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Optimal barrel length for .357 Magnum?

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6 comments

  • jsergovic
    I've got the Ruger 2.25" barrel. I hear some guys say they wish they had gotten the three inch barrel. Not sure if that model came with the bobbed hammer.

    I've been shooting out to 40' or so, accurately.
    Closer in, point-shooting, it hits on or within inches or target.

    Depends on what you want to shoot and what you want to pack.

    My Redhawk 7.5" barrel was SOOO accurate, right from the first shot, @ 25 yards!
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  • Sunray
    It's strictly a personal preference. I personally like 4" barreled revolvers. They just feel better and balance better. Magnaporting does nothing to the "power" of any round. It reduces the felt recoil and muzzle jump, but there is an increase in noise. $400 is a good price for any 686. If it fits your hand. Grips can be changed though.
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  • gunnut505
    I regularly shoot 357mag from a 10" Contender for big bore silhouette matches in the production category, and a 6 1/2" GP100 in the revolver category; I have to admit that the Contender has toppled more steel than the Ruger, but it's probably due to the optics on the Contender rather than some shortcoming of the Ruger.
    I'd hate to have to tote the Contender for daily wear, and the Ruger weighs too much to be comfortable all day due to the bull barrel configuration.
    686's are nice guns; shiny, hefty, chambered for a potent round, some are accurate enough for competition, but the only Smith in my home is an older 2206 Target model made before that firm disgraced itself in the eyes of American gun owners-I won't buy another no matter what they do.
    Oh yeah, $400 is cheap enough to put your money down.

    If you know it all; you must have been listening.<br>WEAR EAR PROTECTION!
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  • Contender Man
    You mention both 4 inch and 2 inch barrel lengths, so I will assume that one is a typo.

    2 inch barrel will be the more difficult to shoot accurately because it has the shorter sight radius.

    4 inch is a good compromise length as it provides a reasonable sight radius while being easier to carry than the longer barrel models.

    Velocity wise the 2 inch will have the lowest by say 50 +/- fps.

    If your thinking about hunting then I'd suggest at least a 6 inch barrel. If your thinking about a "carry piece" 4 inch and down is suggested.


    2470099-S.jpg
    If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!
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  • Wagion
    It had a two inch barrel then had a four inch barrel installed but the two inch barrel is still woith the gun

    If force ain't work'n... Your not use'n nough of it.
    I know the spelling is bad but guess what I DON'T CARE
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  • Contender Man
    Leave as is or go back to the 2 inch for SD carry.

    Hunting? 4 inch is useable, but (IMO) 6" (or longer) would be better.


    2470099-S.jpg
    If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!
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