4" or 6" Model 19 or 66 for Carry

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After you get good at shooting them, there is almost no accuracy difference between 4" and 6" barrels out to a range of around 25 yards. I like my 4" for best all around size and accuracy, I do have a 6" to shoot PPC and Bullseye where I want to get every last point I can. Yet, even with the 6" barrel, there is still always one or two that wander about 1/2" into the "9" area.....
 
4" Model 66 would be my choice, but I own them all (4" Model 19, 6" Model 19, 4" Model 66).
 
The 4" 66 balances so perfectly and points so well and quickly, I can't imagine hanging 2 extra inches of blowhole off the end of it! (except for reasons like bountyhunter's--or if you were gonna hunt with your k-frame)

CG
 
For carry, even exposed, go with the 4 inch. Many years ago I carried a six inch revolver. It worked well while standing, but sitting was uncomfortable, to say the least, and it took longer for the muzzle to clear the holster during a draw. With practice, the 4 inch will give you the same level of accuracy that you will get from a 6 inch barrel. My S&W model 19 can hold 1.5 inch groups with my lead wadcutter loads at 25 yards. My 6 inch Colt Python gives the exact same accuracy with this ammo. The four inch K frames also balance very well in the hand.
 
Lots of good feedback, fellas.
I've shot both (my friends), but have not owned either. I liked the balance of the 4" in the hand, and shot pretty well with it. The muzzle heavy 6" held steadier on target and the slightly longer sight line seemed to work better with these old eyes (Patridge vs. Baughman). Accuracy in my hand, was better with the six.
The only drawback mentioned was clearing the holster & comfort while seated. I carried my 6" Model 28 for some time on the job, and got pretty proficient at clearing leather, and sitting in a transport vehicle didn't present a problem for me.
Appearance wise I prefer the longer barrel, but as a tool it's what will work best for me. I haven't made my final decision...A little more shooting is needed.
 
Don't just stop at shooting.

Get holsters for both.

WEAR them.

USE them.

Draw, sit, stand, walk, do stairs, etc.

Don't just assume that because you shoot the 4" marginally better that it's the better all around gun.

There's a lot more to it than that.
 
I said 6" before but I agree with Mike to try'em all, but I am jonesing for a 6" for Target and hunting. I have a 4" 586 that I like but it is too muzzle heavy compared to a half shroud 19 6". I mught just take a Dremel and some files to the full length shroud.
I really would rather use my 3" mod 13, less sticky up things(sights), round butt, just a hot little number.

But I am looking for an ugly P&R mod 58 that is a shooter that I want to round butt and then commence to wear it out.
 
4"

I carried a 4" N and K for years. I have a couple nice 6" but trying to carry them was a problem. If I carried with a lower riding "Border Patrol" holster, it was constantly in the way when sitting, getting into chairs with arm rests etc. If I carried the 6" in a high rise holster, it was under my armpit by the time the muzzle cleared leather. The cars we drive are getting smaller with more and more crap in them...MDT's, Laptops, Radios, light and siren box, AR-15 rack, Mobile camera etc..I think now, more than ever, the 6" would be an even bigger problem. If you just plan on wandering around the woods etc. I could make an argument for the longer barrel, longer sight radius, better velocity...

Moot point for me know. I have to carry the issue Glock 35. Still gets caught up in chairs. I'm 6 ft, 175. But, a 34 inseam, so, all my hieght is in my legs. MY torso is too short for the 6". Everybody is different though...

Another point, the lower riding holster that allows you better access to the gun is also harder to protect if you get into a fight or in a crowd. High ride holster, you can just clamp your elbow in while you deal with the problem
 
Ditto on the 4".

Carry my 4" 19 occasionally even concelaed OWB. Very comfortable easy to draw. All 6" gun/holster OWB combos's I've tried have been a pain while sitting or driving and slow to draw.

As for sights, I had S/W put a partridge front sight on my 4" 19 to get the best of both worlds :)
 
I own several S&W .357s - a 4" 66, a 6" 686+, and a 5" 27.

My favorite is the 27, but between the 66 and the 686+ the barrel length is not the major factor. (the 27 just FEELs right for a .357 - its my personal most accurate revolver, beating even my 625, which I love beyond reason!)

I agree that the difference between 4 and 6 is not critical for accuracy, within the limits imposed by my 50+ eyes. I shoot equally well with both.

For hunting, i'd prefer the 6". The 686 handles heavy loads a lot better.

For carry, I'd prefer the 4" 66. But I would not load it fast and heavy.

JAF
 
Don't just stop at shooting.

Get holsters for both.

WEAR them.

USE them.

Draw, sit, stand, walk, do stairs, etc.

Don't just assume that because you shoot the 4" marginally better that it's the better all around gun.

There's a lot more to it than that.
Click to expand...

Your points are very well taken, Mike.
Because I carry only when working outside the confines of the jail, I don't have the restrictions that a deputy would have in carrying in various circumstances.
As a transport officer, the major restriction is when seated in a vehicle. Our transport vehicles are vans with bucket style seats that don't effect a holstered gun. I do have more latitude with a longer barrel than a Road deputy. Either barrel length would suit me in my daily activities.
 
I really like my 6" 586 and in the woods where the slightly higher velocity might be useful I'd vote for the 6". Otherwise I'd say go with the 4"- quicker draw, slightly lighter, better balanced (seems that way to me anyway), etc.
 
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