4" or 6" barrel

pkbert

I'm looking at buying a 357 but don't know if I should get one with a 4" or 6" barrel?
I would be using for target shooting and deer hunting. What is the difference in accuracy at 40 yards with a 4" or 6" barrel

click

bert... there could be some diff in shooting at that range but mainly it would be up to you... if the gun is not a 'carry' gun, i guess i would go with the 6" version

Lanark Sixgunner

I would sugest the 6" barrel, more control for target shooting and better sight plane for hunting. The .357 is a little light for deer, I would suggest somthing like the .44 Magnum if you can stand the recoil.

Hope this helps

William81

I usually carry a .44 Mag. when whitetail hunting but will sometimes carry my S&W 6" 686. With the right loads it is quite capable of taking whitetail size game.

Herschel

Welcome to the forum. There is lots of information available here, even though we don't all always agree.

There have been studies of the decrease in velocity with shorter pistol barrels. I can't lay my hands on that information but the high .357 velocities quoted are likely from a 8 3/8" bbl. I think that you will find that most pistol deer hunters use a 6" or longer barrel. As Lanark Sixgunner said, the 6" will give you more precise aiming. That plus the additional velocity from the 6" would make my first choice the 6".

goldeneagle76

I have the S&W 686 6 " barrel and love it. That being said, I would probably go with a more powerful caliber for hunting.

dtknowles

You might want to check your states hunting regs. they might required a minimum of a 6 inch barrel. Dan Wesson's revolvers with interchangeable barrels are great for this situation. For deliberate hunting I use an 8 inch barrel and if I am just carrying I put on the 4 inch barrel. My 8 inch barrel has a scope but the 4 inch rides in a holster nicely. 5 and 6 inch barrels are really a compromise kind of long for a holster but longer sight radius and greater velocity than a shorter barrel. You will want to use a heavier bullet than the 125 grain that is renound for self-defence. 155 to 180 grains will provide the penetration required given that the .357 has what it takes but just bearly.

Tim

nards444

depends on what feels good. 6 will probably give you better accuracy. But at the same time with a pistol it depends on who you are. I went to the gunshow recently looking for a 6" .357. I looked around and I found a Smith 686 plus. It has a 4" barrel and I thought it feelt nicer for me, and didnt want to take a nose dive like the bigger ones. So I guess it depends

Henry0Reilly

Welcome to the forums.

quote:What is the difference in accuracy at 40 yards with a 4" or 6" barrel(?)

For me the added 2" tightens up the group substantially.

Heck, just skip the .357 altogether and go with a 7 1/2 Super Blackhawlk in .44 mag/.44 special.

wtroper

I would opt for the 6" for hunting even though there may not actually be a material "difference" in the accuracy of the two barrels. For what it is worth, I have hunted exclusively with handguns for the past several years. My favorite "deer" caliber is 41 mag. I use it almost exclusively. I own 2 FA 41 revolvers (7 1/2") that are shockingly accurate. I also have an old S&W 657 that has had a lot of work done on it and is no slouch.

Not bragging but to give you an idea of the potential of a "good" handgun for hunting, last Sept I made a neck shot on a blackbuck antelope that was standing facing me at 96 yards with the FA 41 mag. Of course, it is scoped.

Good hunting.

tobefree

Yes, check the regulations as was mentioned. go with the six if that is your only choices. (scope?) If not I'd probably go eight inches....