What Barrel Length Do You Like?

Digger · October 07, 2008, 11:19:46 PM

Hi All,

I mentioned in another post that I've got my heart set on a Colt .45. I can't make up my mind on the barrel length though. I've got a pair of USFA .38 in 4 3/4" that just feel like a part of my hand when I hold them, and they're a joy to shoot. I've read the points about the sight picture on 7 1/2", and the slightly higher fps due to the longer barrel, and the point about the 5 1/2" being an evolution compromise between the balance of the 4 3/4" and the sight picture of the 7 1/2". I've held the other lengths in the shops and cocked and decocked them, but I keep getting the feeling when I leave that a minute or two doesn't really clear up my befuddlement. I was wondering what others' feelings were on their preferences in barrel lengths.

Thanks for helping a pard,
Digger

Marshal Will Wingam · October 08, 2008, 12:45:38 AM

For the most part, I prefer 5 1/2" barrels. Yes, it is a good compromise. In my opinion (and that's all it is), the 7 1/2" is a bit much if you're handling it a lot and need quick target acquisition. For carrying as a hunting sidearm, the 7 1/2" will give you the best performance. If you can shoot a few different examples as a comparison, that may help some. In all fairness, though, there really isn't a best one other than what you think is best, coolest, manliest or most cowboy. Pick a historical figure or your favorite actor and get what he carried. I chose my first ones by simply looking at them and buying what I liked the look of. Hope this helps.

Angel_Eyes · October 08, 2008, 05:22:31 AM

I agree with the Marshall, if you want speed in a comp you need the shorter barrel, accuracy, the longer one and if you are on a budget then the 5 1/2's to spread the usage between comp and field.
No matter which you choose it still comes down to practice, practice, practice.
Personally I would buy 2 of each and just don't use the ones you don't like!!!(I should be so lucky!)

UKshooter (Who's still dreaming)

Arcey · October 08, 2008, 06:39:28 AM

Damned nice job, Will. That about sez it all from where I sit.

Rather shoot my 7 ½"s. Got plenty of 'em. I'm a handgun freak. Use a rifle 'n shotgun cuz I have to to play the game.

The character I play is an east coast city cop, retired, 'n driftin' west as a trail bum. What fits is a 7 ½" representin' his uniform time 'n a 3 ½" Birdshead to represent his concealed carry detective work. If I'm gonna miss somethin' it'll be with 'Shorty'.

Then again, if I know a staged pistol I ain't gottah draw from leather is in the mix I'll carry one of my 18" Buntlines.

Ta back up my pard, Will, as if he needs it, try ta shoot an example of each before ya put yer cash down.

N'er hurts ta dream, UK

Black Powder · October 08, 2008, 12:19:52 PM

Since you already have a pair in 4.75", I'd go to the other side of the spectrum and get a 7.5". I chose 7.5" because I liked the look and it was a natural segue from C&B 60 Army. So long as it feels right and getting another holster is in the budget, that's what I'd do.

BP

Cyrille · October 10, 2008, 01:10:22 PM

Me? I like the 5 1/2" barrel, I have an 8 3/8 barrel revolver that I find just too long, my 5 1/2s all 3 of them balance much better for me and shoot better.

Digger · October 10, 2008, 04:05:45 PM

Hi Y'all,

Had to make a 10 hr drive yesterday, 5 there, 5 back, and I had nothing to think about except mile markers and barrel lengths. So after considerable deliberation I gave in to the "other end" argument. I'm using my .38s for my shooters (economy). I considered the 5 1/2" for a long time, but finally decided there just wasn't enough difference between 4 3/4" and 5 1/2" to rationalize the "back end" investment. I'm defining "back end" as the leather and reloading equipment, the dies, conversion kits, etc. I finally decided if I was only going to add 3/4" it wasn't worth the cost of adding a new caliber to my inventory, so to pacify my better angels, or at least stingier, I decided I had to have a bigger jump.

