Not exclusive to USFA's,,,,but what barrel length to you perfer ?

[Marshal Deadwood]

I thought I'd ask what barrel lenght you perfer,,,and asked it here since this forum is dedicated to at least a large part to 1873 Colts.

I like the 4 3/4" and the 7 1/2". In CAS shooting that's what I shoot, in .45colt,,,with the Shortie on my hip and the 7 1/2SAA from cross-draw.

There are no bad SAA's and I'm certainly not slighting anyones 5 1/2 incher.

MD

[Doc Sunrise]

That is a completely subjective inquiry.  There are those who like the old & authentic look with the 7 1/2" as well as the aesthetics, especially when engraved and especially in Armory Blue.  However, shooting the 7 1/2" in CAS can be tricky for speed, but the sight radius is more forgiving for older shooters.  Also on hotter loads the extra weight out front can be a benefit.

The 4 3/4" has obvious advantages for fast draw, but in some calibers the 4 3/4" feels out of balance, not to mention an extremely short sight radius, which for some of the aging eyes can be problematic.  Hotter loads also can be problematic with muzzle flip and sight reaquisition.

The 5 1/2" has good balance in the majority of calibers, a little nicer sight radius compared to the 4 3/4", is pleasing to look at in size as it appears visually balanced, whether engraved or not, and is still fairly quick from the holster.  It can handle the hotter loads without too much of a problem.

So, it depends on the mood? 

[Marshal Deadwood]

Indeed, Doc...each person has their perference.

Of them all, I like the 4 3/4 best...to the eye,,,the 'golden mean' ( natures 1/3'rd rule)  appears to be pretty well close.

The long one ,,in my mind says 'military or such',,the 5 1/2 says 'cowboy gun',,the 4 3/4 says 'gunman revolver' ...but that is just my own 'influenced scale'...they are ALL neat as heck !

MD

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Gents 


           I have to say for packing the shorter tube is a lot lighter and easier to carry, and is lethal at close range, and faster out of leather than the longer tubed guns, but once you step out of close range the 5 1/2" will get it done better, and if there is any distance involved the the 7 1/2" is my choice, the barrel just balances perfect and lays down on target like no other, I can hit my target better at all distances with a 7 1/2" barrel, I've shot them all and own them all , and should say love them all, just my nickels worth.


                                                     tEN wOLVES 

[Wild Will]

I prefer the 4 3/4" and 5 1/2".  The 7 1/2" is just a little long for me but that's just me

[Marshal Deadwood]

When I'm shooting SASS,,,I shoot the 4 3/4 from right hip, and the 7 1/2 from cross-draw (I'm right handed). Just seems to be a more natural flow to that method for me.

However, I do know one gent that does just the opposite,,,draws the long 7 1/2 off his hip, and draws the short revolver from cross-draw. I suppose it's however ya feel is best for you.

I've lusted after that 'Doc Holliday' shoulder rig for a spell now,,I believe that would be a most comfortable carry for a revolver, esp a 4 3/4.

Heck, I never seen a revolver,,,or GUN PERIOD,,that I didn't like !

MD

[August]

I get more consistent hits with the longer, 5 1/2" tube.  It comes out of the holster just as easily as the 4 5/8" barrel.  Getting back in, however, takes a little bit more attention.  All the people I have studied in CAS "look" their gunz into the holster anyway.  I've worked hard at making this habit permanent.  In the long run, looking the gun into the holster saves a lot of grief.  So, the 5 1/2 is all advantage for me and no downside.

[Harley Starr]

The Cavalry model and the Artillery model were and shall forever remain my favorites. It should be noted however that I am fond of the 8 inch and 10 inch lengths as well.

[Grogan]

Having tried long and short, I prefer 4-3/4" over the others (well the 4" are also nice in Sheriff's Models  )

That is unless it has a Shoulder Stock. 

[Buffalo Bruce]

Marshall:

My favorite is the 7 1/2", probably because of the authiticity, but they are tricker to shoot. I shoot double duelist and I like the 7 1/2 with my strong hand and a 7 1/2 open top or 4 3/4 Peacemaker for my weak hand. The lighter-smaller guns hanle better.

Buffalo

[Hobie]

4-3/4" but I have 2 7-1/2".  Go figger. 

[Tjackstephens]

For CAS matches I'll go with the 7 1/2. Out and about the 4 5/8, it just carries easier. TJ