What barrel length do you prefer for a combat revolver?

Which barrel length do you prefer on your combat revolver?

  • 1 7/8 inches (.38 Spl. J-frames)

    Votes: 1 1.1%

  • 2 inches (.38 Spl. K-frames)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 2 1/8 inches (.357 Mag. J-frames)

    Votes: 1 1.1%

  • 2 1/4 inches (Ruger SP101)

    Votes: 8 8.4%

  • 2 1/2 inches (.357 Mag. K & L frames)

    Votes: 7 7.4%

  • 2 3/4 inches (Ruger Speed-Six)

    Votes: 1 1.1%

  • 3 inches (K & L frames, Ruger GP100)

    Votes: 20 21.1%

  • 3 1/16 inches (Ruger SP101)

    Votes: 2 2.1%

  • 3 1/2 inches (Model 27)

    Votes: 4 4.2%

  • 4 inches or longer

    Votes: 53 55.8%
  • Total voters
    95
I voted for 4" as I see this as the best "general purpose" tube. I have and carry a 2", 3", 4" and 5". Depends on the game and the need.
 
I would imagine alot would depend on the individual and how he carries his revolver. As for me the 4 inch gets my vote. Take care.
 
Guess I don't really care.
My carry guns range from 2 to 5"
4¼" I frame is smaller than a 3" J frame.
My Ks run the gamut
My Ns are either 4 or 5"

They all pack well, present quickly and work.

Sam
 
I'm not sure what you mean by a combat revolver. It's hard to beat a 4" DA revolver or a 4 5/8" SA when it comes to having to shoot fast and accurately, making the first shot count.
 
For concealment, no more than 2 1/8 inches for me. For general carry and use, a 4 inch is hard to beat.
 
Going against the flow a bit; but how 'bout "all of the above"?


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
I'd use the same as my above answer or if hot summer time, a 2" M-60 S&W or a model with the hammer shroud.
 
Answering the question of a combat revolver....

the 3.5 inch barrel is fastest to get back on target. Multiple and repeat shots are faster and easier to make.

The shorter barrels are easier to hide, but loose more velocity. The longer barrels give more horsepower, but don't respond as fast.

For a fighting gun, a 3.5" M27 is a real dandy proposition.
 
4", as a general rule. Once went to an NRA instructors' school with a fellow instructor. I wa using a 4" revolver I shot frequently and he was using a 3" version of the same gun (Ruger Spd 6). He was a little rusty with revolvers, but also had to work a lot harder to shoot decent groups. (And he, by the way, is actually a better shot than I am.) The 4" is much more forgiving and points better, not to mention develops a bit more velocity.

For me using less than a 4" needs a lot of justification.

Like everyone else I have J frame 2" guns, but I just consider them to be an advanced type of derringer; way ahead of no gun, but if the storm clouds are gathering I want the 4".
 
My S&W 65LS has been my home defense gun and will be my primary carry gun when I move to a carry state (when I carry a revolver as my main gun, probably shared about 50/50 with a CZ of some stripe). A 3" K-frame seems just about the perfect size for an only, or primary, revolver: long enough sight radius for most people to be accurate, concealable, light enough for comfortable carry, heavy enough for shooting comfort, etc. However, I suspect that when I get my grubby paws on the 6" S&W 586 that I got on Auction Arms that it will probably become my home defense gun (though I think it won't be my carry gun when I get to a carry state, except maybe when camping).
 
3 inch K frame Smith .357 magnum.

I carry my 3 inch 65LS all the time....well, with a few exceptions when I carry a 1911.

3 inch barrels are great for IWB carry, in a proper holster, the muzzle stays high enough, not to dig into you when sitting.

For concealed carry, I can think of no better.

But for actual COMBAT, I think I'd stick with a shotgun.
 
If by "combat" you mean CCW, then I prefer a 3" tube; small enough to tote IWB or OWB easily, long enough for a full-length ejector rod.
 
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