S&W 686 - 4.2" vs 6" barrel

Vladivar

Vladivar

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New Hamburg, Ontario
So I have decided that the next member of the family is going to be a Smith & Wesson 686 .357 in stainless. I am leaning towards the 6" barrel version, but they appear to be almost impossible to find. So I am left with a dilemma - do I hold out for the 6" - or - do I go for the 4.2" which is much easier to find (at least 3 supporting dealers have them in stock).

If anyone has an opinion (like you guys would ever not have an opinion!) I would be interested to hear it.

Also - if there is a dealer out there that has this gun, or can get it quickly, please drop me a pm.

Thx.
 
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I love my 6" 586. I'm sure the 4.2" is nice, but if I can't own a snubnose, I want a six inch barrel. I'd say hold out, and start searching all avenues, including used.
 
I recently had the same delema and chose the 4.2.hold both at a store if possible and which you prefer. I absolutely love it and the balance of the short barrel is perfect.

I do believe Barton's in grande prairie has both in stock if non of the supporting dealers do
 
I have a 6" 686 and like it well enough. However, I recently picked up a 4.2" 629 only because I've always viewed the 4 inch as a pretty classic length for this gun. Wasn't sure what to expect in terms of handling and shooting but I am surprised how much I like that length. Ok so i don't go out and shoot a lot of magnum loads but 4-4.2 feels like a very natural revolver length to me. That length in a 357 would be a very nice shooter. Really don't think you could go wrong either way but as mentioned above, ideal if you could find a store or someone at the range where you could hold both.
 
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I have shot both and I bought a 4.25" as it simply felt better in my hands. The 6" felt very muzzle heavy.
 
For slow paced target shooting the 6 inch version gives you a longer sight baseline to aid in the level of accuracy YOU can achieve. For any sort of action shooting like Steel Challenge, IDPA or IPSC style matches I'd go with the 4.2". It's faster and easier out of the holster and moves between targets with less inertia. Plus you CAN get the accuracy out of the 4.2, it's just that you need to be a little better with the sight picture accuracy to achieve it.
 
BCRider said:
For slow paced target shooting the 6 inch version gives you a longer sight baseline to aid in the level of accuracy YOU can achieve. For any sort of action shooting like Steel Challenge, IDPA or IPSC style matches I'd go with the 4.2". It's faster and easier out of the holster and moves between targets with less inertia. Plus you CAN get the accuracy out of the 4.2, it's just that you need to be a little better with the sight picture accuracy to achieve it.
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This - with revolvers, regardless of barrel length, the odds are that they'll outshoot the person holding them. It's just a question of the dynamics of the shorter barrel versus the ease of aiming from the longer sight line that you're choosing from. I watched a J Frame being shot from a Ransom Rest (1 7/8ths barrel) and at 25 yards the rounds made a very slightly elongated clover leaf from 2 cylinders (10 rounds). The revolver was new, out of the box, with no work done to it.
 
The difference is in the balance. Partial to the shorter barrel myself. Puts the weight farther back and balances better. Mind you, it is a personal preference.
 
Get the 4.2 , you wont regreat it .
Or you can find a nice used 6"er .
I like the 4.2 for the perfect balance.they have .
you can achive incredible accuracy from a 4.2 " barrel .
 
I had the chance to shoot my 586 from the 300 yard bench the other day, I was very impressed that I could hit a silhouette from that range. A very fun pistola
 
Well guys - thanks for all the comments (CGN is the best for advice and feedback) - but now the deed is DONE!! I found a 6" at Del Selins and placed the order today. Now the waiting starts and I am really looking forward to the new wheel gun.
 
Vladivar said:
Well guys - thanks for all the comments (CGN is the best for advice and feedback) - but now the deed is DONE!! I found a 6" at Del Selins and placed the order today. Now the waiting starts and I am really looking forward to the new wheel gun.
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Curious as to what you plan to use it for?

Plinkling??.......some sort of competition??

Safe queen :)

John
 
Vladivar said:
Well guys - thanks for all the comments (CGN is the best for advice and feedback) - but now the deed is DONE!! I found a 6" at Del Selins and placed the order today. Now the waiting starts and I am really looking forward to the new wheel gun.
Click to expand...

You found a 6" what model (19-27-29-686-)is it a smith or ruger, colt, is it new or used we need to know
 
The new baby arrived

As I mentioned earlier, I made the decision to go with the S&W 686 with the 6" barrel, and today it arrived (thanks again Del Selins). Won't be able to get it to the range till this weekend - but here are a couple of pictures.

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Bring on the weekend :dancingbanana:
 
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