Colt SAA barrel lengths?

[sixgun MAK]

For all of you guys who have Colt SAAs, what's your favorite barrel length?

Mine is the 51/2" barrel. It just feels well balanced to me.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I like the longer ones, 6 1/2" or 7 1/2".

 

[Jim March]

The real question is: do you like guns that have a "heavy muzzle" feel, or a "light muzzle" feel?

A light muzzle lets you shift from target to target quickly. A heavy barrel can be more steady on a given target.

That's the top parameter that's going to affect how the gun feels to you.

2nd: longer tubes spit bullets faster. For longer-range handgun hunting this can be a factor.

3rd: the longer the "sight radius" (distance between sights), the more accurate a sight picture you can form, but it takes longer to get that picture. This is a second reason the shorter tubes are known as "fighting lengths" as you can bring the piece to bear on target quicker with a shorter tube.

My SAA-type gun wears a 4.68" tube, Ruger's version of Colt's 4.75". Note that it's a 357 so the barrel walls are thicker than on a 45, increasing barrel weight. My barrel probably weighs similar to a 5.5" 45. When possible dollar-wise I'd like to flute my 357 tube to get the weight back down to what a 45 would be.

 

[TIMC]

My 1st generation Colt in .45 Colt sports a 4 3/4" barrel but I don't shoot that one it is just a family heirloom.
My prefered are the 5.5" barrels on my 2 Vaquero's in .357 mag.

 

[BlindJustice]

COlt 4 5/8ths inch - points naturally, great handling

 

[sixgun MAK]

I thought there would be more folks out there who shoot a Colt SAA.

 

[Molasses]

I've had Vaqueros and clones in all three standard lengths, plus the sheriff's model. My one and only Colt has a 7&1/2"; looks nice, but I don't use it much. I've currently got several 4&5/8" old Vaqueros while the Mrs. has a pair of 5&1/2" clones. JMO, I've never gotten excited over the 5&1/2".

 

[Jim Watson]

When I got into CAS, I traded an idle automatic for a 7 1/2" .44 Special SAA. After a while I decided I needed something handier and "faster" so I had a 4 3/4" barrel put on. Pretty, and handy. After one season with it, I had the 7 1/2" put back on so I could hit the targets. The long sight radius and forward balance give ME more practical accuracy.

 

[Pilot]

I have a USFA Rodeo in .45 Colt and it sports a 4 5/8 inch barrel. I think that is plenty long and I like that its a little handier than the longer lengths. When I considered the barrel length of my other revolvers and semi autos most were 5 inches or less in length. I see no reason for anything longer than 5 inches unless you are hunting, but that is just me.

BTW, USFA makes one heck of an SAA clone.

 

[Rexster]

I really like all three, but have a real appreciation for 5.5" lately, making it a slight favorite. I have found the 5.5" is still packable in a normal belt holster. In favor of the 7.5" is that my aging eyes can focus quicker on the front sight, and hold that focus better. In slight favor of 4.75" is that the less muzzle-heavy balance is easier on my right wrist, but then I shoot an SAA best as a lefty. 5.5" seems to have no real drawbacks in handling and carrying, so it is a default favorite, and the look is growing on me.

 

[rcmodel]

4 3/4" or 5 1/2" for belt holster use.

The 7 1/2" is too long to set down in a pick-up seat without it poking you in the ribs. Works fine for hiking or horseback though.

All of my SAA's are either 4 3/4" or 5 1/2" now.
I rebarreled a 7 1/2" 32-20 with a 5 1/2" barrel because it was just too unhandy to carry.


rcmodel

 

[CSA 357]

My colt saa 45 has the 43/4 barrel , i like the short barrels on most all my handguns, csa

 

[StrikeEagle]

I think about this from time to time.

Pa Cartwright, Matt Dillon, and John Taffin like the 7.5"... but it just doesn't feel right to me. Doesn't look right, either. I'm sure the problem is with me.

The 4.75" really looks great... It really says 'gunfighter' like nothing else. It also says 'quickdraw.' I have a 3rd Gen in this length. Anyone who doesn't love it, has a hole in his soul...

But... my very most favorite is the 5.5"... balanced, good looks, good shooting, good handling. It does everything superbly. I have 2 2nd Gens and a USFA in this length. It's really the 'no-fault' length for SAA's, IMO.

5.5": cheerfully endorsed.

 

[hank327]

For my tastes, I think the US Cavalry got it right back in 1873 when they ordered their SAA with 7 1/2" barrels. Just feels best to me.

 

[ShunZu]

5.5": cheerfully endorsed.

+1

My John Wayne Commemorative imho wouldn't look right with a 7.5.

 

[Sistema1927]

For Colts and clones the 5 1/2" is just right. For Blackhawks and pre-new-Vaqueros I like the shorter barrel lengths.

 

[AJD]

I'd say the 7.5" barrel.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I really like the 5 1/2" barrel length. It's a good compromise IMHO and looks great.

 

[Old Fuff]

Note that this is a November 2007 thread.

Back to subject: for general carry-around I prefer the 4 3/4 length or sometimes slightly shorter. More handy while you're sitting.

 

[BobWright]

This is the barrel length I prefer:





Bob Wright

 

[corpo]

I only have a Uberti 4.75" Peacemaker but recently got bit by the BP bug and the 1851 Navy 7.5" feels great! Makes me want a saa in same!

 

[Tallball]

I love my 7.5". If I need something faster or handier I can bring my 5.5", but the 7.5" just feels right. It is perfect for hunting and longer range target shooting.

 

[bannockburn]

I have mostly 5 1/2" barrels on my single actions but prefer the 4 5/8" barrel length. Great overall handling and balance, perfect for all around carrying comfort, and aesthetically appealing.

 

[StrawHat]

Years ago I settled on the 5 1/2" barrel as the best for me. Recently, a 7 1/2" barrelled revolver is getting the most shooting time. Not sure why but if I had to choose, I'd need more time to make that decision.

 

[HexHead]

Have a SAA in 5 ½". Chose the Blackhawk in 4 ⅝" because the large front sight looks even bigger out there on the barrel alone. It visually needs the extractor under the barrel to balance it out. Traded a New Vaquero in 5 ½" for the Blackhawk, prefer that length.