I confess, aesthetics played a role too. When I think "Peacemaker", the picture that leaps into my mind is a 7 1/2" barrel.

Once I already have all the reloading parts, maybe I can talk myself into a 5 1/2". Just to see.

Thanks,
Digger

Marshal Will Wingam · October 10, 2008, 06:32:28 PM

Quote from: Digger on October 10, 2008, 04:05:45 PMWhen I think "Peacemaker", the picture that leaps into my mind is a 7 1/2" barrel.

There you go. That's a good way to look at it. They're all fun to shoot so you really can't go wrong.

Digger · October 18, 2008, 10:59:28 PM

Hi Y'all,

My 7 1/2" barreled Colt came today. It's a beauty. A subtle difference in balance from the 4 3/4" barrel. I have to be holding them side-by-side to feel it. I believe I see why gunfighters would prefer the 4 3/4". The 7 1/2" points quicker for me, though.

Interesting to compare USFA and Colt directly.javascript:void(0);

Digger

Digger · November 11, 2008, 09:47:38 PM

Hi Y'all,

After thinking about it for a long time, I finally took the plunge and bought a couple of 5 1/2" for my .45 shooters. I don't know if you'd really call it a pair, since one is a USFA and the other is a STI Texican. Soon as I get a chance I plan on putting red deer antler grips on them. After a lot of thought, I decided that although I like the 7 1/2", it'd be a nuisance to draw on the line since I ain't real tall.

I'm real curious to see how they handle together, since they're two different makes.

Digger

Mustang Gregg · November 12, 2008, 05:18:00 PM

For SASS main match?
5.5" in six-shooters
20" in lever carbines
24+" in scatter-guns

Mustang Gregg

Digger · November 12, 2008, 05:56:02 PM

Hi Y'all,

Well now, that catches my attention. A longer barrel for a scatter-gun. Any special reason for that choice? I use a 20 ga coach gun with a shorter barrel because I had one. (Lived in an apt at the time and figured a double 20 was a better choice.) I've been thinking about adding a 12 ga to my battery, and I'd just figured go with a shorter barrel again. But I'm always open to a better idea.

My goal is to be both SASS and NCOWS ready. I've got some medical issues to live through right now, but I've got big hopes for the future.

Thanks,
Digger

Marshal Will Wingam · November 12, 2008, 08:34:18 PM

I have a double with 20" bbls, one with 22" bbls and one with 26" bbls. The 22" is definitely my favorite. It balances great and the slightly longer barrels seem to work better for knock-downs and clays or poppers than the shorter one. The 26"er is really good for reaching out but it's a bit much to wield around. I had one with 18" bbls and got rid of it because it was too spread out. I had trouble with knock-downs and clays were impossible. I haven't tried a 24, but it's probably a decent length, too.

Mustang Gregg · November 13, 2008, 12:52:55 PM

Digger:

I usually use my 12" 30" Stevens M-311D. But it has developed some bad habits of not firing the 2nd barrel reliably lately.

And now I am using my 12 ga Winchester M-24 with 24" and the 12 ga Win M-1897 with 24" more than ever.

Calamity likes her Stoeger 12 ga Coachgun with 20" best.

Mustang

Leo Tanner · November 13, 2008, 02:45:02 PM

I've always preferred the 5.5's. They draw easy and have solid accuacy. But as others have said, it all a personal matter.

How do ya like that Texican? It's a beautifully made gun but too high dollar fer me. Do you notice a considerable difference between it and the others? I'm just real curious 'bout em.

Leo

Digger · November 13, 2008, 04:20:01 PM

Hi Y'all,

I'm still waiting on delivery of the Texican. I got it used on Gunbroker, so that helped a lot. I'm real curious about it myself. I've only read one review that didn't give it high praise, and it was still positive.

Some interesting points about the knock down on the shorter barrels. I noticed occasional issues with my 20--when the fault wasn't mine, that is. I have a tendency to go high. Probably the skeet training. Trying to lead a stationary target.

Digger