45 Revolver. Barrel length. Let's argue!
I'm about to buy a 45 revolver. The last decision is: 5.5" or 7.5" barrel?
I have two other revolvers (38 special, 4" and 6") and both are easy to shoot. But a 200+ grain bullet is a lot more mass than the 125 grain 38s I've been shooting.
I like the look of the 5.5" barrel a tiny bit more than the 7.5". But, if there's a noticeable difference in felt recoil, I'll go with the 7.5" because I want to shoot this gun a lot.
So....who's got an opinion on their favorite barrel length for a 45 revolver?
-
Depends on what you are going to do with it. Short barrel is easier to carry, quicker go get into action. Longer barrel gives a much better sight picture..... chances are you will shoot it more accurately.
6 -
My S&W 25-2 with 2.75 inch barrel.
9 -
gp52555: 30070125263899/comments/30070119967387
My S&W 25-2 with 2.75 inch barrel.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6031683/uploads/DIQ55F7CSL5D/screen-shot-2023-08-24-at-10-26-53-am.png
Which kicks harder: an angry bronco or that revolver? 🤔 😁
0 -
gp52555: 30070125263899/comments/30070119967387
My S&W 25-2 with 2.75 inch barrel.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6031683/uploads/DIQ55F7CSL5D/screen-shot-2023-08-24-at-10-26-53-am.png
A beautiful Smiff
3 -
0 -
gp52555: 30070125263899/comments/30070119967387
My S&W 25-2 with 2.75 inch barrel.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6031683/uploads/DIQ55F7CSL5D/screen-shot-2023-08-24-at-10-26-53-am.png
Wow, that's a beautiful Smith.
0 -
Love them big "N" frames
0 -
I like the .45 Colt cartridge and own some Ruger Blackhawks so chambered. To my eye, the 4 5/8 barrel looks just right; the 7 1/2 is impressive, and the 5 1/5 looks "ordinary". I generally load the traditional 250 gr. flat point bullet with 10 gr. of Unique and average 989 fps with the 4.6 barrel, 1,044 fps with the 5.5, and 1,117 fps with the 7.5.
As an aside: I bought a 7.5" Blackhawk that had only the ACP cylinder (the Colt cylinder was lost). I bought it mostly because it was a 3-screw. Loaded with the 225 gr. Lyman #452374 bullet and 7 gr. of Unique produced 1,035 fps--pretty close energy-wise to the Colt cylinder in the shorter barrels and recoil is noticeably milder.
6 -
I always felt the "classic" load of 10.0 Unique was a bit too much for me. I settled on 8.0. Actually, I preferred more modern, cleaner burning and better measuring powders like Universal. Unique was like burning charcoal. I also liked the Lee RNFP or a SWC bullet of 250 grains or so.
The 45 Colt was the first big bore revolver I bought back in the 70s. Enjoyed many decades of shooting them but finally decided that having 41s, 44s, and 45s was excessive. Sold off the .45s with a tear in my eye. Just recently sold my beloved Clements .41 Special, with crocodile tears. Down to a pair of .44 Specials.
3 -
4 5/8 unless you already have those. The fun is the balance
3 -
I have a pair of Colt SAA's in 45 Colt with 4-3/4" barrels and a pair of 45 Colt Ruger old Vaqueros with 5-1/5" barrels.
0 -
All Uberti. Got the 5+" "lazer" engraved Teddy is okay with silly light trigger the previous owner's doing I imagine. Then I got the 4+" Bisley handier but I kind a like to have my Teddy trigger job done to it. Then my 7+" Schofield love the brake top for quick reloads. I'd like S&W to make this in stainless in double action that takes 10 .22LR that can be scoped.
I suppose I like the Schofield best. One of these days I'll have to get a cross draw holster. Unless my belly gets bigger then a over the top of the belly cross draw rig.
3
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
42 comments