Colt Official Police barrel length

[elktrout]

I know the OP was made in several barrel lengths, including 4, 5, and 6 inch. What do you think the best barrel length is on them and why? When I was in the PA State Police Academy class for municipal officers in 1975, one of my classmates used a PSP 6 inch Official Police for our shooting courses. His department issued semis, at the time, and the course was still revolver only. He had never shot one of the OP revolvers prior to the course, BUT he took top honors, shooting 296 out of 300 on the 50 yd PPC course.

So, what are your thoughts?

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Ive had several OPs in every length. The 5" were my favorites. Same with the Police Positives. So happens I like 5" K-frames too.

 

[Chevelle SS]

I have 4", 5", and 6". 5" is my favorite to shoot because of balance and I also think it has the best proportions.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

The Commando was an Official Police with a Parkerized finish and 2” or 4” barrels. The OSS in ’43 requested the 2”.

 

[elktrout]

Simply appearance wise, the 5 inch barreled ones look so good. It seems like a 3 inch and 5 inch on most revolvers would be better than 2 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch barrels. Maybe there was a legitimate reason that Colt made the 1911 and Official Police in 5 inch barrels.

 

[CajunBass]

For me, 4", but then I have a well known "fetish" for a 4" barrel revolver. They just look "right."