686 5" vs 6"

[randy_68]

I'm ready to purchase a Smith 686 .357 and am trying to decide between two that I found.
One is a brand new in the box 686 plus 7 shot 5" barrel with unfluted cyl and the other is a good used 686 6" barrel 6 shot reg cyl. Both have Houge finger groove grips and are the newer style 2006 or so. How much difference is there in velocity etc between the 5 and 6 inch barrels? Both just as accurate?  Good for deer?
I may put a halo style sight on it for hunting.  the unfluted is about $100 more but I really like the looks of it and I think is worth it.

Well I got my 686 today and it is sweet. 5" barrel, 7 shot smooth cyl, Hogue fingergroove grips. I'll try and get some shots thru it this weekend if I get time.
sorry for the blurry pic, camera sucks

[Pinkerton]

Not enough velocity loss between one or the other to matter and accuracy shouldn't be a factor either. Either one would be great and like you I'd lean toward the unfluted 5". The state I live in has a 6" minimum barrel length for hunting. So if your considering hunting with it, check your state laws to see if there is a minimum barrel length requirement.

good luck

[randy_68]

Thanks, that what I was hoping to hear. Indiana has a 4" min so I am going to buy the new unfluted 5".
It is going to be a carry gun while hunting and I would probably only use it when in my stand for 30 yard or less shots. That's why I sold the Contender, just not a long range pistol guy. I've always wanted a nice .357 revolver and now I will have one.

[Pinkerton]

Congradulations, that will be one sweet pistol, I've never owned the 686 but it has always been one I really like and will have to have one some day. I've always liked the unfluted cylinders and have a 629-2 unfluted that I really enjoy. 

I've taken only one deer with the 357 and that was 21 yrs ago, broadside about 70 yrds 8" dan wesson with a Federal 180gr factory loading of the time and it did well. 30 yrds will be no problem. Search some of Jerry Lesters posts, he seems to be the resident guru on hunting with the 357 and has some great recommendations and real world experience to back it up.

[Rutin2tin]

Sounds like You found the gun of choice. 

I have a 686-1 with 6"bbl, and a 686-2 with 4" bbl, and carry wise, the 4" is king.
On the range, the 6" is the preferred gun.