Looking to get into wheel guns

[a-mp123]

I'm looking to buy my first revolver (686 or gp100) and need some opinions on barrel length. The purpose will be as a range and camp gun. What say you calgunners?

[a-mp123]

Hey mods, please move to handguns forum. My bad

[Calif Hunter]

I like 4-inch barrels myself. You give up some sight radius but I like the look and size of the 4-inch versions best. For just range use, the 6-inch is probably preferable.

[23 Blast]

4" seems to be the best balance of pointability and portability. I've also owned a 6" and even an 8" revolver, and the 4" just feels the best.

[Too Swole]

I just picked up a 4 inch 686+ and it's nothing short of awesome.
The single action is so sweet and it handles the 357 loads with ease.

[Garv]

I like 4-inch barrels myself. You give up some sight radius but I like the look and size of the 4-inch versions best. For just range use, the 6-inch is probably preferable.

Agree, 686+ 4" unless you want the 6" to use as a club.

[adamjay]

I vote 4"

[Bluesman]

4" or snubbie.

A 6" make you look like your compensating.

[Mayor McRifle]

4" barrel to start, then add a 6" gun later (trust me, you will).

The 2" barrel greatly reduces the effectiveness of the load. While a little unwieldy, a 6" barrel is the ultimate for .357 magnum. A 4" barrel loses a little, but it's just a great size for easy handling and general purpose use (including home defense). If you end up wanting a revolver for CCW, consider something lighter with a 2" to 3" barrel, like a 637 or 642. I have a 3" .357 magnum Model 60 as one of my three CCW guns.

[RedFord150]

My uneducated opinion says 4" is most popular barrel length in full size .38/.357 wheel guns. I chose 4" for my GP100. B-I-L chose 6" for his GP100. We both think we made the best choice.

Good luck.

[Magilla26]

I have a stainless GP100 with a 4" barrel. Great gun.

[Sutcliffe]

What do you want?

If I wanted to hunt or target shoot, I'd go for the 6". For general everyday carry I'd choose the 4".

[pterrell]

You should get something old. I bought my 1917 in 45. Wheel gun - check. Caliber I already own - check. History that would make it easy to sell if I hated it (don't) - check.

[pterrell]

You should get something old. I bought my 1917 in 45. Wheel gun - check. Caliber I already own - check. History that would make it easy to sell if I hated it (don't) - check.

[D.A.V.I.D.]

686 plus in 5", don't know if you've given the 627 any thought but that in the 5" is even better.