6-inch or 4-inch

[colossians323]

where is the option for both?

[iluvmycolt]

Personal preference, 4 in.

[MotoriousRacing]

4 inch. It's all about how you use it.

I don't think 6" is going to give any significant accuracy increase at that range. Velocity is the reason for a longer barrel on a 357. There's an article about barrel length and accuracy on a 308 rifle. Not the same as a revolver, but the article might change your perceptions about barrel length and its relationship to accuracy and velocity.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...-and-accuracy/

Nice read, thanks.

I failed to mention I like the idea of added velocity from a longer barrel, not just perceived accuracy. Physics tells us that force = mass x velocity, therefore added velocity should mean a 'harder' hit. It could make a difference if defending yourself in the wilderness.

[schneiderguy]

A full lug 686 is pretty muzzle heavy with a 6" barrel.

On the other hand, a 27 with a tapered barrel and half lug feels well balanced with a 6" barrel.

[glockman19]

Definitely the 4" it's perfectly balanced.

[floogy]

I have a GP100 so the 686 would be redundant. But one of these years I'd like to get one. Great looking guns.

[davefromca]

Looking for gp100s in 4"myself...

[KDTS]

I have a 6" 586 and a 4" GP100. Both fantastic guns, totally different in feel. I felt like the blued 6" S&W was too classic not to have, just pure class. But I know my GP is built like a tank. My vote is for both. Can't go wrong with either.

[Virus55]

I have two model 19 .357 smith and wessons. One is a 4" and the other is 6"

[smittty]

OT is fun and all, but the best reason for CG........ advice from gun enthusiasts.

I'm wanting a revolver in .357M and I seem to have decided on the S&W 686 Plus .357 Magnum 6" 7rd, however RG has a few S&W .357 revolvers in stock now, but with 4-inch barrels, and apparently I'm getting a bit impatient.

I'm thinking the 6-inch barrel will be a little more accurate 25 - 50 yards. It should also provide added velocity and therefore force.

I don't really have a definative purpose other than having a reliable handgun, more powerful than my 9mms, but not too powerful that my wife can't shoot it. I'll do target shooting, but may use it for home defense, and of course it would be a good SHTF gun.

Should I hold out for a revolver with a 6-inch barrel? What are the pros vs. cons of 6- vs. 4-inch?

Thanks in advance.

The only reason to go to 4" is carry ability but, neither 4" or 6" are fun to carry because both are bloody heavy. Shoot ability on the other hand...the 6" is way better for keeping the muzzle blast under control and the longer sight radius for more precision.

If you have the option I recommend 1/2 lug on the 6". The full underlug is unnecessary

[C&Rcollector]

I have a S&W 686 in 4" and 6". I prefer the 4" in just about everything. Range toy, hunting backup, hiking, home defense, etc...

[MotoriousRacing]

On-Target has a good selection of loaners, so of course I should try out a few.


I'm gonna revist this thread after I've been to On-Target and shot a few different .357 revolvers. I'm going to try to go next week.

[bohoki]

i would either go 6" or 2" 4 inches is too big to be small and too small to be big

[Jimmybacon43]

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

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

[357magnum]

For a all around gun, go with the 4".
Years ago I bought a 6" 686 for target shooting and then decided to carry a backup while hunting, so I traded for a 2 1/2" 686. Great for carry butt not really practical for anything else (my opinion). I traded that for a 4" 686, just right for everything. Now that I am older and do mainly target shooting, I added a 6" GP100.
The 4" and 6" cover just about all my needs.
By the way, all the 686's were pre lock and I wish I had kept them all.
Good luck and enjoy which ever one you get, .357 mag is a great round.