I have a 6-inch 629-0 revolver that's never been fired. That barrel length is about all I'd want before going to a rifle, but each has his own preference. I'd heard there were some problems with the first generation 629s and called S&W earlier this week. The tech guy there said only a small number were affected and asked me for the serial number. Turned out it was okay. I also gave him the serial number of my 686 (also an unfired early edition). It, too, checked out okay, but he had me do some mechanical checks, which it passed.
But what does an 8-inch gun have in the way of advantages over a 6-inch? Very few. It's tougher to carry, takes much longer to draw, much longer to acquire the target, aim and fire -- and it weighs more. How this can translate into any advantage is beyond me. Sure, the sight radius is longer than the 6-inchers, but a rifle has a better sight radius and is arguably easier to pack and is better for defense and hunting.
My first choice would be a 6-inch .44 magnum, followed by a 4-inch. The gun still shows its raw power in the shorter barrel, but shines in the longer barrels, the 6-incher, in my view, being ideal.
