Big iron barrel length.....

[Capt. Jack McQuesten]

What do you prefer and why? I have a pair of .44 magnum 4-5/8" Rugers (one a Vaquero and the other a Bisley Vaquero). No particular reason why, except I had them long before I got into CAS. They are working guns and I found them handy to carry while out "checking fences". I have a bunch of other Rugers, but they are all .44 magnum RSBH's with target sights, which would work for only the Modern class. I have a Stainless RSBH with a 5-1/2" barrel that balances real nice. My other two are a 7-1/2" RBH Bisley and a 10-1/2" RSBH. I am finding that these old eyes are having a hard time seeing the sights on the shorter tubes. I like the feel of the RSBH Bisley with the 7-1/2" barrel. I sure wish Ruger would make a 7-1/2" Bisley Vaquero. I think that would be a great CAS shooting iron for these old eyes!

[Capt. Hamp Cox]

I started with a couple of low-end Uberti clones in .44 Spc., one with 4 3/4", the other a 5 1//2".  Both felt and shot good, but the 5 1/2 seemed better balanced.  Had enough parts failures at inopportune times that I switched to a pair of stainless 5 1/2" RVs in .44 Mag.  After installing Wolff springs, and getting used to the larger, heavier handguns, I've never looked back.  The clones feel better to me, but the reliability and corresponding peace of mind is more important to me.  Recent cataract removal and lens implants allow me to see both sights and targets clearly without external corrective lenses, so all I need is protective shooting glasses.  Barrel length doesn't seem to matter in that regard.

[Silver Creek Slim]

I prefer 7 1/2" and 8" tubes. I tend to shoot more accurately with them. I have a brace of RBV's with 5 1/2" tubes but wish they were 7 1/2". 

Slim

[Capt. Hamp Cox]

Slim's always lookin for an "edge".  Them longer barrels put his front sight a couple a inches closer to the targets.  Next thing ya know, he's gonna be takin' arm stretchin' exercises.

[Silver Creek Slim]

Slim's always lookin for an "edge".  Them longer barrels put his front sight a couple a inches closer to the targets.  Next thing ya know, he's gonna be takin' arm stretchin' exercises.

I already have monkey arms. 

Slim

[St. George]

I've always owned and carried Colts and I have all three barrel lengths, so I'm pretty familiar with their idiosyncracies.

A short-barrelled (4 3/4") SAA as a working gun is almost a perfect size to pack along, and if needed, will fit into the hip pocket of your Levi's as you're checking fences, or into a shoulder holster when the weather's bad.

The long-barrelled (7 1/2") Colt has almost perfect balance for "natural" shooting, since it drops back into position after recoil, and it "tracks" well when it's a snap shot.

The medium length (5 1/2") is a compromise and is an excellent all-around revolver.

In C&WAS, a long barrelled piece will more easily render better scores, since it'll point naturally to the target, and for those who can't practice as much as they'd like, it'd be a great choice, since you don't have to fight the gun, you just have to see the target.

It boils down to balance and a natural feel.

I'm lucky - my S&W Schofield is the same - pointability-wise.

These are all in .45, by the way.

I've tried Colt SAA's in .357 and I've handled other single action revolvers in that caliber and as far as I was concerned, they all felt like boat anchors.

That bigger hole (with the corresponding removal of metal) really added to the "alive" feeling of the gun, whereas, the heavier guns seemed to have no balance.

But as a closing, .44's also have their place - and the short ones are impressive - like Marty Robbins sang in "Mister Shorty".

"The .44 spoke, and sent lead and smoke - and seventeen inches of flame..."


Scouts Out!

[Doc Shapiro]

St. George, that feeling is in the eye...er hand...of the shooter.  For me, I like the heavier 357 guns.  The added weight has a better feel (at least for me) and in a short barrel points great.

I prefer the 4 5/8 inch Rugers.  They point well for me (at least after I put on Eagle Gunfighter grips) and shoot great. 

Doc

[Big Hext Finnigan]

When I started the game, I was shooting traditional/two handed.  Shrot barrels worked best for me then. 
When I wanted to shoot duelist/one handed, these same pistols were wobbly as all get out.  So I went to some longer barrels.  Much easier to hold on target.

Good luck.. and you'll have it, cause there ain't no wrong answer.
Adios,

[Russ T Chambers]

Right now it's a pair of Frontier Marshals in .45 Colt. from EMF with 4 3/4 barrels.  They just look right to me they have the brass grip frame, that I also like.  I'm still out to prove you can miss fast enough to win, so I quess the lookin' good wins out.