Those of you with SAAs and clones, which barrel length to you prefer?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Those of you with SAAs and clones, which barrel length to you prefer?

Posted: 7/3/2014 2:26:06 PM EDT

I am thinking of getting a Colt SAA or a clone, and cant decide on barrel length but am leaning toward the 7 1/2...........what do you guys prefer?

Posted: 7/3/2014 2:34:21 PM EDT

[#1]

4 and 3/4" for me.

If I were back in the day, I would rather be a well established, well armed citizen. It is easier to conceal the shorter barrel.

Now, if you picture yourself as a cavalryman, or a cowboy, you might well prefer the longer barrels.

It is not a serious gun for me, so I can choose whatever my fantasy leads me to.

If you like the 7 1/2" barrel, get one.

If you like the 3" Sheriff's model, get one.

Life is too short to sweat over simple decisions.

Posted: 7/3/2014 2:51:41 PM EDT

[#2]

What you want to do with it? I have the Ruger Bisley Blackhawk 45colt/45acp 5.5c and a Ruger Bisley Hunter 44 in 7.5" the 7.5" balances better in my hand then the 5.5"...saying that though I am picking up a Ruger SBH SS 44mag in 4-5/8" to see how I like it how it points, carries etc...I couldnt decide on the 3.75" Bisley or the 4-5/8" SBH but I think the SBH is what I am getting. They both shoot well I like the longer sight radius...but a 4" gun sure would carry better...

Posted: 7/3/2014 4:04:11 PM EDT

[#3]

Have had 3 Colts all 4 3/4. Never tried 5 1/2 but think I would like it.

Posted: 7/3/2014 4:05:11 PM EDT

[#4]

It's totally dependent on what you're going to do with it. If the only thing you'll ever do is take it to the range the 7 1/2" would probably be best. When I got into CAS I bought a 4 3/4" and a 5 1/2" thinking the 5 1/2" would be my hiking and hunting revolver. Now I'm much more for d of the shorter barrel and except for an occasional CAS match the 5 1/2" sits unused.

If you really plan on carrying the revolver there's really not a lot of difference in the 4 3/4 and 5 1/2. Pick one and don't look back.

Posted: 7/3/2014 6:02:29 PM EDT

[#5]

My 3 rd Gen SAA is 5 1/2", I like that length, but if you're leaning toward 7 1/2" go for it, there is no wrong choice.

Posted: 7/3/2014 6:03:46 PM EDT

[#6]

I like 7 1/2

I currently have 4 3/4 and a couple 4" antiques

Posted: 7/3/2014 6:15:07 PM EDT

[#7]

Ruger Montado, 3 3/4 inch barrel with the Super Blackhawk style hammer.

Posted: 7/3/2014 6:31:56 PM EDT

[#8]

I have a 5in 357. It shoots like a 22. I def wouldn't mind a shorter one

Posted: 7/3/2014 6:35:43 PM EDT

[#9]

I recently purchased 2 Taylor's/Uberti Cattleman SAA's, both 4 3/4 ".

I handled a few others in different barrel lengths, and the
4 3/4 had the best balance for me. But 5 1/2" wasn't too bad.

Taylor's & Co Uberti Cattleman

FWIW, The ladies at Taylor's & Co provide customer service second to none.

Posted: 7/3/2014 8:07:21 PM EDT

[#10]

I like the 4.75" version.

Posted: 7/3/2014 9:08:41 PM EDT

[#11]

I prefer the 7.5. It balances the SAA nicely.

Posted: 7/4/2014 5:18:18 AM EDT

[#12]

7.5

Posted: 7/4/2014 12:35:25 PM EDT

[#13]

Another vote for 7.5.

Posted: 7/4/2014 2:26:28 PM EDT

[#14]

Personally, I really like the 5 1/2". But if you like the 7 1/2", then you should get that.

Posted: 7/4/2014 3:59:30 PM EDT

[#15]

I wanted 4 3/4 but all they had at cabelas in the nickel/45 was 5.5 so I got that. It is ok. 7.5 just looks to long to me. I have a 7 7/8 Ruger Redhawk and several 7+" colt army and navy guns and a remington new army, they are OK but pretty hard to carry around.

