6-inch or 4-inch

[MotoriousRacing]

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".

5" GP100???

[MotoriousRacing]

Anyone ever seen this for sale??? It's even On Roster until 8/16/15

Model 686 Plus 5-inch SKU:178038

[faterikcartman]

5" GP100???

Funny, I was about to quote the guy you quoted and say that I didn't know there was a 5" GP100 and if there were I would change my vote from the 4".

[jeffrice6]

4" for work & 6" for play/hunting ~

[Aldemar]

Anyone ever seen this for sale??? It's even On Roster until 8/16/15

Model 686 Plus 5-inch SKU:178038

See post #12.......Oaktree had one as of last week. I had one sent in from Osage County Gunshop last year and they show as in stock.

[Meety Peety]

I was considering the same thing, but in .44 magnum. I ultimately went 6" for a little increased accuracy. I will say, it feels a little "top heavy" when you extend your hand compared to the 4". It's definitely a monster of a gun.

[kayaker]

As has been said already, 4" is better for carry but you mentioned that it was also for your wife to shoot. In that case 6" will help tame the recoil and will make .38 loads feel very mild.
I have a 4" model 19 that I've had for over 30 years, it was my first handgun purchase. These days it is strictly a range gun and for that I wish it were a 6"

[RedFord150]

Personally, I have always chosen 4" in my .357 Revolvers. I have owned Ruger and Colt, never S&W.
Yes, the 6" barrel will improve the ballistics. The question is 'Do you really need the extra performance?'.
Well, do you?
Good luck.

[Dutch Henry]

Whichever one you prefer is the best answer. The extra 2 inches is not a big deal and sometimes a 6 inch piece feels better in the hand. Other times a 4 inch revolver has a better feel. I have both barrel lengths and have never felt that either was too much or too little.

[Calif Hunter]

I have a 6-inch Python for targets and somewhat of a safe queen. I have a 4-inch first model Colt Trooper and a 4-inch Mod 19. For carrying, the 4-inch is my choice. For handgun hunting, I have a 6.5 inch Mod 629 Classic. To further show my preference for the 4-inch barrel, I have 3 .41 mags - a S&W Mod 58, a 4-inch Mod 57 and a 4 5/8 inch Ruger OM Blackhawk.

[oghl888]

I bought both when I got into revolvers, along with an SP101. The S&W revolvers are a class above Rugers in terms of fit/finish/smoothness of operations. There is no doubt that the extra money is worth it. The enjoyment level you will have with a 686 will be so much better, that regardless of how much you shoot (as long as you shoot), I would get the 686 over the GP101. The only reason I got the SP101 is my advisor at the time said that it's a good gun and he has the short barrel version.

My SP101 has been through a gun smith for smoothing out the rough edges. It's got a lighter trigger than stock, but still rougher than the 686 stock triggers. I think the 686 is a bit heavier compared to the lighten SP101 trigger, but the smoothness of the 686 more than makes up for it. So even with gunsmithing, the 686 is still a better shooter for me.

6" vs 4": The 6" is nose heavy and gets tiring at a range session quickly. The 4 inch is a much better balanced gun for me. someone said that the 6" takes better advantage of 357 cartridge. It is true that muzzle velocity is higher, and there is a 2" longer sight radius. But for most people, those are meaningless items. I don't hunt, I don't shoot long range where the minute difference is discernible.

Now here is the interesting thing: I also have a 627 Perfromance Center V-Comp. 5 inch barrel with another inch and a half of a compensator. It's a very well balance gun, without the nose heavy feel of the 6" 686. It's a great gun if size doesn't really matter (it's a larger frame than the 686). I think there is also a non-PC 627 5" 8-shoot gun available. That's the one I would get now and send it to a good smith to make it even better. My 627 gets most of the revolver shooting duty at the range now. That's not to say the 686 is bad. The 627 is just that much better

[JohnCCW]

4" if you want the faster draw. 6" if you want better velocity and faster follow up.

[Ribkick]

I have a 4" 66 and an 8-3/8" 27. I like the 66 out to 50 yds and beyond, the 27. The 6" is cumbersome without a lot of gain over the 4" and lacking in long range over the 27.

Muzzle velocity is higher and makes the .357 stand out in the 8-3/8". The difference in accuracy/velocity between the 4" and 6" doesn't even measure difference out to 50 yds. The only difference is length in sight distance. Not something an average shooter will notice in the 50 yrd range.

[rm1911]

Why the debate over 4" vs 6"? Just get one of both.

Many years ago first handgun I ever bought was a 6" 686. Absolutely loved it. (Traded it to my dad for his 70 series.). Now I own a 6" gp100. Love it too. It's an impressive beast. My sons love it too!!



4" is all around more shootable, better balance, etc. but damn 6" 357 stainless will turn heads!!

[sfogold]

it does not matter which one you get, you will still want the other! buy them both and negotiate a package deal!