speed difference in short or long barrels

[Gun Butcher]

  I am guessing that someone on here has an opinion on this subject.
Have you found a difference in the speed of getting from the holster to the target with say a 5 1/2" barrel as opposed to a 8". the reason I am asking is I am torn between the original length of the 1860 versus a shortened model. To me the original is such a work of art that it shouldn't be messed with. What do you think


      Gun Butcher ( trying not to live up to my name for once)

[hellgate]

There must be a difference or all the smokeless gamers wouldn't be using the shorter barrels. I do believe the shorter barrels are faster to draw and reholster but it is also much easier TO MISS with the shorter barrels. Every time I go less than 7.5" I get unexpected misses. I would rather take the longer draw than the misses I get. If I could get a 6" C&B I might change my mind but the 4" US Marshall I have is fast but I don't point it straight. Keep in mind the smokeless gamers are using TWO HANDS to aim rather than the duelist Frontiersmen.

[Roosterman]

I shoot guns with 7 1/2" and 8" barrels. I'm not much for fast draw any way as I don't care to shoot myself in the foot.....

[Dick Dastardly]

Yup, there's a velocity loss as barrels get shortened.  For SASS shooting it's mostly academic.  So, what remains is what length of iron can you point best.  For me, 7-1/2" tubes seem to point best.  I also like the 8" tubes on my 1860s.

Mostly, shoot the guns you are most comfortable with.  When the lead hits the steel it don't matter much what length of tube launched it.  Go with what you shoot best.

DD-DLoS

[Abilene]

Choice of holsters makes a difference.  Lassiter has won many championships shooting gunfighter with 7 1/2" barrels, but he is using a buscadero rig.

[Gun Butcher]

   Thanks for your input pards. I guess i am going to go with the 5 1/2" barrels mainly because I like the way they feel. Then of course I will have to decide on leather. Kind of leaning toward a jesse james stlye with a few minor alterations, i will know better about that when I have the pistols in hand. Doing the waiting patiently thing is a major  >#%#&(. not my best attribute.
        Anyway thanks again
                           GB