A couple of years ago, I owned a 686 4". Loved it except that I couldn't get used to the 4" barrel.
Just didn't balance well and point quickly enough for me.
So I sold it, and replaced it with a 65 3". Perfect for me: balances great, points quickly.
First time to the range, it offered up a couple of failure to fire rnds.
Took it to my smith recently for an opinion.
"Trigger feels light to me", he said. "Somebody either tried to lighten the hammer spring, or replaced it."
I left it with him for repair.
I've been thinking that eventually, I'd want to replace it with a 3" 686.
But after reading this thread, I'm not so sure any more.
Now, if I can just find a holster for it.
Would like a drop holster suitable for wearing with a large belted backpack for the outback.