S&W 686 6" or 8 3/8" barrel?

[ilikegunspdx]

Looking at possibly adding one of these depending on m114 stay request results.

What are the pros and cons of each? Neither would be carried except at the range. Is 8" too front heavy?

I don't understand why all of these aren't 7 shot. Is the cylinder considerably wider on 7 shot versions and that's why? I don't have any interest in less than 6" barrel.

Thx for any info!

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[Knobgoblin]

6" leaves a much wider audience for potential resale, if you decide to move it along eventually.

 

[Nosferatu]

If hunting, 8" gets you extra velocity. Otherwise, 6" is just dandy.

Cylinder diameter is the same, the 7-shot has thinner chamber walls.

6-shot trigger can be cycled slightly faster, unless you're Jerry Miculek.

 

[solv3nt]

8" is really long.

 

[orygun]

4". I don't like long barrels on revolvers, especially if I am going to carry it.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

4". I don't like long barrels on revolvers, especially if I am going to carry it.

View attachment 1824822

Im the opposite. Not a fan of short barrels except in naa revolvers.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

If hunting, 8" gets you extra velocity. Otherwise, 6" is just dandy.

Cylinder diameter is the same, the 7-shot has thinner chamber walls.

6-shot trigger can be cycled slightly faster, unless you're Jerry Miculek.

Good point on velocity. I looked it up on bbti just now and I'm surprised the curve is still pretty steep between 6-8". Not as steep as shorter barrels to 6/8" of course though.

 

[orygun]

Good point on velocity. I looked it up on bbti just now and I'm surprised the curve is still pretty steep between 6-8". Not as steep as shorter barrels to 6/8" of course though.

View attachment 1824828

Would be interesting to see that chart in FPS instead of FPE.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Would be interesting to see that chart in FPS instead of FPE.

I think for fps they just have the tables

BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results

(statement of intent)

www.ballisticsbytheinch.com

 

[aasbra]

I have an older 6" 686 (no dash or -1). My Dad has an older yet 586 with the 8 3/8" barrel. Like them both. The 586 with the longer barrel is a bit more nose heavy, but with the longer sight radius, accuracy is impressive. I remember shooting milk jugs filled with water at a pretty good distance (probably 60 or 70 yards) with it when I was a teenager.

Also remember him shooting into phone books taped together with the 586. It had some pretty good penetration with the longer barrel. Never have chronographed rounds from either gun though.

 

[DirectDrive]

For 357 I'd go 6"

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Fwiw I also see they make a 7" 7 round model. I'm not a fan of the smooth cylinder but it's not that crucial really.

 

[nammac]

A nice 686 Deluxe with 3" barrel. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.

 

[CountryGent]

I have one with 6" barrel* and like it for target shooting. I don't go out with it as much anymore since discovering all things .44 Magnum, but it is a solid piece. Certainly nothing wrong with the 8⅜" variant and for specific applications it would be better. But if it is just a general revolver, I'd stick with the 6" variant. Cheers.

*

 

[orygun]

A nice 686 Deluxe with 3" barrel. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.

View attachment 1824885

What grips are those?

Fwiw I also see they make a 7" 7 round model. I'm not a fan of the smooth cylinder but it's not that crucial really.

View attachment 1824875

I'm not a fan of the long barrel, but I think that smooth cylinder looks cool!
Maybe we should join forces and mix and match a pair.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

...

I'm not a fan of the long barrel, but I think that smooth cylinder looks cool!
Maybe we should join forces and mix and match a pair.

Fwiw they call that talo model 3-5-7 cuz it is available in 3", 5", 7". The 5" looks pretty nice too I think.

 

[nammac]

What grips are those?


I'm not a fan of the long barrel, but I think that smooth cylinder looks cool!
Maybe we should join forces and mix and match a pair.

Those are the factory grips the Deluxe came with.

 

[solv3nt]

Fwiw they call that talo model 3-5-7 cuz it is available in 3", 5", 7". The 5" looks pretty nice too I think.

View attachment 1824939

6" is considered average.

 

[Knobgoblin]

6" is considered average.

You're the wurst

 

[solv3nt]

You're the wurst

Nah, just a brat.