Any point in having the same gun in different barrel lengths if not a collector?

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Aim1

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So, I started a thread on here on whether or not I made a bad decision when I chose a Smith & Wesson 686 .357 with a 6" barrel over the same gun with a 4" barrel. I only planned on using this gun for plinking and deer hunting once a year. I do have a SW 629 .44 mag with a 4" barrel for backup carry in case of a bear situation so I wouldn't need a .357 for that. Both guns are pre-lock guns.

*** Also, I have no need for this as a CCW carry gun. I would never carry a revolver (as of now). I do have semi-automatics for CCW carry.

Well, many people wrote and assured me that I made the right decision in going with the 6" barreled 686. So that is nice to know.

Now another question. I have now have the option to buy that S&W 686 with 4" barrel. It wouldn't be a great deal just a fair deal. So not like I could buy it for $500 and sell it for $800 later. It is a friend I would be buying it from so I'm not looking to get a screaming deal on it to turn and sell. I really don't need it for shooting or hunting so not sure there is any reason to purchase it. Just that the seller is looking to get rid of it. I could probably get it for a decent deal but not sure I need a gun I may never shoot. I am not a collector and every gun I own has a purpose, mostly all are for either hunting or home defense. I do not want to become a collector either. I could perhaps get it for a decent price and sit on it if I thought the market for this type of gun would go up considerably but revolvers already seem to be at a premium and I don't think the value will go up anymore.

Just wondering if there is any reason that I am not thinking about why I should or should not buy this gun.
 
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could you/would you be inclined to CC the 4"? I really don't have a lot of experience with revolvers but I imagine that you could cook up a reason to own the 4" version of the same revolver.
 
I have 4" and 10" 686. If you like it and can afford it, why not? I shoot the 4" a lot more, but it was fun and impressive to explode water filled gallon milk jugs ~200 yards with the 10" way back when I had exceptional eyesight. I was toying with the idea of shooting IHMSA back then.
 
Longer barrels are more useful for hunting, competitions that allow them, and perhaps home defense--longer sight lines--more accuracy, a bit more velocity, more weight--less recoil, and so on. They are more difficult to use for self defense because of draw stroke, concealment, retention, etc. which shorter barrels 4" and less do better. A 4" barrel would be fine for self defense in the home and can be carried concealed. So basically, flip a coin--your current 686 suits you and your purposes, the new one will be a bit worse in some respects but marginally better at bad breath distances for self defense. As far as price appreciation, unless it is a pre-lock Smith 686, probably not much. Some folks will pay more for a 686 without the lock.
 
It's your choice. There is no scenario here in which you can go wrong. Unless it's a case of an emergency appendectomy vs. spending the money on a new gun. If in two years you decide you really don't need X gun then sell it.
 
Aim1 said:
I am not a collector and every gun I own has a purpose, mostly all are for either hunting or home defense. I do not want to become a collector either.
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Same here. If it doesn't serve a purpose, I don't really care to own it. However, my purpose includes open carry, home defense, concealed carry, and the joy of shooting a fun gun or satisfying curiosity on some antique guns.

Bottom line is I treat my guns as some people treat everything in their home. If it doesn't serve a purpose, or spark some kind of happiness, then I get rid of it.

If you don't think this revolver will serve a purpose, even if the purpose is fun, then I see no reason you should buy it. If your friend needs the money, and you are willing to help, that's the only other way I would do it. Someone else will buy it though if you don't.
 
460Shooter said:
If it doesn't serve a purpose, or spark some kind of happiness, then I get rid of it.
Click to expand...

That's how I treat my stuff, too.
I've passed on a lot of guns because they didn't serve a purpose for me and/or I'd get more use or happiness from other uses for the money.
As stated, a longer barrel will be more accurate (or, technically, make it easier to shoot accurately), apply less felt recoil, and may further benefit hunting with some extra velocity.
For me, none of those are a good enough reason to get a second one. Your situation may be different.

