re: 5” vs 6” barrel on .357 Mag?

Depends on the intended use. High velocity rounds can optimize a longer barrel. At the same time, it is a handgun, so that aspect of it, at a certain point, one would just be better off with a rifle.

Just sticking with revolvers, I would go 5". A 6" bbl on even a 44 is getting to be too much.

I like "full size" revolvers in 4" and 5" lengths, although if it was exclusively a hunting rig, I might see a 6" ( ).

I agree, what's the primary use and where?

I have and love shooting my 6" k frame S&W 357. It's nice to carry in the woods, and great to shoot.

If I ever had to draw it in a truck or other confined space, it would surely be awkward, and the long barrel might be an invitation for someone to grab/turn it.

A do-over? I might would go with 5" over 6".

I'm sure you'll enjoy either though.

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5”

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anything bigger is just not necessary.

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Do the 686-6s have the lock?

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Mine doesn't but I got it sometime back in the mid 90's. I have the 6" barrel and would probably prefer a 4". I also have a .357 model 66-2 with a 2.5" barrel that I prefer to carry as a sidearm because it's easy to get out the holster.

My opinion is there is never anything wrong with giving yourself multiple options:



That being said, performance wise there is not going to be a lot of difference between those two barrels and whatever difference there is can be made up with ammo selection for a particular use. Either setup will probably be more accurate than you and I'm pretty sure nothing is reasonably going to shrug off .357 mag from a 5" barrel and drop dead with a 6". That GP100 MC has a 4.25" barrel I think and it's great shooting .38 SPL to full power Buffalo Bore, I never feel recoil is an issue at all.

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Wanna sell it? The 2.5” barrel model 66 are worth a bundle.

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I've never sold a gun, but what's a bundle? Mine probably has less than 200 rounds through it. Paid $300-ish in the early 90s for it.

That Ruger Match Champion is nice and I like the slab-sided barrel, but I don't like the huge lettering "Match Champion" on the firearm. It might seem like a small issue to some, but I think it would have been classier if Ruger had toned down and understated the moniker.

Otherwise I'm a Ruger guy.

That Dan Wesson kit is awesome.

What'd that Dan Wesson kit or bundle or case or whatever in the hell you call that cost? Asking for a friend in case my wife hears me talking about it

Didn't know they were making them again. Mine is a 1977 vintage, 15-2VH. Have the original paperwork and sales sheet under the padding in the case.

I've got a S&W 66 no dash with a 4 inch barrel, an extra inch wouldn't hurt but I'm not sure I want 2.