Most common single action barrel lenghts for CAS?

[Ridge Runner]

I was looking to get a Ruger BlackHawk in .357 & 44 mag for CAS. What barrel lenghts should I get?

What lenghts are most common in CAS? Why?

[PlacitasSlim]

In our club, it seems most folks had 5 1/2 in barrels. The next length would probably be 4 7/8 in. I have one set of each. At the ranges we normally shoot, I have not found the extra inch of barrel to make a difference. This is more a matter of personal preference and I would recommend you hold several pistols and go with the one you prefer.

[Ridge Runner]

In our club, it seems most folks had 5 1/2 in barrels. The next length would probably be 4 7/8 in. I have one set of each. At the ranges we normally shoot, I have not found the extra inch of barrel to make a difference. This is more a matter of personal preference and I would recommend you hold several pistols and go with the one you prefer.

Thank you. I am trying to do as much research as I can.

[apache235]

Well, if you're not going for all out speed, but just want to have fun, then I'd say whatever floats your boat.  I have 7 1/2" and 5 1/2" in different calibers, it just depends on what I feel like doing at the time

[Lazarus Longshot]

If I had to guess, I'd say that the 5 1/2" barrels are the most popular. Why? 'Cause folks can't make up their minds on barrel length and that's the choice in the middle  . Some shooters like the shorter barrels because they feel they can clear leather faster. I like the 7 1/2" barrel because I find that the additional barrel length makes the sights a little bit easier to pick up for these old eyes.

My 7 1/2" barrels are in .357. Little hole in a long barrel = extra weight hanging out there. I don't feel the difference, but my wife says she can't shoot my guns because they're too heavy; she shoots .357 4 7/8" barrel pistols.

Your best bet is to go to a shoot and talk to the shooters. Ask them the same questions about barrel length, and you'll find yourself trying all kinds of different pistols; cowboy shooters are like that.

The bottom line is shoot what feels best to you!

[Mr.Clean]

Is the 44 mag allowed as far as caliber?

[Lazarus Longshot]

Is the 44 mag allowed as far as caliber?

Yes, it is a legal caliber. It must meet SASS requirements of a max pistol velocity of 1000 fps, and a max rifle velocity of 1400 fps. Lead bullets only.

Actually, most folks shoot .44 special in their .44 mag firearms, cause the brass is cheaper, and the magnum doesn't buy you anything with the max velocity requirements. Just load your .44 special long so it cycles well through your lever rifle.

[howdy doody]

5 1/2 seems to be the most popular everywhere. It might be the balance in some revolvers. I shoot a lot with a pair of Ruger Old Armys that are 5 1/2 and when shooting cartridge I shoot old model Vaqueros. Since I keep the same load and bullet, it feels pretty near the same to me. I have seen a lot more longer barrels than I have sheriff lengths myself. 

[apache235]

I've seen them all and shot most of them except the 4 7/8".  I shoot to have fun and don't much care 'bout looks.  If I'm really froggy, I'll shoot a 2nd Dragoon and Ruger Old Army, my usual is a 7 1/2 Colt and 5 1/2 USFA or a pair of '72 Colts 5 1/2 in .44 Colt.  I guess if I were serious about winning I'd choose something else but I just enjoy shooting the different guns.  If you're looking for slow, try a 56-50 Spencer in the rifle category.

[Ridge Runner]

Thanks guys.