Barrel length for a House/Car/Field Gun

[rWt]

I am considering the purchase of a S&W revolver in 45 Colt for my primary house, car and kick-around field gun. I have a Hamilton Bowen modified Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt that will get serious field use duty, so a longer barrel length is not required. I may go with fixed sights on this gun.And, I may convert a 38/44HD or Model 58 to this caliber.

Is there any advantage or disdvantage to either a 4" or 5" barrel?
Any other advice?

Thanks. Dick

 

[Standing Wolf]

Is there any advantage or disdvantage to either a 4" or 5" barrel?

They're both good lengths. The five-incher will give you a longer sight radius, which helps accuracy in most hands. The four-incher is easier to conceal and handier.

My personal preference would be for the five-inch barrel: the slight extra weight out front usually feels better in my hand.

 

[Majic]

With the rise in the prices of the M58 you may want to reconsider that.

 

[BluesBear]

If you decide to butcher a model 58 please find one that has been abused and in bad shape. PLEASE do not butcher a nice one.

Why not find a nice model 25-5 and just put a Cylinder & Slide fixed sight on it?

And there's always the Taurus tracker in .45 Colt. The 4" non-ported is a sweet shooter.

 

[MikeIsaj]

Obviously the longer the barrel, the greater the accuracy potential.

I have a 4'barrel on the house gun. For me that is the ideal length. I get more accuracy than with a shorter barrel, (I am terrible with a snubbie) and don't see a practical improvement with a longer one. The four inch is still relatively concealable

Rather than "butchering" a nice gun, I'd buy a used one. A four inch revolver in .38 - .45 can be had for $200 - $300. Plus its a great excuse to spend a lot of free time in shops looking for the right gun.

I just bought an origional Colt Trooper .357 for $250. Beautiful gun, 80 - 90% condition with a nicely worked action. It is my favorite shooter, for now. I qualified with it last week, perfect score on a police course, not that that's a challenge

 

[rWt]

OK. It's a deal-I won't butcher a nice Model 58.

I have found a 4" 25-5 with a nickle finish.

How does nickle hold up on for house/car/field use versus a blued gun?

Dick