I intend to add a new revolver to my collection, the S&W 681 from their Performance Center. This revolver comes magna-ported to reduce muzzle flip. I plan on using this gun as my "primary" concealed carry (alternating with a 340PD). Can't decide on the 3 or 4-inch barrel, however. Weight difference is 3 ounces (35 vs 38 oz). I know the 3-incher would conceal more easily, but then there's the slight loss in muzzle energy. Any comments out there as to which way I should go? Comments from 681 owners especially appreciated. Thanks.
3 vs. 4 inch barrel?
- Thread starter snubby
- Start date
braindead0
New member
The velocity loss is dependant on a ton of different things. For example, I'm losing an average of 20fps in a 2" barrel compared to a 4" barrel with fairly fast powder. Slower powder will show larger differences, bullet weight it going to make a difference as well as several other things.
I agree with C.R.Sam, get the size you like...
I agree with C.R.Sam, get the size you like...
I have one of the PC 681 in 3" barrel and love it. I don't think I've seen in person the 4". I have a standard 681 with a 4" barrel and the PC gun is the sweeter shooter by far. The sights aren't perfect by any means, but its not a target gun. Feel free to ask anything else you may want to know, but I find the 3" to be the perfect barrel length. Velocity loss is minimal enough that you could compensate easily just with different ammo manufacturers. I would choose based on what feels right and balances best for you, the barrel length difference is so small.
dairycreek
New member
If you are going to carry concealed...
then give some serious consideration to the kind of holster you will use. The difference between a 3" or a 4" barrel is, IMHO, negligible if you have selected a well designed, well constructed holster and hung it on a good belt designed for the purpose. Good shooting
then give some serious consideration to the kind of holster you will use. The difference between a 3" or a 4" barrel is, IMHO, negligible if you have selected a well designed, well constructed holster and hung it on a good belt designed for the purpose. Good shooting
I'll take the three inch any day for the sex appeal and bragging rights. However, I've never found the four inch barrel any harder to carry or conceal. For many years the only gun I could legally carry was a 4" M-10. Carried IWB or Mexican style, the four inch stays in the holster better than a shorter barrel. I think the shape of the butt is more critical in concealment (round butt v. square butt).
Since the PC 681 is round butt, I think the difference is pretty subjective. Given the width and weight of the gun, an inch of barrel will not make any difference in carrying or concealing.
The older I get, the smaller my daily carry choices. I tell people that my daily carry piece is a custom 3" m-65 RB. I have a matching m-13 with the same work, but its too pretty for someone as clumsy as me to carry. In reality, the M-65 rides around in my car a lot, but really doesn't get carried on my waist much at all any more. In truth, a 642/442/37/38 lives in my right front pocket from the time I get dressed in the morning until I retire at night. I guess none of us are as tough as we used to be.
Since the PC 681 is round butt, I think the difference is pretty subjective. Given the width and weight of the gun, an inch of barrel will not make any difference in carrying or concealing.
The older I get, the smaller my daily carry choices. I tell people that my daily carry piece is a custom 3" m-65 RB. I have a matching m-13 with the same work, but its too pretty for someone as clumsy as me to carry. In reality, the M-65 rides around in my car a lot, but really doesn't get carried on my waist much at all any more. In truth, a 642/442/37/38 lives in my right front pocket from the time I get dressed in the morning until I retire at night. I guess none of us are as tough as we used to be.
kahr Carrier
New member
My vote 3 inch ,Little easier to conceal ,but if you use IWB holster doesnt really matter, Get what you prefer. Mexican carry I do it a lot with an auto ,kinda rough with a revolver.
Porting might lower the velocity compared to what that gun did before it was ported but still the velocity is going to vary more from gun to gun. My 8 3/8" M27 only shoots about 30-50fps faster than my 4" GP100. And that's using 2400 or H110 (slow powders) which should give an advantage to the long barrel.
You'd think that more than 4" of barrel would account for more, but each gun is a law unto itself.
You'd think that more than 4" of barrel would account for more, but each gun is a law unto itself.