Choosing a barrel length

[WNC Seabee]

I've decided my next purchase will be either a S&W 686 or a GP100. I need to figure out which one feels best and then start hunting up a deal.

What I'm undecided on is the barrel length to go with; 4, 5 or 6". The most use will be as a range gun mostly at 25 yards, but up to 50 yards if I feel a need to humble myself.

The primary serious use will be as my trail gun. I do a lot of back country fishing, backpacking and bushwhacking. There have been recent murders (sad story, an 80 year old couple killed for nothing) and a fair amount of "non traditional farming" in the National Forest land I frequent. So, I'm not worried about black bears or rabid bunnies; this gun will serve as personal defense. Weight is not an issue for me.

So, for those purposes, which barrel length seems most appropriate? I figured I'd just split the difference and go 5", but when I started searching the auction sites, it seems that only 4" and 6" models are out there.

Thanks all,

Tim
ETA: if it makes any difference, I'm leaning S&W because of previous outstanding Customer Service experience.

 

[Pure Kustom]

6" for 50

for protection 4"

 

[gwnorth]

Actually, Davidson's has an exclusive available of Ruger's GP100 - stainless but with a 5inch full lug barrel.

I think that would make a great sized trail gun in .357

 

[Shawnee]

WNC...


Self-defense is pretty much a short-range affair (and most judges will view it that way). Thus, in a self-defense handgun there is no real advantage to having a long barrel and there could be some disadvantage in it being slow and/or awkward to get into action. Even though it would seem like a gun with a 6" barrel should be about as "portable" as one with a 4" barrel - you will find the shorter barrel to be nicer to carry, especially for long periods of time and/or in rough footing.

A 4" barrel on a Smith revolver is a very good choice for the type of use you describe.
A 5" barrel is a decent 2nd choice. I would shun the barrels of 6" or longer.

 

[WNC Seabee]

gwnorth....I got a quote on that Davidson's special. Seems like a good deal, but I was going to check out a local show in a few weeks and try some rentals before buying.

 

[Catherine]

I like S&W, Ruger and several brands in firearms.

I do HAVE a S&W Model 686 in a 6 inch barrel. Not the plus or ported one. No lock - pre lock and bought NIB between 1998-2001. Hogue grips and I do like wooden grips but do not have them for this gun. Full lug and adjustable sights. Stainless steel = 6.

They called it the Distinguished Combat Magnum.

She is a STRAIGHT shooter.

I put her in an Uncle Mike's black fabric shoulder holster for the 'woods'.

I did that when I had my Model 29 too.

If I do not use my Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt aka long colt in my western belt and holster for the 'woods' - I use THIS gun. I used to switch between all 3 guns for the 'woods'. Back up guns too - my husband packs a Freedom Arms and assorted other ones.

I would be concerned about 2 legged creatures as much as I would the bears, moose, mountain lions, etc.

I would go with the 6 inch barrel one - I PREFER that barrel - see my other recent and past posts. She is a heavy gun but she is NOT out of the question when you use a nice shoulder holster including some nice leather ones. I would rather have some weight in a GOOD GUN than something that did not serve the purpose.

Take care. Best wishes.

Catherine

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for GWNorth's suggestion - a GP100 with a 5" barrel would be a great choice.

 

[Jeff F]

I like a 4 inch barrel for most everything even hunting. I keep my shots 25 yards or under deer hunting. I can do a little better shooting a six inch barrel with the longer sight radius but prefer the way a 4 inch carries.

I've shot my 4 inch gp100 at 50 out to 100 yards and let me tell you a 4 inch barrel on a .357 will reach out there a ways.

 

[Gunsby_Blazen]

for a handgun, I find optimal barrel length is in the 5 to 6 inch range.

 

[Catherine]

Some states do not allow hunting with some handguns with a barrel of under so many Fill In The Blank Inches - some not ALL states.

I like the balance in a 6 inch barrel or close to it myself.

I hope that whatever he buys - he loves it. We all have different tastes in guns. ; . )

Catherine

 

[WNC Seabee]

I'm not looking at this as a hunting gun. I prefer long guns for hunting. This will strictly be a companion on the trail for 2-legged predators.

Thanks for all the replies. I think I need to go handle a couple 4" and 5" models now.

 

[wnycollector]

+1 on the 5" barrel length! It bridges the gap nicely between 4 and 6" lengths...still concealable but give a nice sight picture.