"Balance" is an intangible and very personal thing that's hard for someone to define. I spent 40 years or more preferring 7 1/2" barrels on my single actions, but in recent years have begun to favor 5 1/2"- 6". I have 2 7 1/2" 97's and one 5 1/2" 97. I like 'em all, but presently prefer 6" 83's to anything else. I think no one can answer your question for you. Try to handle some 7 1/2's.
