4" or 5" barrel for a 357 magnum?

[jeff-10]

I have a 3" Wiley Clap and a 5" Lipsey's 10mm. I also have a lot of trigger time on the 4 incher. The 5" all day long. Also, I've noticed the newer ones seem to have a better double action pull out of the box.

 

[Stopsign32v]

I have a 3" Wiley Clap and a 5" Lipsey's 10mm. I also have a lot of trigger time on the 4 incher. The 5" all day long. Also, I've noticed the newer ones seem to have a better double action pull out of the box.

That is very interesting knowing that Ruger is having a hell of a time getting employees. That always = to less quality control in manufacturing. I'd love to know their process to make sure they make good parts. But you are right, the new triggers are very nice!

 

[derek45]

GET BOTH

 

[twarr1]

@Stopsign32v - I don't have an answer but I wanted to say nice grips on the Ruger!

 

[Lnf Crzr]

I’m a 44 spl guy- Just rite to me for Carry and I enjoy shooting at range. 5 rounds in a L frame is usually enough for me to feel comfortable. Yet the 357 when out and about seems to get carried… with heavy for caliber Bullets. I’d rather slow that earcracker down a tad bit. Plus I’ve always had luck with heavy ammo shooting better.
I favor the 3” for carry, a 13 k frame round butt works on occasion for me…..Yet a 357 needs a 4” or More to get the steam going, even with heavy boolets... I wanted a 5” L frame 686, then have it trimmed down by removing the Lug. Yet what I ended up with is a 686+ mountain gun. I kinda enjoy the lite weight 686+ with that firepower. Now that I have that a 5” would seem a tad longer than needed, unless hunting often with it.
7 rounds of Black talon 180gr around 1150-1200 sounds about rite to me. I’m a 4” barrel advocate. I enjoy carrying what I take to the range.

 

[Nacho Man]

I went with a half lug 5" on the GP100..
Love the gold bead front sight. Smoothed the action out with a little flitz and running with stock springs. Chigs leopard wood grip handles.

But then again this 4" barrel balances in my hand perfectly and is just as accurate.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

5” is just so sweet- Not sure what the top guys that make decisions are thing . They should have made more 3” and 5”….. Pushing pens at the desk instead of pushing lead down range I guess.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Thinking^

 

[CraigC]

I like the 5" guns, two .44Specials and a 10mm.

 

[Seedy Character]

4" carries well
5" "looks" right.

4.62" Ruger is perfection

Can't say why the powers that be offer some barrel lengths and not others

 

[Riomouse911]

I went with a half lug 5".
Love the gold bead front sight. Smoothed the action out with a little flitz and running with stock springs. Chigs leopard wood grip handles.
View attachment 1025306

I love that half lug GP look.

I wish the 3” .44 Spl. had a bit slimmer profile, this thing is a chunky monkey with the full lug. I did replace the stock grip with a GP100 compact grip and it not only looks better it feels and conceals better, too..


I also replaced the hammer and trigger return springs with a Wolff kit and used 2,000 grit sandpaper to very lightly smooth the surfaces. The DA is now a nice 8 lbs, SA is 3.

Stay safe.

 

[Reloadron]

5” barrels are uncommon on 357 Magnum DA revolvers, so down the road the Davison special run will the 5” barrels with be worth more. The extra inch would be an advantage on the range. But for carry, the 4” would be better.

That's my thinking. I seldom carry a revolver but when I do it's a 2" Colt Detective Special or a S&W 2" Model 10. I just prefer smaller guns for carry especially during summer months. Just choose whatever trips your trigger.

My bad also in that the two revolvers I mentioned are both 38 Special. Anyway I agree with the Gunny.

Ron

 

[alfsauve]

A 5" you say? This started life as a 686+ with a regular hammer.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Someone said a 5” just looks rite.

I beg to differ, Depends on the Frame size.

 

[RealGun]

I love that half lug GP look.

I wish the 3” .44 Spl. had a bit slimmer profile, this thing is a chunky monkey with the full lug. I did replace the stock grip with a GP100 compact grip and it not only looks better it feels and conceals better, too..

View attachment 1025320
I also replaced the hammer and trigger return springs with a Wolff kit and used 2,000 grit sandpaper to very lightly smooth the surfaces. The DA is now a nice 8 lbs, SA is 3.

Stay safe.

You need what's left of the lug, but probably not the rib.

 

[Rodfac]

My 5" carried strong side at least needed a strong forward cant holster to be able to clear the holster without shoulder surgery.

Yep...in spades!! That extra inch of bbl. makes my usual 4 o'clock carry position (the old FBI one), impossible. It just gets to sticking down in the truck/tractor/4x4 seat back crack when worn there, and don't even think about horseback... Cross draw works for me, but I just can't get used to it after 50+ yrs of doing it on the other side. Soooo...I wear my 5" M27 & 629 at 3 o'clock in a straight up and down angle and as high up on the belt as I dare. All in all, a cross-chest 'tanker' type rig works the best....Rod

 

[Seedy Character]

Yep...in spades!! That extra inch of bbl. makes my usual 4 o'clock carry position (the old FBI one), impossible. It just gets to sticking down in the truck/tractor/4x4 seat back crack when worn there, and don't even think about horseback... Cross draw works for me, but I just can't get used to it after 50+ yrs of doing it on the other side. Soooo...I wear my 5" M27 & 629 at 3 o'clock in a straight up and down angle and as high up on the belt as I dare. All in all, a cross-chest 'tanker' type rig works the best....Rod

Try a 7 1/2" SuperBlackhawk. Even in a shoulder holster it hits the truck seat.

 

[PapaG]

Skeeter said 5" , but that was the Smith 27. I agree.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Skeeter- My Favorite without Question. Now I just need to find a Exquisite 27 w/ a 5” barrel that was converted into a 44 spl… And Write about it.

 

[RealGun]

Skeeter- My Favorite without Question. Now I just need to find a Exquisite 27 w/ a 5” barrel that was converted into a 44 spl… And Write about it.

Six rounds of 41 Special would fit in a smaller cylinder and frame.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Yet that wouldn’t be Special,

 

[toxophilus]

5" GP-100 for me, it balances well, I mainly carry it when I'm afield in a Guide's Choice Chest Holster...

 

[Lnf Crzr]

Ruger….Had a Redhawk - Awesome strong Well designed.
Tho Heavy and That is why I’ll prefer another manufacturer.

 

[RealGun]

Yet that wouldn’t be Special,

What do you mean? The amount of my investment in my 41 Special GP100 is pretty special as is the gun itself. It can fire mild or wild loads. Mine started as 38 Special, so the conversion gave me full length throats, as if it was first made that way.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

I just ment… it’s not a 44 spl. And that’s my favorite.

seems like a exceptionally awesome custom revolver you have.

move thought about taking my 357 mountain L frame and convert it to 44 spl. Have the parts.
I’ll just carry my 696.

The 357 mountain is 7 shots and to me, loaded up with Black talon 180gr- I will not be to loud…. And is a formidable firearm to carry. Can’t alter that