Author Topic: 5.5 or 6.5 Barrel Length? (Read 687 times)

PASlugger · « **on:** March 25, 2004, 02:18:11 PM »

I'm in my final countdown for purchasing my first revolver. I'm getting the Ruger Single Six in the 22 combo.

I had another post collecting some information and appreciate everyones comments and suggestions.

I plan to add a .44 Mag down the road and match it to the Single Six.

I will carry the SS 22 during the fall and use it for hunting, and the .44Mag for deer.

I definitely want to match the sight planes on these guns so shooting them is not all that different.

I would like good accuracy, but don't want an overly long barrel for ease of carry.

How much different will 5.5" Vs 6.5" make in accuracy. Those that have either, would you buy the same thing again, or do it differently?

I have decided to go with the stainless, just like the looks of them better.

The local dealer lists the 22 combo at $369 in either length, is this about right, or can I do better? I'm sure Ruger has a fixed price that does not fluxuate, just curious how big the dealer's take is ...

Thanks for any input ...

PASlugger

Bullseye · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2004, 04:11:50 PM »

I wanted a 5.5 and ended up with a 6.5 because that is what I found when I went to buy it. It is still a tossup in my opinion. The 6.5 gives you a longer sighting plane while the gun is still very small and carries easily in a belt holster. 5.5, I still just think they look neat. I have never been unhappy enough to consider switching.

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2004, 04:30:04 PM »

I've owned 6.5" Rugers all my life, and up untill this last Single-Six, I thought if it wasn't 6.5" it wasn't worth having.

I bought this last Single Six, and got it in a 5.5" model just for the heck of it. I'll never buy another 6.5" one again(unless it's a good deal! LOL!). This 5.5" has it all as far as I'm concerned. It's long enough to give you enough distance between the sights. It's short enough to be pretty compact. Most of all, it's just as accurate as any 6.5" revolver I've ever seen.

Since I bought this gun, I've sorta tried out everything I could get my hands on for comparison. I've wrung out snubbies, and nearly any barrel length you can imagine. As far as I'm concerned, a good 5.5" revolver of any caliber, or make is just about perfect for the majority of what shooting most of us do.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2004, 10:48:06 PM »

To me it wouldnt make a difference as far as trying to match the .44 as they will feel all together different in your hand anyway. I have two single sixes that were originally 6.5s I never liked that barrel lenght. To me if you want a packer get no longer then a 5.5. My two have been cut to 5.5 and 4 5/8s (my favorite lenght)

PASlugger · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2004, 05:47:33 AM »

Thanks for the replies, looks like 5.5" is leading based on responses. If they both shoot nearly the same out to 80 yards or so, I'll definitely go with the shorter becuase it will be easier to pack and carry.