Permit in my hand

[snuffer#1]

I picked up my pistol permit this morning, and now comes the decision, Ruger 41 mag. with 61/2 tube or Ruger 45 colt with 71/2 tube. SA of course. And a blackhawk. It's going to be one of my hunting buddies. No shots over 40 yds.  I'm leaning towards the 45 but I've heard about the tight throat. I wished that they made the 41 in a 7 1/2 blued but they don't. ( just stainless ) I want a long barrel ( like a 10 incher) but the funds won't go that far! Does the longer barrel help in velocity and distance say to 50 yds? Just asking since I don't know, but one thing I do know is that I want a Ruger Blackhawk! Give me some feed back you all!
                                                                           snuffer

[KN]

I had several 44's with 7-1/2" tubes over the years but have come to like the shorter barrels better. At the distances you are shooting I doubt you'll ever know the difference between the two.   KN

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Was about to say---I've owned long and short barrelled guns over the years----I only own short barrels now and have no use for big honking handguns----if its that big---I'll take a rifle---which ultimately is the superior weapon.

[jimster]

Like the previous post, used to use 7.5 Ruger blackhawks, now like the 4 5/8 inchers much better for all around use and packing around. Thought about having a smith make one of mine 4 inches actually. Might save up and send a Blackhawk in for that someday.
Have a buddy that can keep them all in a paper plate at 100 yards most all day long, without a rest, using a 41 Blackhawk with a 4 5/8 inch tube. Used to be able to do that myself 15-20 years ago...now can't see the plate that far.
But I can sure see 40 yards, at least this year yet.  I like the short barrels for packing, a tad quicker to get into play and on target for me. Plus the option of concealing the pistol at such times I choose to carry a SA Blackhawk.

[DWTim]

I'll just say right off the bat that I'm biased against the 41 Mag. If it's your thing, and you reload, it'll do the job. I also note that a lot of folks report great accuracy with 41 Mag handguns. Hmm. But the 45 LC can do it all, especially out of a Blackhawk. There are loads you can run out of a 45LC Ruger that would raise eyebrows even among 44 Mag shooters, and the Long Colt will do it at lower pressures, to boot.

Now, I've heard about loose chambers in Rugers, my 44 Mag SBH has 'em, but you can always have a gunsmith open up throats that are too tight.

EDIT: To answer your other questions, yes a 10" barrel will show substantial velocity increases over the 4.6". My SBH has the 7.5" barrel. It's fine, but the shorty would make a better-balanced gun.

[snuffer#1]

Well, the permit is in the hands of a gunshop and I'm in possesion of a Ruger Blackhawk 45 colt  with a 7 1/2 barrel (blued). Bought it this morning, and I feel great. One thing, it's the first handgun I've ever bought. I've always wanted a Ruger Blackhawk, and now it's MINE! Looks like midway will be getting some business from me, shortly!
                                                                                                            snuffer