Posted: 7/5/2014 9:02:41 AM EDT

[#16]

4 3/4 45 Colt for woods carry and hunting.

Posted: 7/5/2014 9:19:38 AM EDT

[#17]

What do you plan on using it for? My Colts in 357 and 44 special didn't shoot to point of aim for me in the loads that I wanted to use. The 45 doesn't need to be loaded hot to have a useful field load. Still it didn't shoot right where it looked with factory loads and if I wanted to shoot at a jack I had to remember how to adjust my hold. If that was the only handgun you had and used then it wouldn't be too much of a problem remembering where to hold. Adjustable sights for the win.

Posted: 7/5/2014 1:06:55 PM EDT

[#18]

For some reason, I think that guns in .45 Colt should be a 5-1/2" while those in .44-40 should be 4-3/4".

That's what mine are.

(Other calibers - GTFO.)

Posted: 7/5/2014 2:35:36 PM EDT

[#19]

I like the balance and size of the 7.5 but a 5 .5 is very nice too.

elmer kieth praises the 4.75" as the best of all for quick draw

Posted: 7/9/2014 9:51:29 PM EDT

[#20]

4.x" is the best. But, why not collect the whole set?

Posted: 7/10/2014 1:13:59 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
4.x" is the best. But, why not collect the whole set?

View Quote

+2 to both statements

Posted: 7/10/2014 5:48:03 PM EDT

[#22]

I prefer 7.5 as it just looks right to me. It also is nice to have that weight out there when shooting one handed.

Posted: 7/11/2014 5:23:39 AM EDT

[#23]

They are all pretty good. That being said, my favorite is 4-3/4". I have a SAA clone in 32-20 in 4-3/4. Its my favorite cowboy gun.
With a nice holster, its a good companion for carrying on a walk in the woods and not too heavy.

Posted: 7/11/2014 2:15:34 PM EDT

[#24]

I Like the balance of the 5.5" barrels the best.

Posted: 7/11/2014 10:34:36 PM EDT

[#25]

From the posts it seems everyone is different. i would suggest go and handle one in person and find the size that you find most comfortable.

Posted: 7/13/2014 10:45:37 AM EDT

[#26]

For my first one, I thought a 5.x barrel would be the bees knees. It's nice, don't get me wrong, but these days I much prefer the balance of the 4.x lengths, as they're much handier and don't get in the way as much in holster rigs.

Posted: 7/14/2014 7:41:42 PM EDT

[#27]

Four and three quartuh, because when the poker table gets flipped, it comes out of the holster faster

Posted: 7/15/2014 4:44:21 AM EDT

[#28]

For hunting or just plinking, the 7.5" is about perfect in my opinion. If I were into playing cowboy or fast draw, I'd probably go with a shorter barrel.

Posted: 7/15/2014 7:20:02 AM EDT

[#29]

My pair of Uberti Cattleman Hombres in .45 LC 4.75" sequential serial numbers:

I normally prefer longer barrels on my revolvers, but this pair balances perfectly and recoil is surprisingly light. Accuracy is impressive from both of these.

Posted: 7/15/2014 8:48:38 AM EDT

[#30]

5.5

Posted: 7/21/2014 11:19:23 AM EDT

[#31]

For holster carry and looks I like the 4 5/8". I like shooting the 7 1/2" better since it points naturally. YMMV

Posted: 7/21/2014 3:13:12 PM EDT

[#32]

the older the eyes the longer the barrel.

Posted: 7/21/2014 3:52:45 PM EDT

[#33]

This is a subject I put a whole lot of thought into recently. I was torn between the 4.63 and 5.5. I find the 7.5 to be too unwieldy and barrel heavy but if you want to hunt with it that would be a good choice. However, since you're wanting a SAA which has fixed sights it's not a great choice for hunting anyway so I would say shorter.

