[Storm]

My choice for home defense is between two seven shot Model 686, a 2.5 inch and a five inch Stocking Dealer Special with partial underlug barrel. A CTC laser grip will be used. Is one of these guns the clear choice over the other?

[sig228]

The 4" is the PERFECT size. Why not consider that? (BTW, you sure the 5" with the partial underlug is a 686???)

http://www.pbase.com/jimmyk001/image/99497293.jpg

[jad0110]

Either should work fine, and no, there really is no clear choice.

However, if it were me, I think I'd lean towards the 5" gun, especially since it is a partial underlug. Like sig, I like my 686+ with it's 4" barrel for home protection, but an extra inch won't really make any difference at all.

[Storm]

I would consider my four inch 581 or 586, but I really want a seven shot, and those are the two that I own.

[Storm]

Thats true, my five inch with the partial underlug should be somewhat similar to a for inch with full underlug . And yup, a four inch seven shot would be perfect, but not in the budget.

[Walkalong]

For home? The 4" gun.

[Diggers]

For HD I would go with the 5 inch and get rid of the laser.

[Storm]

I like the laser for dealing with the possible situation where I may not have the chance to bring the gun up for careful aim. Point shooting is a very possible situation, and anything that aids in that is to my benefit. Depending on a laser is arguably stupid, but having one to use if things don't go just right and get messy (like if I'm down and on the flat of my back or side).

[Oro]

Having owned both, I prefer shooting the 4". If you ever want to conceal carry it, the 2.5" makes better sense to purchase as then you have two guns in one. However, were it strictly for the nightstand and plinking/target or open carry in the woods, I would get the 4". I would also skip the laser as in door distances rarely justify it. But if you like those grips and the laser, by all means, get them and enjoy them.

[bdb benzino]

I just bought a 686-6 4'' 7 shot that will rotate on my home defense squad. I love it so far and the single action trigger is amazing!!!
Go with the 5'' with the recessed underlug it would be more original. Either would be an excellent choice!!

[woad_yurt]

I'd go with the longer barrel; it helps in the aiming department. Why have a short barrel on a weapon that isn't to be concealed?

Sometimes I use a Star MOD 30MI for bedroom duty. It's a really heavy, big, heavy pistol, no good for concealed carry but great for everything else.

[Storm]

The laser may or may not stay. My maximum distance unimpeded shot inside my house is just shy of sixty-five feet, but the laser is more an issue for worst case scenarios where getting a light on the target may take everything I've got, and in that case an edge may make the difference. Beyond that, its only a laser if the switch is flipped.

But, getting past the laser, which is really not the issue, I think the five inch will be the way to go. The 2.5 can go into my workshop. Plus, the red Hi-Viz front sight on the five will be a plus.

Thanks for the opinions.

[Diggers]

Ah..well yes, 65 feet is a bit far for most of us mortals to point shoot. I can see what you're saying about having a laser as a back up tool, just in case.

Though I think learning to point shoot with your weapon out to 7 or so yards with hits in the torso ( they don't have to be a neat group just hits!) is important.
Its a fast shooting method and you are not looking for an aiming aid (sights, laser dot, whatever) you are just shooting.

But at say 60 feet in the dark....well a laser could be useful.

The five inch will be easier to point shoot with and you will get better FPS out of that sucker. :D

A good choice.

[joed]

I'm a big fan of the 7 shot myself. Funny thing is I'm trying to sell mine and no one is interested in it. Why? It's a little bigger then a K frame with 7 shots. In my opinion that's hard to beat.

[snooperman]

If you think you may want to use it for CC then buy the 2 1/2" gun. If you want it only for the house , truck, or hunting, then go with the 4 or 5 inch gun. I have both and I prefer the 2 1/2 model 19 to the 4 inch gun. It just balances well to me and I have better control with the shorter barrel.

[bflobill_69]

Buy both and decide after several thousand rounds of firing =O

Bflobill69

[joe_security]

A good rule of thumb for the 686...If it left the factory with wood grips, its a keeper.

[Storm]

BTW, I already own both of these guns, so its just a matter of reaching into my vault.

As to wood grips, the five inch Stocking Dealer Special came with Ahrends wood grips. My only problem is that things get a little tight right at the top of the front of the grip, enough that it's annoying.

[Confederate]

Either of the guns will work, but like others, I would prefer the 5-incher. For home self defense, the 5-inch model will give you better velocity and a better sight radius, neither of which is a significant advantage. The shorter barrel will make it slightly easier to conceal, again, not a significant advantage in home defense.

I'm not a fan of short barrels, but 2.5-inch barrels are okay. There just has to be a good reason for it, and a snubby for home defense just doesn't warrant it.