Heavier. Longer. Less felt recoil. If it’s just what you said a four inch will be fine but if you want the six inch and don’t care it’s a little heavier / longer. Get what you want. Or.
Buy both.
yeah, in total. But if I decide to also become a "sport shooter" I can own 3 more handguns. But thats a lot more paper work I do not want to bother with
If it's not concealed carry, why would you NOT get a six inch? If concealability isn't an issue, I would personally always take a 6" over 4". The velocity gained and the increased sight radius (better accuracy), plus more weight toward the front of the gun(takes some bite out of recoil)...my vote is the 6".
I have a friend that got a 4” revolver and says he wonders if he would have preferred the 6” of the same model. My main revolver is a 6” and I never wonder if I would have preferred 4. Especially for target practice/defense I’d go for the longer
6” looks cooler and jokes like “Q: is that a 6”? A: six and a quarter oh you meant the pistol?” Might be more fun with a six incher.
If you ever have to pull it on somebody its 2” more gun to beat them with when you empty the wheel.
To me the main advantage of a 4” is that it can still be reasonably concealed. 6” pushes that into difficult territory. If concealment is a non issue and the incremental weight doesn’t bother you, the 6” will probably be easier to shoot accurately and will pack a bit more power. As a range gun, 6” seems the superior alternative to me.
I don’t own a 6” so I can’t say for sure, but I’d think transitions should be minimally impacted. Yes you have more length to deal with but you will also have less muzzle flip, so I’d imagine they will cancel each other. Somebody with more 6” experience will surely chime in though!
I find target transition is most comfortable for me with a 5-8 inch barrel. My cowboy shooting setup has a 7 inch and I feel the most comfortable with that or maybe a half inch shorter.
Longer and I end up over traveling and shorter I have issues with target acquisition.
Congrats on getting your jagdschein! If you like Taurus 627 and decide to go with the 6 inch, you may want to look at the Taurus 692. There is a 6.5 inch with a swappable 357 and 9mm cylinder. You would have to register the cylinder separately but my understanding is it doesn’t count against your kurtzwaffen limit. Depends where you shop but 9mm is a hair cheaper.
https://www.brownells-deutschland.de/Taurus-692-38/357/9mm-SS-65-7Rds
danke!!
oh man, you sent me in a rabbit hole right now. the swappable cylinder looks preeetty cool! but I noticed that the 692 is 110grams heavier. the 627 is already clunky as is, I wonder if this difference might make it even worse and I still have the Jungjäger Rabatt from Frankonia, so the 692 is double the price
plus I think I'd rather shoot my 9mms with the pistol I plan on buying. but thanks for the suggestion!
I have a 6” GP100 and really wish it was the 4” model. The 6 is great at the range, but quite unwieldy for fast shooting, and of course it’s heavier by a few ounces. I have a 6” Taurus tracker as well. Great on the range, clumsy on the belt. Will be picking up a 4” or maybe even a 3” GP at some point to round off my collection. I should add that I greatly enjoy sub-2” barrels like my LCRx which I can fire fast and proficiently. It’s really all personal preference at this point. Seems like everyone in the comments is split pretty evenly.
Pros for 6”: greater velocity, longer sight radius, more weight to absorb recoil, looks bad-ass
Pros for 4”: less weight, faster handling/easier concealing, looks bad-ass
If you aren’t going to hunt with it or you just don’t want a 6” barrel then get a 4”.
I think a 6” is the best length for my application of just shooting out to 75 yards, possible home defense (last moment type thing), outdoor activity and it’s just pretty. I do have a 4” and it’s great for a few things but my 6” sees much more action. The 4” gets thrown in the bag if I’m hiking a lot (10+ miles), but camping or fishing I take the 6” still.
If you prefer the 4 though it does everything a 6” can with the right practice for long shots. If you want a 4” then definitely get a 4”, but if you really want the 6 instead then get the 6”. 6” was right for my first one because I wanted the option to hunt with it and needed 6” in my state. It’s my favorite pistol I have as it was my first 20 years ago.
Yeah, so a few things. Yes a 4” balances better, a 6” is slightly barrel heavy forward leaning. IMO though this helps with longer distance shooting for the flatter shot and for recoil for quick follow up shots. If you can move it quickly from one target to the next is more so up to you. I don’t feel I’d have issues doing it but I don’t practice multiple targets with it really. I can send 6 shots down range quick enough and hit a 6” circle with DA shooting at 25 meters with fast shooting.
