I was set on 4" but:
At least one person whose post I have read opined that 4" was a bit long for carrying in/drawing from a belt holster.
Jerry Miculek won the IDPA Nationals Overall one year with a 3" barrel.
For pure fun at the range, a gun that the majority of people can handle with no trouble, and a certain amount of "flair" I highly recommend the Smith and Wesson, Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece," in 38 Special.
It's a K-frame Smith and Wesson, with a 4" slightly tapered barrel, with adjustable sights, in 38 Special. This one also has the optional target hammer and trigger, highly recommended if you have a choice, as are the target stocks. They are a joy to shoot, Smith and Wesson didn't call them "Masterpiece" for no reason
They're light enough to carry if you really wanted to. I don't but I'm lazy, preferring a modern plastic semi for that job. But for something most everyone , men, women, boys and girls of all ages can and will enjoy shooting...it's hard to beat a Model 15..
Have not owned a gun since college days' ROTC pistol team a loooong time ago.
Shopping an S&W 686+, but not holding my breath until I find one.
Meanwhile, to while away the hours, I am obsessing over barrel length.
Intended use right now is range/social: grandson shoots, son-in-law shoots, family friend and her husband shoot...
But who knows? Maybe some day I will want to carry it. And, besides, smaller is generally more convenient.
OTOH, I would like at least the chance to outshoot the guy next to me once in a while.
I was set on 4" but:
- At least one person whose post I have read opined that 4" was a bit long for carrying in/drawing from a belt holster.
- Jerry Miculek won the IDPA Nationals Overall one year with a 3" barrel.
So: would I be foolish to go for a 3" 686+?