Help Need a Lesson on Revolvers

[kharlingca]

I have been thinking of buying a revolver for some time, anyone who grew up watching Dirty Harry has thought of it. I have already decided to get the following

S&W 686 6-shot I wanted the 38 / 357

I am trying to find a holster to some IPSC shooting and every time I find one there are 2 choices

1. SW 686 - L Frame with 6” BBL
2. SW 686 – L Frame with Stock 6” BBL only

My question is:
What's is the difference?

 

[dan belisle]

Different shaped barrels on the S&W Performance Center revolvers. - dan

 

[kharlingca]

Different shaped barrels on the S&W Performance Center revolvers. - dan

thanks

 

[BCRider]

Some holsters have an open bottom so a longer barrel, like the 8 inch, can stick through. So the "6 inch stock barrel only" may have a mix of reasons why it is limited.

Congrats on the decision. Shooting a wheelgun is a really different experience compared to a semi. The two can co-exist happily in a collection.