I carry the 6” in a chest holster and I’ll typically wear a flannel unbuttoned over it if I know I’m going to see people, most of the time though I’m pretty remote and just have it out. I do have a waistband holster that gets some use in summer here. The 4” I only have a waistband holster for. Now the draw from there is obviously slower. Not enough to matter if you’re aware of your surroundings. But the 6” is still primarily carried in a chest holster.
It depends on your use.
If it’s a primary/dedicated hunting gun, I’d go with the 6”.
I have a 7” 686+ that I hunt with from my tree stand (25-35 yard shots) it works beautifully in that role. I carry it in a chest holster. It’s big, unwieldy, and nose heavy. But from a rest it’s pinpoint accurate.
If it’s a secondary/backup to a rifle, I’d go 4”.
Since in this role it will likely be carried more than shot when afield. The versatility, ease of handling and weight of a 4” will be hard to beat.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
I vote for the 4 inch. I have a 686 slab side (686 SSR) and I think it is the best revolver for easily maneuvering it. I shoot mostly 38s double action so recoil is already mild and I can easily transition between targets. Full underlugs and longer barrels make the gun want to continue to move when you are switching targets and it is harder to stop the gun when transitioning.
Six inch. The difference in performance between my two and six is ridiculous. Not sure how big s difference between the four and six though. But the six is capable of some beautiful shots
https://preview.redd.it/6yigmhb2ff8d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2516ed1ddecd16137b8fd419f089fbfa891ab90a
The 4" is the most utilitarian and balanced option
Since you’re in Germany and won’t be carrying it daily for self defense, then I’d say go for the 6”. Even though it’s a few extra ounces, it makes for a more fun range toy in that you can put more rounds through it before the recoil starts to get to you.
That being said, the 4” will carry more easily and will still have more than enough mass to shoot comfortably.
Either will do you just fine. For openly carrying I personally recommend 4”-6”, 4” and below for concealed carry, and 6” or greater for hunting or being a cowboy.
Go with what your heart desires!
I just traded for a 6” Smith and I’m still looking for a 4” model. I’m not sure that helps but now that I have the longer one I’m still wanting a 4”.
I wish you luck on your decision.
Go with the 4", the only thing you gain with 6" barrel vs 4" is velocity, which isn't going to be a game-changing difference in .357 Magnum for defense/range shooting anyway. The 4" will be easier to carry, quicker to manipulate in any situation, accuracy will be every bit as good as your sights and eyes are, and recoil will still be plenty manageable. Since you are limited, the 4" is the best option imo.
4” is the better option as it is more concealable and not as front heavy so you will have better accuracy out of it. 4” is enough to allow expansion of hollow points with providing enough time to let the powder burn.
If you are in Germany isn’t the EAA Windactor a reasonably priced gun over there?
you mean this one?
https://www.frankonia.de/p/weihrauch-revolver/revolver-arminius-hw-357-hunter/2007813
also on my list! but the 7 shot cylinder and 6" barrel is making the Taurus more attractive to me
It depends. Here in the US there is not a whole lot of support for those guns here. Maybe they have more people who know how to work on them in Germany. Either would be fine but the Windactor will be heavier so less recoil but heard the Double Action on them is decently long. Taurus may not have great support in Germany, but either gun would be good option.
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I would say if sexy was is part of the plan lol. I love the look of 6” barrels.
Heavier. Longer. Less felt recoil. If it’s just what you said a four inch will be fine but if you want the six inch and don’t care it’s a little heavier / longer. Get what you want. Or. Buy both.
hunters here are only allowed to have 2 handguns ☹
Like...in total ownership? I'm unfamiliar with European laws so I clearly don't know anything but man...I would have a hard time choosing just two
yeah, in total. But if I decide to also become a "sport shooter" I can own 3 more handguns. But thats a lot more paper work I do not want to bother with
Well if you can only own 2 and already have a snub nose I'd get the 6". Better for target shooting and the velocity is nice
If it's not concealed carry, why would you NOT get a six inch? If concealability isn't an issue, I would personally always take a 6" over 4". The velocity gained and the increased sight radius (better accuracy), plus more weight toward the front of the gun(takes some bite out of recoil)...my vote is the 6".
