Beginner/Training handgun. Revolver or Semi?

[LogicTrigger]

I'd go with the 4" 6 shot, rather than the 7 shot. That way you could compete in IDPA.

Hmm I was wondering why the 4" barrel was more expensive than the 6. I actually preferred the extra weight of the 6" barrel, but now I'll have to try and shoot both before I make a decision. I wasn't really thinking of competition yet but that is good to keep in mind.

Thank you.

 

[dwarven1]

I found out the hard way you can't use the extra round in IDPA, and the 6" tube is too long for IDPA as well.

 

[LogicTrigger]

+1 The 4" is more practical and the 7-shot is tougher to get speedloaders for.

If you want a "high-cap" revolver get the 627 8-shot. You can shoot ICORE with it.

I was not aware of that. I really only wanted the 7 shot version since it seemed to be a "Newer" gun, not especially for the 7th round. 6 is plenty for me so I might as well get the 686 in 6-shot. Thank you though.

I found out the hard way you can't use the extra round in IDPA, and the 6" tube is too long for IDPA as well.

Oh, after reading the IDPA rules it says you can just keep the 7th chamber empty?.. Maybe I will get the 7 shot then.

 

[Keystone]

I was not aware of that. I really only wanted the 7 shot version since it seemed to be a "Newer" gun, not especially for the 7th round. 6 is plenty for me so I might as well get the 686 in 6-shot. Thank you though.



Oh, after reading the IDPA rules it says you can just keep the 7th chamber empty?.. Maybe I will get the 7 shot then.

I'm pretty sure you can leave one empty...but your reloads will be slower as you try and make sure the speedloader lines up correctly so that you don't get a "click" in the middle of a string of fire as you drop the hammer on the empty chamber.

Both the 686+ and 686 are offered new, I believe.

Good choices on guns, make sure you shoot some of those polymer .45s before you get one, they aren't for everyone.

 

[LogicTrigger]

That is something to consider.. perhaps the 6 shot is just better all around.

I wasn't aware there was a 686+, what is the difference? Google fails me.

I definitely need to get more personal time with handguns in general before I make a solid decision.

 

[M1911]

Oh, after reading the IDPA rules it says you can just keep the 7th chamber empty?.. Maybe I will get the 7 shot then.

That won't work. During reloads, you won't have time to make sure that the empty chamber winds up at the top.

Seriously, get the 4" 6-shot. The 4" is plenty heavy enough, and a long enough sight radius. The 6" isn't as well balanced, IMHO.

 

[dwarven1]

Oh, after reading the IDPA rules it says you can just keep the 7th chamber empty?

I'm pretty sure you can leave one empty...but your reloads will be slower as you try and make sure the speedloader lines up correctly so that you don't get a "click" in the middle of a string of fire as you drop the hammer on the empty chamber.

Precisely. IF you plan on using it for IDPA, then I'd recommend getting the 686. If you want that 7th shot - either for games that allow 7 shot revolvers, or because you're using it for a duty gun (as a security guard, perhaps?), then go for it.

I'll bring mine along today so you can get a chance to shoot it - might want to stop at Walmart and grab a box of .357 as I don't have much on hand. I'll bring the Model 19 as well so you can compare the 6" to a 4" barrel.