ORIGINAL: Colorado Luckydog
So what about a S&W 629 with a 4" barrel? I bought one this year as a backup gun, but I plan on bringing it into the dark timber for elk season. I feel comfortable out to 40 yards for anything that is breathing. I don't know how well it would do with a scope for longer distances.
If you like a 4" bbl, then buy it and practice with it. I don't find a 6" to be a problem in a shoulder holster and it is a bit easier to shoot over a 4". It takes a lot of practise to be good with a handgun, so the added 2" helps there...
When i shot competition with a revolver, i used a M-29 with a 8-3/8" bbl... I don't think my 8-3/8 is more accurate, it's just easier to hit with...
DM