Ruger .45 in 4 5/8" or 5 1/2" Barrel?

il.bill · June 10, 2013, 11:03 AM

I am ordering a Ruger Blackhawk Convertible Revolver in .45 Colt and 45 ACP. but would like to ask you folks for some input regarding barrel length. I will be using it for general plinking (if you can actually apply that phrase to a .45), occasional carry in the woods, and was thinking about trying tp participate in some organized Cowboy action shooting after I retire in several years. The majority of use will be with my .45 ACP reloads. I already have revolvers in .357 magnum and .38 spl., both SA and DA, but this will be my only .45 other than a 1911 pistol.

I have never had a .45 Blackhawk in my hand. The only one I have ever held is a friend's .357 with a 6 1/2" barrel; it is a sweet shooter, but the long barrel seems unwieldy for holster carry.

I only have pictures to go by when ordering from my local FFL, and I am sure I will be satisfied with whatever barrel length I get. The single preference data point I have is that the 5 1/2" barrel looks a little nicer to me than the 4 5/8" one since it extends a bit beyond the ejector housing. Does anyone have any practical input on the pros and cons of one barrel length or the other? Thanks for taking the time to read this post - I really feel I can't go wrong either way.

MCgunner · June 10, 2013, 11:29 AM

I like the 4 5/8" barrel, but it's a subjective thing, just like the looks. I don't think the 5.5" would shoot any better for me. My .45 Colt shoots 2" groups at 50 yards off the bench and that's about all I can do with ANY handgun and iron sights. I've hunted with it a few times, haven't got a shot with it...YET. I plan to hunt more with it in the future. I have a 6.5" .357 with which I've taken a few deer and hogs out to 60 yards. I have carried that gun around the mountains in New Mexico, too, wasn't THAT unwieldy in an Uncle Mike's belt holster. A 4 5/8"er is, of course, a bit more compact.

If you're worried about carry afield while hiking or something, I'd suggest the blued steel version as it has an aluminum grip frame. My stainless .45 is a little heavier than the blued version, but it ain't that hard to carry, either.

The weight is appreciated with heavy loads.

Gary A · June 10, 2013, 11:41 AM

I very much like the look and the balance of the 5.5 inch guns but for my purposes I go with the (to me) handier 4.62 inch guns. I also like the way they look and balance. I am not a big guy and the shorter barrel is just a lot handier for me for a variety of uses. A 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk .45 Convertible is far and away my favorite handgun. I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you choose. The shorty does have a nice "bulldog" look to it, IMO.

Re-reading your post, if the 5 1/2 inch looks better to you, you may have answered your own question. There really is little practical difference. I agree with McGunner that the blued (all the standard blued convertibles are large frame with alloy grip frames) version is the proper weight and balance, especially if the majority of use will be with .45 ACP. A perfect balance of weight and power.

CraigC · June 10, 2013, 12:31 PM

I prefer the short barreled guns. I don't find most 5½" guns to be attractive at all.