Author Topic: What barrel length for Project Colt? (Read 1268 times)

44 Man · « **on:** July 05, 2010, 10:45:13 AM »

I thought I had this all figured out, I wanted to cut this to a 4" barrel, period. I owned a custom 4" blackhawk before by Mag-na-port and loved the size and balance. But of course a Ruger does not balance like a Colt. This 'project' Colt has a 7 1/2" barrel, and while that is fine for shooting, It doesn't carry as well. And well, I have always had a preference for short barreled guns. Let me throw my thoughts at you. With this being a 7 1/2" barreled gun, the 'Colt's Pat FA Mfg, Hartford, Conn' covers the barrel from near the end of the ejector rod housing back. I thought I wanted a 4" barrel as a true custom, but I'm not so sure now. Seeing pics of a 4" barreled Colt clone, I'm not quite as in love with that length as I thought I would be. It just doesn't look balanced. Also the script on the top of the barrel will have to be polished off as the front sight will end up on the 'pat FA' part of the script. I can go with a 4 3/4" barrel (also a LOT less work as the ejector housing stud does not have to be moved nor the housing shortened) and the front sight will end up on the 'Colt' and the trademark will still have to be polished off. I have enjoyed several 4 3/4" guns. If I cut it to 5 1/2", I will not have to have the trademark polished off and I have had several 5 1/2" guns lately. They are good balanced shooters but still carry well. The gun has 'Colt Single Action Army .45' on the side of the barrel and that will not be affected no matter what length is chosen. One other thought on the 5 1/2". When I was young and Colt still advertised, a SAA in 5 1/2" length is alway what was pictured. That length just kind of looks proper.
So what are your feelings? Give me your Pro's and Con's of the 3 possible choices. Custom 4", short 4 3/4", or the standard 5 1/2" length. I'm listening. 44 Man

Frank V · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2010, 11:10:18 AM »

44 Man, Ok here we go. I really like the 4-3/4" bbl. I have shot & carried the 5-1/2" too & believe it or not a 5-1/2" bbl is pretty easy to conceal in a good El Paso Saddlery Ultra Cover IWB holster. My Wife bought me one about 6 years ago & I love it. It's also fairly comfortable, but Clint Smith has said a concealed handgun is supposed to be comforting not comfortable. I'd hate to be boiled down to one bbl length as I really believe we use different guns for different purposes.
You already kind of like the 5-1/2" I think I'd go with that. You also said you really wanted a 4", you might consider getting a custom 4" & saving your 7-1/2" bbl for another project on down the road. I'm trying to put myself in your shoes here, just puting out some Ideas. You may really be the happiest with a custom 4" & save the 7-1/2"? That's really what you wanted to start with?
I hope I haven't just muddied the water for you. I know whatever you choose you will like. You said right from the start you wanted a custom, I think I'd go for it. Please let us know what you decide.
Thanks.
Frank

gcrank1 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2010, 03:56:38 PM »

Ive been very happy with my 4 3/4" Colt's clone. It balances nicely in my hand and rides in a strong side or huckleberry well. I know what you mean about the 'balanced look' too, and we do this with an interest in the esthetics, as well as function, dont we? I dont like messing up the factory markings on a good barrel, and think I could be happy with a 5 1/2", if cutting the orig. down rather than rebarreling is what you do.
If the barrel/cyl. gap and forcing cone are at all questionable I think I would rebarrel, and maybe opt for a profile a little heavier in the 3ish to get the proportions you want.
Im not much help, but you have the time and inclination to sort this out so goodonya for looking at options.

Greeenriver · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2010, 11:35:54 AM »

Pard, remember how nice that little Birdshead .45 of mine sat in your hand over to Jay's when it was loaded??? That gun has a 3in bbl and adding the ejector rod and housing should just add a very little wieght to the bbl for an even nicer feel.

Just something to think about.

Also, I can send you the phone number for the guy that did the Ivory grips on the Colts for me.He's fairly reasonable for real Ivory, and only a 3 or 4 week turnaround.

Hope to see ya again soon,

Greeenriver

Bigeasy · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2010, 11:59:05 AM »

I would go 5 1/2. It is a good compromise between the 4 3/4 and the 7 1/2. Feels good in the hand, looks good, and it allows you to preserve all the original Colt barrel markings.

Larry

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2010, 01:57:42 AM »

im partial to 4 inch guns as you know. I think in your circumstances i would compromise and go 4 3/4 though

zoner · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2010, 02:57:39 AM »

i'm partial to single actions with short barrels. I shoot a 4 5/8 " 45 LC BH with bisley hammer and trigger w alum alloy standard grip frame modified for the hammer and trigger. It's the lightest config i could come up with for a 45LC BH. As far as your Colt goes I think I would go with the 4 3/4" barrel. Just an opinion....

