean towards the 6" because the first 357 I used was a 586 6". I loved it. It was a little nose heavy, but it worked well for me. I've only used it at the range. Since then, my new love is the 5" N frame. I prefer the longer barrels for the longer sight radius. If I was to carry one, a 4" would be more practical. Select based on your preference and needs.