My first SA was a Ruger New Vaquero Bisley .45 Colt and I spent probably an hour trying to figure out if I wanted it or a shorter 4.63" before choosing the 5.5". Now I love my 5.5" Bisley but I quickly started wanting a 4.63". I ended up buying my sister a Ruger "old" Vaquero .45 Colt 4.63" and that was it...I was hooked, I want one! The shorter, or "gunfighter", length just feels better. It balances better, feels better and you can pretend your a gunfighter! Anywho, I bought one, a Ruger Single Six Convertible .22LR/.22WMR and it's more fun than flogging frogs. So I have a 5.5" Bisley, a 4.63" Single Six and a 5.5" Blackhawk (for hunting use also hence adjustable sights).

All that said...forget it and choose whichever appeals to you the most. Oh, and buy American!!!

Posted: 7/21/2014 9:25:38 PM EDT

[#34]

I have two Uberti made SSA's in 45 Colt. One is 5 & 1/2 and the other is 7 & 1/2. I like 'em both and would like to add a 4 & 3/4 as well. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the barrel lengths.

Posted: 7/22/2014 4:27:09 AM EDT

[#35]

I like 7.5 and that's what I bought first. A coupe of weeks ago I picked up a Pietta Thunderstorm in 3.5 and it is really nice. If I had to pick one barrel length though, it would be 7.5. The Thunderstorm is the nicest sa gun I have ever shot, but its not made in 7.5. I have an Uberti running iron in 5.5, but I like the Thunderstorm better, not because of the barrel length, but the overall way the gun looks and feels, particularly the hammer.

Posted: 7/23/2014 10:51:52 AM EDT

[#36]

I do not have anthing to compare it to but my 44 mag Bisley Vaquero in 4 5/8" points natural.

Posted: 7/23/2014 12:11:29 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
My pair of Uberti Cattleman Hombres in .45 LC 4.75" sequential serial numbers:

http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt280/Wyldman1/Threads/HOMBRES002_zps80adc72e.jpeg

I normally prefer longer barrels on my revolvers, but this pair balances perfectly and recoil is surprisingly light. Accuracy is impressive from both of these.

View Quote

Did you age those, or is that regular wear? I bought a nos one in .357 and I thought about ageing the finish.

Posted: 7/23/2014 12:16:52 PM EDT

[#38]

I really prefer the shorter barrels

Good Ol' West. by SoloDallas, on Flickr

Posted: 7/23/2014 12:21:58 PM EDT

[#39]

4.75" for me...

Posted: 7/23/2014 12:36:41 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
I really prefer the shorter barrels

<a href="https://flic.kr/p/kZK6pn" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/13124226855_e2a6661a3e_b.jpg</a>Good Ol' West. by SoloDallas, on Flickr

View Quote

That 66 carbine is next on my list.

Posted: 7/23/2014 1:56:14 PM EDT

[#41]

Speaking of '66's, going to have to part with this one

:

Posted: 7/24/2014 3:36:51 AM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:

Did you age those, or is that regular wear? I bought a nos one in .357 and I thought about ageing the finish.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
My pair of Uberti Cattleman Hombres in .45 LC 4.75" sequential serial numbers:

http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt280/Wyldman1/Threads/HOMBRES002_zps80adc72e.jpeg

I normally prefer longer barrels on my revolvers, but this pair balances perfectly and recoil is surprisingly light. Accuracy is impressive from both of these.

Did you age those, or is that regular wear? I bought a nos one in .357 and I thought about ageing the finish.

They were "played with" by the previous owner who had them in a three gun holster rig that he spent a lot of time draw practicing with them. They had never been fired and the wear is strictly from his practicing. I kind of like the "lived in" look they have. I have not done anything to them beyond some test firing.

Posted: 7/24/2014 4:30:57 AM EDT

[#43]

I have a 7.5 in 45LC. It's a hunting gun, I think I'd get a 4-5/8" for general range work. Shot a guy's 357 in that length, fun gun.

Posted: 7/24/2014 5:07:57 AM EDT

[#44]

It is toss up between the 4.X" and the 5.5" for me. The longer length ones (7") look better to me, but for me in is not about looks. It is about how it carries. YMMV.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Those of you with SAAs and clones, which barrel length to you prefer?

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