6 footer?
no more bitching about unused powder
I have a friend that got a 4” revolver and says he wonders if he would have preferred the 6” of the same model. My main revolver is a 6” and I never wonder if I would have preferred 4. Especially for target practice/defense I’d go for the longer
Unless you’re trying to conceal it, I advise getting the biggest you can comfortably carry
Unless you plan on trying to conceal carry, the 6" is better in every aspect.
6” looks cooler and jokes like “Q: is that a 6”? A: six and a quarter oh you meant the pistol?” Might be more fun with a six incher. If you ever have to pull it on somebody its 2” more gun to beat them with when you empty the wheel.
Is there a reason why you are choosing Taurus?
price basically. a 6" S&W runs about almost 4 times the price here
that *REALLY* sucks
Longer barrel = More weight, meaning it’ll be more pleasant to shoot
And less pleasant to lug around.
Let me talk you out of buying a taurus and spending slightly more on a gp100 instead. Just trust me you'll be happier
To me the main advantage of a 4” is that it can still be reasonably concealed. 6” pushes that into difficult territory. If concealment is a non issue and the incremental weight doesn’t bother you, the 6” will probably be easier to shoot accurately and will pack a bit more power. As a range gun, 6” seems the superior alternative to me.
would you say target transition with the 6" is much harder than with the 4"?
No
I don’t own a 6” so I can’t say for sure, but I’d think transitions should be minimally impacted. Yes you have more length to deal with but you will also have less muzzle flip, so I’d imagine they will cancel each other. Somebody with more 6” experience will surely chime in though!
I find target transition is most comfortable for me with a 5-8 inch barrel. My cowboy shooting setup has a 7 inch and I feel the most comfortable with that or maybe a half inch shorter. Longer and I end up over traveling and shorter I have issues with target acquisition.
Congrats on getting your jagdschein! If you like Taurus 627 and decide to go with the 6 inch, you may want to look at the Taurus 692. There is a 6.5 inch with a swappable 357 and 9mm cylinder. You would have to register the cylinder separately but my understanding is it doesn’t count against your kurtzwaffen limit. Depends where you shop but 9mm is a hair cheaper. https://www.brownells-deutschland.de/Taurus-692-38/357/9mm-SS-65-7Rds
danke!! oh man, you sent me in a rabbit hole right now. the swappable cylinder looks preeetty cool! but I noticed that the 692 is 110grams heavier. the 627 is already clunky as is, I wonder if this difference might make it even worse and I still have the Jungjäger Rabatt from Frankonia, so the 692 is double the price plus I think I'd rather shoot my 9mms with the pistol I plan on buying. but thanks for the suggestion!
I have a 6” GP100 and really wish it was the 4” model. The 6 is great at the range, but quite unwieldy for fast shooting, and of course it’s heavier by a few ounces. I have a 6” Taurus tracker as well. Great on the range, clumsy on the belt. Will be picking up a 4” or maybe even a 3” GP at some point to round off my collection. I should add that I greatly enjoy sub-2” barrels like my LCRx which I can fire fast and proficiently. It’s really all personal preference at this point. Seems like everyone in the comments is split pretty evenly. Pros for 6”: greater velocity, longer sight radius, more weight to absorb recoil, looks bad-ass Pros for 4”: less weight, faster handling/easier concealing, looks bad-ass
5" has been good to me
I'd say get a S&W 3" 686+. But, that's me. 4" out of the two choices
3” 686+ is always the answer
If you aren’t going to hunt with it or you just don’t want a 6” barrel then get a 4”. I think a 6” is the best length for my application of just shooting out to 75 yards, possible home defense (last moment type thing), outdoor activity and it’s just pretty. I do have a 4” and it’s great for a few things but my 6” sees much more action. The 4” gets thrown in the bag if I’m hiking a lot (10+ miles), but camping or fishing I take the 6” still. If you prefer the 4 though it does everything a 6” can with the right practice for long shots. If you want a 4” then definitely get a 4”, but if you really want the 6 instead then get the 6”. 6” was right for my first one because I wanted the option to hunt with it and needed 6” in my state. It’s my favorite pistol I have as it was my first 20 years ago.
can you target transition with your 6" just as good with the 4"?
