4 or 6 inch Barrel?

[Mike 242]

Im looking at the S&w 686 and the Ruger gp100, i like both, and the 4" versions are at least 100$-200$ more then their 6" big brother. Which one would you take and why? help me decide!!

 

[WilliamSussman]

I love my 686 4.2" but since this is Canada and it's only for punching holes in paper I'd take the extra 1.8" of barrel if it saved me $200.

 

[woofer2609]

6". Cheaper, better looking, and longer sight radius. Win win win.

 

[Ganderite]

I have a number of revolvers in both lengths. I always prefer the results with the 6". Sight picture looks better.

 

[Still alive]

Unless you’re using the revolver in specific sanctioned competitions where barrel length matters eg. IDPA, I would go with the 6” also.

 

[wayupnorth]

i asked my wife what is better 4" or 6".
she just smiled and walked away.
im not sure what that means.....

 

[sixty9santa]

Either her previous boyfriend only had a 4" pecker or she hasn't felt 6" in a long time.



Jk!



In all honesty, 4.20" revolver barrel is really nice.
I don't regret it one bit.

 

[GeoTrekr]

I have both the 4.2" and 6" GP-100. Bought the 6" just a few years before the 4.2" became available. If the 4.2" had been first, I likely wouldn't have the 6". The 4.2" feels much more balanced (not nose heavy) and in my opinion is perfect. It is likely the 6" gets a slight edge on accuracy, but the 4.2" shoots very very well.

 

[bearhunter]

OP, do you have 12-6 status??? If not, you don't have much choice, other than to take the longer barrel.

 

[Mike 242]

Not sure what you mean by 12-6 status

 

[Garaldtao]

I own both and my philosophy is 4.2 in a semi pistol and 6+ in a revolver.

 

[Meroh]

If you get into PPC, the shorter barrel will allow you to shoot in an extra class. I shoot PPC, and am contemplating between the Ruger and S & W, but it would be in 4.2/4.5 barrel length.

 

[dogzilla]

About 3 months ago I paid $350 for an unfired 4" gp100 (prohib) it just shows the difference .2" makes. Love my 12/6

 

[WilliamSussman]

OP, do you have 12-6 status??? If not, you don't have much choice, other than to take the longer barrel.

Yes he did say 4" but he's obviously referring to the 4.2" barrel length available in Canada for the 686 and GP100.

 

[WilliamSussman]

About 3 months ago I paid $350 for an unfired 4" gp100 (prohib) it just shows the difference .2" makes. Love my 12/6

I'd love to have a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in 44 Mag!

 

[DanRR]

My Ruger 4.2 for Steel Challenge, out of the holster.
A real joy to shoot.

 

[hatman1793]

Buy the 4.2" barrel.
The 1 in 16" twist rate of the 4.2" barrel is an insignificant difference vs the 6". The velocity loss due to a slighly shorter barrel is also insignifcant.
The 6" can be unwieldy & heavy, while the shorter barrel can be used for Service competitions. The 6" is not allowed, howver you can use the 4.2" against 6-inchers.

 

[wayupnorth]

ive got the 4.2" and i find it perfectly balanced.

 

[tjhaile]

The shorter barrel length is my choice for several reasons:

-Better for holster use
-Balance: full-lugged 6" barrels can be pretty front-heavy.
-I don't find sight radius to be an issue. I can shoot my 4.25" Model 66-8 just a well as a 6" gun.
-Subjective taste: a 4" barrel has the right proportions for a K/L Frame, just as a 5" barrel looks "just right" for an N Frame.

 

[MechanicalSparky25]

Females are consistently lied to about how big 6 inches is...

Oh guns. Yeah I'd get the 4.2"