What barrel length do you prefer for a combat revolver?

[the blind lefty]

3 inches for:
1)weapon retention
2)clearing leather
3)faster aiming(mix of point and aim)
4)full size ejector
5)concealment
-considering you carry the same weapon on duty and off for better familiarity when the chips are down. rugers have the best cylinder release for use with both hands.leave balistics to the hunters.

 

[Zorro]

4 Inches.

6 Inches for a 38 Special.

 

[RWK]

I voted for a four-inch tube, as a "general purpose" option.

However, I believe this thread calls into question the use of the term "combat". To many hand-gunners, combat may imply CCW/LEO use. In the military communities, however, combat means something quite different, where size, concealment and weight are not crucial. Therefore, for example, the French Special Forces use (or, perhaps, used) S&W 686s with at least four-inch barrels as their standard sidearm, while many non-military types would suggest a maximum 3.5-inch barrel length is almost mandatory.

 

[Logistar]

I'd like a 5 inch barrel myself. (Not a 4 or a 6) NOW, if I could just FIND a .357 with a 5 inch barrel...

Logistar

 

[riverdog]

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.

A combat weapon isn't necessarily concealed. IMO, a combat revolver is one used for shooting at various distances and from other than a posed shooting stance. I also went with 4" because it gives the improved sight radius and increased velocity needed in a combat weapon. Besides, all my revo's less one are 4' and longer.

 

[Standing Wolf]

The four-inch Python is ideal for my hand and shooting style. As soon as I've left the People's Republic of California, I'll be in the market for a used Smith & Wesson model 629 with a four- or five-inch barrel and a round butt. My aging eyes need the longer sight radius afforded by longer barrels.

 

[Brian Williams]

OXYMORON

combat revolver???

I know, I know, I CCL carry a 3" MOD 60
looking for a 3" rb Mod 13, someday

Combat, Gimme a Hi cap thunderboomer to fight my way to a hi cap thunderstick or scatterstick

 

[riverdog]

When I think of a "combat" handgun, I think of a 1911A1 in .45 ACP. A full size pistol with a fairly powerful cartidge. A Beretta M9 with 9mm also qualifies although I have personal reservations about that cartidge in FMJ.

A full size revolver shooting a fairly powerful cartrige would be a S&W K, L and N models shooting .357, .41 Mag, .44 Special and .45 Colt. The Ruger GP-100 family would also qualify in .357. In any case, a 4-6 inch barrel would be full size without being too large and cumbersome. Larger than 6" and the pistol would become unwieldy. I don't consider the .44 Mag, .454, .480 etc to be combat calibers as they're too powerful for fast follow-up shots for the majority of shooters.

The shorter barrels, while very handy in tight spaces, have too much muzzle blast, losing velocity and sight radius. The only thing gained is concealed carry and that isn't necessarily a requirement in combat.

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

For me, the ultimate "Combat" revolver is the Model 13 with a 3 inch barrel.

The F.B.I. really knew what they were doing when they specified the M13 as their issue revolver.

I would be almost as happy with a 3 inch M10, M64, or M65.

 

[Skip-2]

I voted for a 4". I carry a 3" S&W Mod-10 daily (by joice) go figure.

BTW It's nice to be back. I missed you guys.

 

[riverdog]

I would say that the 8 3/8" S&W Model 27-2 I just found would not be a good combat handgun -- barrel is just a little too long. Didn't stop me from writing a check, but finding a decent holster might be tough