686P ... 4" or 6" ?

[lebowski]

Next gun purchase will be a 686P ... having trouble deciding between the 4 or the 6".

This won't be a carry gun (have my CCW, but prefer to carry a smaller and lighter gun, either an auto or my 642). Maybe I'd get a shoulder holster for it at some point, but it's not a gun I'd carry often if ever. Primary use for this gun will be a range toy and to collect, though it could see occasional bedside duty.

Leaning towards the 6" for the increased velocity ... does this also come along with less muzzle flash and/or less noise vs. the 4"?

Does the 4" feel/balance better in hand?

I've handled a 6" but not a 4. I don't think my local gunstore has either, otherwise I'd go handle them both side by side.

Edit: Doh! Should have made this a poll

 

[Rexster]

I doubt you will be able to tell the difference in the noise. Muzzle flash, yes. Balance is a matter of opinion, and I like both lengths in my GP100s. I have only owned 4" L-frames thus far.

 

[GP100man]

Easy get 2 GP100s

 

[lebowski]

I like the GP100 a lot too, but I've settled on the Smith. $670 on Buds, not twice the price of a GP100.

 

[Nasty]

For the uses you suggest, the 6" may be more rewarding...the longer site radius will make it a bit easier to shoot tight groups with on the range and if you ever what to use it for hunting, the added velocity will be a bonus. Muzzle flash should be slightly less noticeable as the extra 2" will burn the powder more completely and it will be 2" further away from your face.

That said, I have found the 4" a bit quicker and with better balance for rapid fire.

Either would be a greta addition to your collection!

 

[CTGunner]

GP100man - I like those grips on your 4inch.

 

[lebowski]

Thanks for the help guys, I decided to go with the 6". I'll post pics when it gets here (hopefully sometime next week).

Any holster recommendations?

 

[GP100man]

Thanks !!!

CTGunner the 4" grips are made from clear micarta rosin & blue jeans .

The 6" is spalted maple & the pic does`nt show it all .

I think clear micarta rosin , I won em on a karma that 41Magnum had!!!

He also makes inserts for the sp101 also , he`s over on the Ruger forums ,both of em!!!

 

[SwampWolf]

I'll never understand why the 5" barrel isn't more popular. One can argue "neither fish nor fowl" but I believe it's the perfect compromise for many situations.

 

[lebowski]

I agree. I didn't realize they even made a 5" until recently, and I didn't come across any for sale that were NIB. The 5" would have been a perfect compromise for me, but I think I'll be plenty happy with the 6".

 

[philpost]

I actually went with a 5" 7-shot 686 (w/unfluted barrel), and have been pretty happy with it. But I just love all flavors of S&W revolvers.