Author Topic: 4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels  (Read 602 times)

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Offline Stan_TheGunNut

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« on: September 10, 2004, 02:03:29 PM »
Well, I have decided to buy a pair of stainless steel Rugers to do some CAS with, and was wondering if I should go with the 4 5/8 inch barrel or the 5.5 inch barrel.  What are the advantages/drawbacks of each, if any, or is it just a personal preference?

Thanks for your help.
Stan

Offline Big John Wyatt

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2004, 02:18:06 PM »
4 5/8", quicker out of the holster. 5 1/2" longer sight radius. Really it is a personal preference. What matters is what you are comfortable with. I prefer 7 1/2" barrel lengths. I have and shoot all of the above. I am just more comfortable with the extended sight radius of the long barreled revolvers.
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Offline Cuts Crooked

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2004, 03:26:33 PM »
What caliber?
If yer shooting .45s go with the 5.5" barrel, muzzle flip is a major problem with the large bores. If yer plannin on shootin' the .38s the 4.5" barrels will be fine.

I shoot the .45s with BP and prefer the 7.5 inchers, but am still fairly proficient when a 5.5". I've had one 4.5" gun and it was OK...but jist barely! :eek:
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Offline RB Rooson

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2004, 03:42:56 PM »
I find the 5.5" barrels to be abit more accurate at targets alittle farther out; better balance for my hand; and less muzzle "bobble" after each shot.

Have both 4 5/8" and 6 1/2", but find the 5 1/2's to be the best all around.  As for returning the gun to the holster, there is a definite advanage over the 6 1/2's but little variance with the 4 5/8's........just a personal preference in the long run though!
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Offline Prof. Fuller Bullspit

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2004, 06:40:13 PM »
I have one of each and I find that I prefer the shorter barrel. It balances better for me and I shoot it better. I didn't expect that either as I thought I would prefer the longer barrel!

Offline Big Hext Finnigan

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2004, 07:14:49 PM »
Howdy,

For me, shorter with two hands, longer with one..
(Come to think about it, with a pair of Buntlines, I'd never miss as a duelist, would I?  :wink:  :)

Adios,
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Offline Cheyenne Ranger

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2004, 06:27:16 AM »
Older eyes like the longer sight radius better.  

You also need to know that Big John Wyatt is 8ft 7in :grin: so the length of his barrels would drag on the ground iffn I were wearing them.

Know it's been said, but how bout going out to the match and borrowing one of each and trying them under actual "Beating back the Indians" conditions.  

Don't know of a club that won't try to force you to borrow their guns.  We had a mini riot one time when several pards wanted to be the one that lent their guns.  The new shooter was lost under 37 different guns/caliber/barrel lenghts.  Had to dig him up before he could shot his first round.

And on that note (High C),

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Offline Lazarus Longshot

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4 5/8ths or 5.5 inch barrels
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2004, 03:41:46 PM »
CR, remember, DO NOT inhale the fumes from your lead pot!!!! :-D
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