difference between 4" and 6" barrels?

I

idek

New member
I've had a S&W 66 with a 4" barrel for a few years. It's the only revolver I've owned, and I use it primarily for recreational shooting. I keep it handy at home but don't carry.

Based on my uses, I've wondered if a 6" barrel (on a 586/686, for example) would be more practical for me. Mostly, I'm curious as to whether the extra couple inches of sight radius would make aiming noticeably easier.
 
A general rule is 4" for carrying, 6" for target shooting. Recall reading when many LEOS switched from horseback to motor vehicles 4" barrels became much more popular, while Bullseye shooters always preferred 6" barrels for the longer sight radius. Longer barrels are somewhat heavier, require a little more effort to keep on target, generally give higher velocity.
 
If you can rent or borrow a 6" barrel try it out.

Most people I've dealt with seem to find the extra sight radius beneficial.

Moving from a K frame to a L frame will add weight. I find the added weight to be helpful in keeping the gun steady. But for an extended session that weight might be too tiring.
If that's the case a move to a 6" K frame might be a better idea.
 
It sounds like you should get a 6" L frame. Keep them both for a while. See which one you like better.
 
I don't CC so the concealment isn't an issue for me. But I do like the extra 2" of sight radius & oddly the more muzzle heavy balance.
In fact I even prefer a heavy under lug 6" to anything else. This is my 6" Dan Wesson Vent rib Heavy Barrel with the Hogue Pau Ferro grip.
A 6" 686 will probably balance very similarly.

DSCF0067_zps3g9sfi8y.jpg

(image (C) wogpotter 2012)
 
There is nothing at all wrong with a 6" barrel. Cops used to carry 6" guns on their hips. Watch some of the old Adam-12 shows.

My first centerfire revolver was a model 19 with a 6" barrel. I learned to reload for it. I kept it loaded for home defense and carried it in my truck when traveling. I wish I still had it. I do have a 6" model 10 and a 6" GP-100. I love the GP but hate the full underlug barrel. If my dad were still alive and still had the machine shop I spent so much time working in I would mill off that goofy lug. A 6" model 19 or 66 would be my choice.
 
I think its probably a matter of personal preference.

Me, depending on the gun, 4" is about perfect. At times, 3" and 2" can be even better, but 4" just seems to be the sweet spot.

I dont find I shoot the longer guns any better, as the balance just never seems right, and especially if Im shooting from a holster or ready position.
 
The 66-2 4" I've owned since new. Snug lockup and the weight/feel I've always liked. 586 4" felt too front heavy and I didn't keep. My Python 6" feels acceptable.
 
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I have a couple of fives, one is a taper barrel mod.10,38, the other a 29 classic in 44. They're about as long a barrel as I like in a handgun.
 
if it's mostly for recreational use I'd get the 6". It will have less felt recoil too (in my opinion). To me, then extra sight radius does make it a little easier for me to aim but I've seen people outshoot me easily with snub nosed revolvers so take my advice with a grain of salt.
 
When I was private security the first handgun I actually owned and carried on duty was a 6" Colt Python. It was reasonably heavy but a little long for when driving a patrol car. A few years later I switched to a 4" S&W 28-2 then to a 4" S&W 686-1. As far as accuracy goes I have found no to little difference between the 4 and 6 inch barrels except for long distance. The 6" 686 of course will be heavier but the 4" is easier to carry. Both the 66 and 686 are fine revolvers when you take their limitations into consideration. Enjoy which ever you choose.
 
I have revolvers in 2", 6", and 8" I like the longer barrels. the felt recoil and the longer sight radius are both important. But to be honest I like long barrel pistols period. Some of the pistols have 14" barrels some scoped some iron sights some red dots its all good.
 
My S&W Model-14 with it's K frame and 6 inch barrel is the most accurate center fire revolver that I have owned. It has great balance and weight ratio. It still is the Target Masterpiece it once was called. 50 yard plinking is where the most fun is to be had with this jewel.
 
There's many ways to get on target, other than just depending on the sights alone.
If the only reason to get a longer barreled handgun is for doing that, improvement in grip, natural point of aim and a host of other techniques can serve you better.
Having to fish around and depend on a better sight picture is slow and inefficient, no matter how long the barrel choice.
And if improvement requires a six inch barrel over a four inch, why not an eight inch.
Where does it end?
With improved skill, rather than buying more stuff mebbe'.
Just some thoughts.
 
I've had a S&W 66 with a 4" barrel for a few years. It's the only revolver I've owned, and I use it primarily for recreational shooting. I keep it handy at home but don't carry.

Based on my uses, I've wondered if a 6" barrel (on a 586/686, for example) would be more practical for me. Mostly, I'm curious as to whether the extra couple inches
Click to expand...

Barrel length is all about accuracy vs speed of acquiring target. To me, a 4" revolver is great for 15 - 35 yd shooting. At 50yds, I would really like 6". I've killed game at 100, but with a 10.5" revolver and a 15" single shot.
 
You're nearly up to Buntline specs.
They were 16" if memory serves.
Probably took awhile to unholster, though. :p
A revolving carbine always looked inviting, too.
Just gotta' remember where not to hold it.
 
I'll always regret selling my 6" M19

But I replaced it with a 6" M66

m66.jpg


The 6" ....WITHOUT... the underlug just "hangs" perfectly.
For me.
 
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