Golddiggie
NES Member
I'm in the market to pick up a .357 Magnum wheel gun. Currently looking at Ruger (GP100) and S&W models (686 and 686 Plus mostly). I won't be using it in competition shooting, nor do i intend to conceal carry it. Not looking to shoot long range with it either. Most likely I'll be shooting it at 25 yards or less distances (maybe occasionally out to 50 yards, but that will probably be a rare occurrence). I've found a couple of sites that list the FPS difference when using a 4" or 6" barrel.
So my real question is, for those that actually KNOW this... Would I see any real world difference between a 4" or 6" barrel?
I am thinking about carrying whatever I get if/when I go out into the sticks for some photography (probably once the snow is all off the ground at least until next winter when it will be more solid). I was told that the 4" would probably be better for that, since it has less of a chance to snag on anything while either pulling it from the holster, or bringing it to bear (especially if on a bear).
Hoping to get info on this sooner rather than later. Since I saw a GP100 at a local store so I could get it as soon as tomorrow/Sunday and take it to the range that same day.
For reference, my father had a .357 Colt Python (8" barrel) when I was little. Unfortunately he sold it sometime in the late 80's or early 90's. I wish he never had done that, since I'd have it now. That's not something I can afford to get these days. Plus I figured it was time to finally add a decent/good wheel gun to my collection. Whichever I get it will NOT be a safe queen. All the guns I own are ones that go to the range, get carried, or at least made to sing from time to time. I now have three pistols in my concealed carry rotation.
So my real question is, for those that actually KNOW this... Would I see any real world difference between a 4" or 6" barrel?
I am thinking about carrying whatever I get if/when I go out into the sticks for some photography (probably once the snow is all off the ground at least until next winter when it will be more solid). I was told that the 4" would probably be better for that, since it has less of a chance to snag on anything while either pulling it from the holster, or bringing it to bear (especially if on a bear).
Hoping to get info on this sooner rather than later. Since I saw a GP100 at a local store so I could get it as soon as tomorrow/Sunday and take it to the range that same day.
For reference, my father had a .357 Colt Python (8" barrel) when I was little. Unfortunately he sold it sometime in the late 80's or early 90's. I wish he never had done that, since I'd have it now. That's not something I can afford to get these days. Plus I figured it was time to finally add a decent/good wheel gun to my collection. Whichever I get it will NOT be a safe queen. All the guns I own are ones that go to the range, get carried, or at least made to sing from time to time. I now have three pistols in my concealed carry rotation.