4" or 6" Barrel?

[Elvishead]

Stainz

Elvishead,

I am a retired college instructor - still accustomed to 'giving examples'.

For the A.D.D. folks, the gist of my diatribe:

They make practically nothing like they once did - things are generally far better made now - often with features never dreamed of before. Inflation has caused goodies - and food, etc - to cost a lot more nowadays. Drink the Kool-Aid... buy a new S&W - you know you want one!

Stainz

PS Or... does misery like company??

Noted

 

[Confederate]

Reading all these responses just reinforces my conviction that Ruger and S&W erred in going to 6-incher underlug barrels.

It's easier to accurately shoot a 6-inch magnum once you have your target in sight, but it's far easier to acquire a target wth a shorter, lighter barrel.

The Model 19/66 works well with either barrel length; so does the Ruger Security-Six (both of which had lighter, tapered barrels). The 686s are outstanding guns, but the longer tubes need to be lighter, not heavier, and I'd personally prefer a tapered 4-inch barrel as well, although I can see why target shooters would prefer the underlugs.

 

[warnerwh]

I've been using a 6" barrel for general purpose for 20 years. Lately however I've been using my 4" barrel. It's a Dan Wesson so I can change barrels and whether there's an underlug or not. Part of my reason though is because at my age my eyes have deteriorated and it's easier to focus with the 4" barrel. The 6" isn't much more to carry over a 4".

 

[Bellevance]

I REALLY LIKE the 6-inch 686P as a fitting complement to my 6-inch 617. These are both dedicated target/hunting revolvers. My target work with the 617 has been a great benefit to my capabilities with the 686. And I like the weight of the underlugged barrels. They are very both accurate wheelguns--even better than my old K-22.

For woods carry and general portability, I like a Model 19.

 

[tcsnake]

I have the 6 inch, and after less than 500 rounds the trigger pull has started to get pretty heavy...