accuracy difference between 4in and 6in

For me, a longer sight radius brings with it a disadvantage . . .

As the front sight moves out farther away, it gets smaller; and thus, doesn't "fit" as well inside the rear notch. That extra "play" in the sight visual tends to allow my aim to drift around a little. My old eyes are probably a factor here too.
 
Short answer. Will longer barrel be more accurate? No. Will it make it easier to be more accurate (I.e. Shootable)? Perhaps.

Your accuracy is dependent on other factors.
 
The main difference I have found is that longer barrels tend to make my own shaking more obvious (not greater, just more obvious) so I tend to lose confidence. I shoot best with a medium length heavy barrel (a 5" bull barrel in a Ruger .22 for example) than with either a long barrel or a short one. But notice that "I shoot best", not "x is more accurate." Not the same thing.

Jim
 
IME, I've found for folks that are new to shooting handguns or those that only occasionally shoot handguns, that the longer barrels with their longer sight radius, are easier for them to shoot accurately than shorter barreled guns. At the range, especially if one is shooting off a bench with a rest, longer barreled revolvers recoil less and are generally more pleasant to shoot for extended periods. That's why I suggest folks looking for a range toy to stick with 5-6'' barrels. While shorter barrels revolvers may be inherently just as accurate, the average handgun shooter is more accurate with a longer barrel. I have a 4'', a 5'' and a 6'' 686. I shoot them all regularly(at least one a month) and have for years. Even for me, I'm more consistent at the range with the 6'', altho I prefer to shoot the 5''. For most others that I may have along that day, the 6'' is the one they generally reach for when they are afforded another round.
 
I can put more rounds on target with my 2" snubby than some of my friends can with a 4 or 6". Comes down to shooter abilities more than anything. That being said one friends 4" taurus will group just a bit better than my 6" security-six with either of us shooting FWIW.
 
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