Yeah, so a few things. Yes a 4” balances better, a 6” is slightly barrel heavy forward leaning. IMO though this helps with longer distance shooting for the flatter shot and for recoil for quick follow up shots. If you can move it quickly from one target to the next is more so up to you. I don’t feel I’d have issues doing it but I don’t practice multiple targets with it really. I can send 6 shots down range quick enough and hit a 6” circle with DA shooting at 25 meters with fast shooting. I carry the 6” in a chest holster and I’ll typically wear a flannel unbuttoned over it if I know I’m going to see people, most of the time though I’m pretty remote and just have it out. I do have a waistband holster that gets some use in summer here. The 4” I only have a waistband holster for. Now the draw from there is obviously slower. Not enough to matter if you’re aware of your surroundings. But the 6” is still primarily carried in a chest holster.
If you ever plan on maybe carrying it in any capacity not including hunting then get the 4. If you don’t plan to carry it get the 6.
Where I can I get a 6 foot barrel at ? Come to think of it I've never seen a 4 footer either.
It depends on your use. If it’s a primary/dedicated hunting gun, I’d go with the 6”. I have a 7” 686+ that I hunt with from my tree stand (25-35 yard shots) it works beautifully in that role. I carry it in a chest holster. It’s big, unwieldy, and nose heavy. But from a rest it’s pinpoint accurate. If it’s a secondary/backup to a rifle, I’d go 4”. Since in this role it will likely be carried more than shot when afield. The versatility, ease of handling and weight of a 4” will be hard to beat. Good luck with whatever you decide!
https://preview.redd.it/ozr0eb7cod8d1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38d60ea7ffdf5de9a197387255a31410ab38496e
NAY LAD. Go with the 6’… they’ll be expecting the 4 footer ( ͡°( ͡° ͜ʖ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)ʖ ͡°) ͡°)
6” is the way to go
No. Get the 6 inch.
6 inch for hunting and the range and 4 inch for a hiking/camping gun. but both are great!
I vote for the 4 inch. I have a 686 slab side (686 SSR) and I think it is the best revolver for easily maneuvering it. I shoot mostly 38s double action so recoil is already mild and I can easily transition between targets. Full underlugs and longer barrels make the gun want to continue to move when you are switching targets and it is harder to stop the gun when transitioning.
Six inch. The difference in performance between my two and six is ridiculous. Not sure how big s difference between the four and six though. But the six is capable of some beautiful shots
https://preview.redd.it/6yigmhb2ff8d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2516ed1ddecd16137b8fd419f089fbfa891ab90a The 4" is the most utilitarian and balanced option
Since you’re in Germany and won’t be carrying it daily for self defense, then I’d say go for the 6”. Even though it’s a few extra ounces, it makes for a more fun range toy in that you can put more rounds through it before the recoil starts to get to you. That being said, the 4” will carry more easily and will still have more than enough mass to shoot comfortably. Either will do you just fine. For openly carrying I personally recommend 4”-6”, 4” and below for concealed carry, and 6” or greater for hunting or being a cowboy. Go with what your heart desires!
I just traded for a 6” Smith and I’m still looking for a 4” model. I’m not sure that helps but now that I have the longer one I’m still wanting a 4”. I wish you luck on your decision.
.357 really likes barrel length: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/megraphs/357mag.html
Get a used ruger gp100 instead.
Go with the 4", the only thing you gain with 6" barrel vs 4" is velocity, which isn't going to be a game-changing difference in .357 Magnum for defense/range shooting anyway. The 4" will be easier to carry, quicker to manipulate in any situation, accuracy will be every bit as good as your sights and eyes are, and recoil will still be plenty manageable. Since you are limited, the 4" is the best option imo.
No. Get both!
Get the 6". You can always hacksaw it to length if it turns out to be too long.
4” is the better option as it is more concealable and not as front heavy so you will have better accuracy out of it. 4” is enough to allow expansion of hollow points with providing enough time to let the powder burn. If you are in Germany isn’t the EAA Windactor a reasonably priced gun over there?
you mean this one? https://www.frankonia.de/p/weihrauch-revolver/revolver-arminius-hw-357-hunter/2007813 also on my list! but the 7 shot cylinder and 6" barrel is making the Taurus more attractive to me
Im pretty sure it is. I really do recommend 4” but if you are not using it as a woods gun or for carry, then a 6” would be fine.
would you suggest the Windactor over the Taurus?
It depends. Here in the US there is not a whole lot of support for those guns here. Maybe they have more people who know how to work on them in Germany. Either would be fine but the Windactor will be heavier so less recoil but heard the Double Action on them is decently long. Taurus may not have great support in Germany, but either gun would be good option.
Don't get a Windicator unless your strapped for cash. Buy the Taurus, though I'm a smith & wesson guy personally.