I haven't read all the responses here. I had a 6" and 4.2" 686, and i've kept the 4.2" and sold off the 6" a while ago.
I normally shoot max 25 meters, so extra barrel length didn't come in to play. I will say at 50M it makes a difference.
The main reason I kept the 4.2 over the 6", is that the 4.2" is easier to draw from a holster. Balance wise, they both had their benefits - 6" weighed more with less felt recoil (only a little bit) but the 4.2" is better balanced (to me).
I normally shoot max 25 meters, so extra barrel length didn't come in to play. I will say at 50M it makes a difference.
The main reason I kept the 4.2 over the 6", is that the 4.2" is easier to draw from a holster. Balance wise, they both had their benefits - 6" weighed more with less felt recoil (only a little bit) but the 4.2" is better balanced (to me).