Thanks for joining us on another edition of TFB’s Wheelgun Wednesday, in which we cover every topic known to the world of revolvers. We always want to hear reader feedback, but as the title suggests, I demand humbly request your participation to hear what your go-to barrel length is when it comes to revolvers. With the exception of homemade revolvers, we’re limited to barrel length options presented by wheelgun manufacturers, but when your go-to barrel length is available, which do you choose?

Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB

• The Best Carry Revolver Right Now? The Smith & Wesson 327 Review
• Current Chinese Police Revolvers – NRP9 and ZLS05
• ‘Dangerous’ Saturday Night Special – Why Illegal?
• Top Revolver Hunting Ammo For 2023
• Empire KAGE for Colt Python

S&W 27 with 8 3/8 inch barrel. Image credit: TFB’s Adam S.

GO-TO BARREL LENGTH: USAGE & caliber

The first hurdle that arises based on the question at hand is the usage context. My ideal barrel length may be based on self-defense, while your answer to the go-to barrel length may be based on hunting. Between all the different ways one could utilize a revolver, such as plinking, hunting, concealed carry, home defense, and duty, please distinguish which aspect or combination of aspects you’re listing.

Calibers will also undoubtedly be included in the discussion of our go-to barrel lengths since some calibers can get away with shorter barrels than others. For example, while .357 Magnum has been offered with anything from 2 to 10-inch barrels, it’s generally regarded as needing at least a 3-inch barrel to take better advantage of its speed and power. When it came to picking out my first revolver, all of these aspects were in play. I knew I wanted it chambered for .357 Mag, and while I personally prefer 4 inches for my go-to barrel length, I opted for the 6-inch barrel for my Ruger GP100 since I was hoping to do some deer hunting with it. My state allows for 4-inch barrels to be used in harvesting game, however, I opted for the longer barrel to gain as much velocity as I could, while ignoring any thought of concealability for that revolver. All these years later, I still haven’t gotten around to hunting with it, but my wheels were turning when it came to selecting my first wheelgun.

Ruger GP100 with a 6-inch barrel.

Sadly, despite my preference for 4-inch barreled revolvers, I have yet to actually buy one. However, when the opportunity arises, I like to review 4-inch models, such as the S&W 586 Classic, the S&W 610, the S&W 27 Classic, and the Taurus 66. I would have loved to buy all of them (and more), but my gun budget only goes so far.

Taurus 66 with a 4-inch barrel

S&W 27 Classic with a 4-inch barrel

Taurus Raging Hunter with a 10.5-inch barrel. Image credit: TFB’s Rusty S.

S&W 340 with a 2-inch barrel.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO BARREL LENGTH

As previously queried, what is your ideal barrel length for your revolvers? Does it vary based on the caliber and overall use? Did you compromise that ideal length for concealed carry or another usage?