Optimum Barrel Length

[HEAD0001]

I am wanting to get a 44 magnum or a 45 Colt handgun barrel for my Encore.  I am now leaning to the 45 Colt.  I shot a 44 magnum Contender the other day with a 10" barrel, and I actually forgot how much muzzle flip that rig has.  And it seems like the 45 Colt recoil is not as violent as the 44 magnum, even with a heavy load.

So my question to you guys is what barrel length would be optimum to at least try to tame the muzzle flip??  I am also considering having it Magna-Ported.  What are your opinions.  Tom.

[tacklebury]

I personally really like 5-6".  Short enough to carry and still good accuracy out to 75 yards with my New Model Blackhawk Convertible in .45 Colt/.45 acp.  I love having the extra cylinder too, so I can plink away with cheaper ammo and reload target level loads at a rate of about 6-9 cents a shot.    When I shoot my buddy's 7.5" Super Blackhawk it does control the muzzle slightly better, but the things too bulky for me for carrying.  I can also hold my 5.5" up at the ready for one to walk into view for a while before shaking or getting tired arms.  But many will probably have different ideas about it. 

[Catfish]

You will not notice near as much flip with an Encore. As for barrel lenth how are you going to hunt?? For walking around and off hand shooting I would recomand a 10 in. barrel. If you will be hunting from a stand and have a rest a 14 or 16 in. barrel would surve you better. If you will be doing both go with a 10 in barrel, the longer barrels are just to hard to hold off hand. Eather round will do and excellant job. You also might consider a .454 barrel. If you don`t want quite that much recoil you can shoot 45`s. in it.

[HEAD0001]

I am wanting to get a companion handgun with my Low Wall in 45 Colt.  And I have also looked at the Smith 25 and a Blackhawk.  But IMO I believe the Encore will be more accurate to 100 yards.

I am a handicapped hunter.  And I do all my hunting on my Kawasaki Mule.  So carrying is not really an issue.  I just wanted to keep the weight down a bit if  I could.  And I believe the 10" will generate enough velocity for up to 100 yard shots.  I was just concerned about the muzzle flip.  As I know the muzzle flip is pretty bad on a 10" Contender in 44 magnum.  But I know the recoil on a 45 Colt is different than a 44 magnum.  I also want to use it as a carry weapon throughout the year when we take 4-wheeler rides at camp.

I will probably order a custom barrel with sights.  But  I did look at the TC web site today, and they are listing a custom shop.  So I wonder if it is in house since Fox Ridge is gone??  I left a # for them to call me back, but I have not heard from them yet.  Tom.

[SwampThing762]

I like 7.5 inches myself.  When Colt first introduced the Peacemaker, it had a 7.5 inch barrel.  They found it provided the greatest level of balance.  Why change what ain't broke?

[Doublebass73]

I have a G2 with a 10" .45 Colt and iron sights. It does have some muzzle flip with real heavy loads but that length is just too handy for me to want to go any longer. The muzzle flip is definitely manageable regardless.

I reload and have found that IMR-4227 has the least amount of muzzle flip/noise compared to 2400 or Unique powder with the 300 grain JSP's that I use (for a given velocity).

[luckydawg13]

i went with a 13" 454 with 4 port magna port ya its more then i need for deer but thats a good thing if a 250lbs buck steps out at 100yrds if you reload you can load her down to a week 45LC load and work your way up

[Catfish]

I still think that a 14 or 16 in. barrel would be best for you, especially if you put a rest on the Mule. Don`t worry about velocity I took a nice 10 point buck at 135 yrds. with a revolver with a 7 3/4 in barrel. I shot him in the left hind quater and the bullet was recovered just under the skink of the right frount shoulder. Oh, buller was a 240 gr. Sierra.