[Firenailer]

I'm planning on picking up a 686 to add to the collection, for both target shooting and possibly hunting. I'm wondering how much accuracy do I give up by going with the 4" barrel instead of the 6?

What is the preferred model?

Thanks

[danf_fl]

What you give up by going with the 4" over the 6" is 2" of sight radius.

The mechanical accuracy is theoretically the same.

It is harder to align the 4" than the 6"

[Olympus]

You are essentially giving up a little bit of velocity from the 6 to the 4, but you're picking up a little more balance. The 6" is muzzle-heavy.

[Firenailer]

The 4 did feel better in my hand, but I was wondering about both the velocity and aim giving up the 2 extra inches.

I guess I'm going to have to go and hold them both again to decide.

[danf_fl]

I have found that the 4" seems to serve me better than a 6". The 6" does have its virtues. More room to add a scope is one.

[Firenailer]

Thanks for the reply,

I used to hunt with a Super Blackhawk with open sights and I doubt I'll be adding a scope to this one. It's just going to be a shooter and I'd have to be pretty close up to try a 357 on. Whitetail.

The Ruger was crazy big with a 7 3/8 barrel if I remember correctly. Worked great on deer but boy it was a lot of gun!

I'm going to take my time and when I'm comfortable with my choice I'll pick one up.

[AntonE]

I use this for hunting in the deep woods in WI. I added a red dot sight. Its an 8 3/8" barrel. I haven't shot a deer with it yet, but I think if I do my part, its very accurate for the hunt, and beats charging through the thick with my rifle.



I love the gun and don't think barrel length matters unless you are shooting groups. The longer barrel really looks great with a sight on it, wish I had a current pic.