I own both, 4" and 6" barrel .357 magnums. These are Smith & Wesson
model 19's; the 6" blued model, I plan on shooting but not the nickel
4" model. The main reason, its pristine; and I plan of keep'in in that
way. Also, I own a 3-1/2" barrel S&W model 27 that I don't shoot
for the same reason as given for the factory nickel model 19. Both
of these weapons are in their original factory box'es with proper
accessories and documents. Plus, I own a NIB 50th Anniversary
Ruger .357 magnum "Blackhawk" in unfired status; as well as a
2-1/2" barrel S&W model 66-4 that I purchased used, but in
excellent condition~!
For long distance shots of 100
yards or more, I prefer my 6" Smith & Wesson model 686-5.
For hunting, the 6" definitely offers an advantage as mentioned
with its longer sight radius. When I first started in law enforcement,
I carried a 6" S&W model 19 in a couple different holster combo's;
but quickly found the shorter, 4" barrels to be more comfortable.