Scibaer · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2010, 04:55:37 AM »

what would be wrong with a 5 inch barrel ? .. call it a 5" custom

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2010, 03:58:23 AM »

Quote

Pard, remember how nice that little Birdshead .45 of mine sat in your hand over to Jay's when it was loaded???

That was my first thought as the little Birdshead with the 3-7/8"bbl does seem to set perfect in my hand. Accurate too! Yours is a Colt though and I think that the 5.5" would look real nice on it.

Quote

I can go with a 4 3/4" barrel (also a LOT less work as the ejector housing stud does not have to be moved nor the housing shortened

That extra 3/4" may go along way towards improving the precieved balance with a lot less work being a plus.

FN in MT · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2010, 07:21:24 AM »

Quote from: Bigeasy on July 17, 2010, 11:59:05 AM

I would go 5 1/2. It is a good compromise between the 4 3/4 and the 7 1/2. Feels good in the hand, looks good, and it allows you to preserve all the original Colt barrel markings.

Larry

I agree with this Gentleman. You don't want to have to polish off ANY of the roll engraving.

FN in MT

44 Man · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2010, 04:07:37 AM »

Well the Colt goes down to Ken at Mag-na-port today! I still have not been able to make a decision, and I'll have to call him later with one. I honestly would be pleased no matter which length it came back with. There is no 'bad' choice here. If I could keep the script on the barrel and go with 4 3/4" that would probably be my first choice. But I can't. So if we have to polish it off, why not a 4" for something special. But I do really like a 5 1/2" for a belt gun, and I can keep the script on the barrel. I'd be fine with that. I really think I may do that and when I want a 'short barrel' gun, pick up a 'Montado', or a round butt clone.
Thanks for all of your input, I really appreciate your thoughts. This is a gun that I'm going to live with the rest of my life, I don't want to make a decision I may regret later. 44 Man

44 Man · « **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2010, 01:12:16 PM »

I handled a 4" Colt today. It's off the list. It's a neat little gun but it doesn't look 'balanced'. It would be fine with a round butt, but doesn't quite look right with the standard grip frame. I'm thinking more 5 1/2" now. 44 Man

gcrank1 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2010, 02:26:47 PM »

Now you're thinkin' like I'm thinkin'!
Plus whatever you do you have to live with, and I do believe you really dont want to mess up that rollmark. Everyone I've seen that was messed up just didnt look right, kind of a hack job, you know what I mean, you've seen them too.
Hey, when you are done, if you dont like it, just PM me, OK?

Groo · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2010, 04:50:30 PM »

Groo here
Get the Colt in a longer barrel [ what ever you want]
then get a ruger Mondago 3 3/4 in in 45 colt...
I have one and like it a lot,, so much that I found a 357 and had Horvath change it to
a 41 Mag!!!!!!!!!!!!

m-g Willy · « **Reply #14 on:** July 23, 2010, 02:53:51 PM »

I seen a letter to Colt from Bat Masterson ordering a nickel plate SAA with a 5" barrel.
So I had a Uberti 7 1/2" barrel cut down to 5".
Great balance gun.
That 1/4" difference from the 4 3/4" Colt I had did make a difference .
At least it did to me!

Frank V · « **Reply #15 on:** September 21, 2010, 06:07:04 AM »

44Man, I haven't seen anything about your project Colt the last few times I've checked. How are you doing, have I just missed your posts?
Frank

AtlLaw · « **Reply #16 on:** September 21, 2010, 06:27:21 AM »

Yah! Me to!

When I saw this post I thought Oh Good! An update! But alas...

(I'd still keep it 7.5 inches!)

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #17 on:** September 22, 2010, 02:52:33 AM »

Yah! me three as i almost ask about this last week. I did not post cause I figured Ken at Magnaport had only had the bbl for 42 buisness days.

44 Man · « **Reply #18 on:** September 23, 2010, 05:45:52 AM »

Ok, just a quick update. I talked to Ken yesterday and he expects to have it done in a couple more weeks. (which probably means he hasn't gotten to it yet) That's ok. I want him to take his time and do it nicely. (which he does do incredable work!) It will be a 5 1/2" when it comes back. I was going to leave all the finish the way it was for a worn, 'working gun' look, but Ken has offered to polish out the dull spots and refinish the entire gun. So I'm waiting, patiently, honest, yup. If I had the extra money I'd have him send the frame to Bowen for his great case colors, but I don't. So it will come back with a blued frame just like it was when I got it. I'll let you know and post pics as soon as I get my hands on it! 44 Man

Frank V · « **Reply #19 on:** September 25, 2010, 06:40:08 AM »

44Man, Sounds great, I'm sure it'll be a really nice six-gun & you will enjoy it. Thanks for the update.
Frank