That said, long-barreled revolvers are just plain cool. If you're not hurting for the money, they make a singularly fun range toy and they won't be getting any cheaper.
IMO the 6" 686/586 is the quintessential .357. Long enough to get more than the 'base' performance out of, not long enough to be unwieldy unless you're CCing it, and that full underlug really seems to make even the stoutest .357 easy to shoot.
I may be biased though. The full-length underlug is the firearm world's equivalent of a shaker hood scoop, and I'm a sucker for both.

Edit: I misread. Now I see you're considering the 4". My comments stand. I'd prefer staying with the 6" unless you want to carry it a lot, and then I'd prefer something on a smaller frame.
If you don't want it, put the word out to people you trust. 4" .357s are far from rare but they're out there for a reason. Offering a fair deal on a 686 will have money in your friend's pocket in no time.
 
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Yep, carry the 4” under your jacket in a cross draw rig when carrying a rifle for hunting. The 357 comes in handy for dispatch. The jacket protects your rifle from hammer damage if you get too close to the hammer spur with the rifle. With a short distance food plot or a deer standing under the shooting house, I like the 6”. I have had both situations occur, the 2” added sight radius is more natural for me at say 50 yards distance.
 
I don't see a need for the same gun in such a close resemblance. I try and keep my guns to a minimum amount, as needed or wanted, two guns almost the same wouldn't happen. Only scenario to change that for me would be if it's an emergency for your friend.
 
Ask most Dan Wesson owners.:)

Right now I have two generally equal 629s in 4 and 6 inches. I know I'll keep only one and keep going back and forth as to which. In a partial answer to your question - I can't see any reason to have both simply because there's a 2 inch difference.

Guess I'm lucky that I already sold the 8 inch.

Todd.
 
I’m a fan of having similar firearms in the same caliber. Equipment transfers over and it just makes life easier, IF each has a purpose. In this case, the 4” is more practical and you’ll probably use it more and the 6” has a specific purpose.

It’s easy. Get both.
 
Hi...
I have multiple handguns on the same platform in different barrel lengths and calibers.
Why???
Because I can and I want to and that is more than enough reason.
All of them get shot regularly and I enjoy them.
Owning a few dozen handguns, it's a bit difficult not to have some overlap, whether it's calibers, barrel length or finish. And it's all good.
 
I think that for a lot of people it would make sense. But based on what you say it probably doesn't for you.
 
I have 686s in 4", 5" and 6" barrels. I shoot and enjoy the 'ell outta all three. At some point the kids and grandkids will end up with my guns and I want to make sure there are enough nice ones to go around.
 
Full size for main carry gun, compact for BUG or summer carry. Obviously, there are LE applications also.
Now if you start talking AR's yes, there are many different reasons. Be sure to put barrels less than 16" only on pistol lowers or SBR's.
 
Personally I like the Model 686 with a 4" barrel. Just the right length with great balance and handling. I even carry it sometimes in an old Uncle Mike's shoulder holster; it's that comfortable to tote around. That being said if you don't feel any pressing need for that barrel length and it's not a screaming hot deal, then I would pass on it.
TB3WUSM.jpg
 
I have a Kahr MK9 and Beretta APX Subcompact for when I require extra concealment, a Kahr K9 for when I don't and G17 sized APX just for the range and because they're so inexpensive.

I don't really see the point in owning a G19 and G17 sized gun or G17 and G43. Same goes for the M&P Compact 3.6" vs the M&P Compact 4" or the M&P 4" vs the 4.25".... So on and so forth... The difference is so minimal that it is not worth it.
 
6-inch or longer for range and hunting; 4-inch or shorter for carry. Different purposes, different barrel lengths.
 
wally said:
I have 4" and 10" 686. If you like it and can afford it, why not? I shoot the 4" a lot more, but it was fun and impressive to explode water filled gallon milk jugs ~200 yards with the 10" way back when I had exceptional eyesight. I was toying with the idea of shooting IHMSA back then.
Click to expand...

Never saw a 10" 686. Got a pic?
 
To the OP, this is really something you would have to decide for yourself. It could be fun to have multiple barrel lengths
 
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