The Wiry Irishman
Member
I've had a lot of fun this summer shooting my 1911 at 100 yards, and I'm really hooked on it. I've been wanting to get something a little more suitable for the task than .45 ACP, as well as something that would allow me to shoot at 200+ once I've had more practice. I've been wanting a revolver for a while, so I figure I can kill two birds with one stone.
After reading some Elmer Keith and an article or two by John Ross, I've decided I'd like a .44. After spending lots of time fondling various .44s at various shops, I've decided the 629 Classic fits me best, feels best in my hand, etc. The last thing I need to decide before I make the purchase is this: 6 inch or 8 3/8"?
I'm leaning toward the 8 3/8", as I think the extra sight radius would be very helpful at the longer distances I'd be shooting the gun at, and the extra couple inches of barrel might get me a little more velocity for a flatter trajectory. However, in John Ross's essay about the 500 S&W, his explanation on why he prefers a 5ish inch barrel - slight trade-off in sight radius and velocity for less movement/shake while you hold it - seems to make sense to me as well. I thought I'd come here and see what everyone has to say.
Extra info: I'll be shooting factory stuff through it a little while, but I will start handloading for it in the next few months.
After reading some Elmer Keith and an article or two by John Ross, I've decided I'd like a .44. After spending lots of time fondling various .44s at various shops, I've decided the 629 Classic fits me best, feels best in my hand, etc. The last thing I need to decide before I make the purchase is this: 6 inch or 8 3/8"?
I'm leaning toward the 8 3/8", as I think the extra sight radius would be very helpful at the longer distances I'd be shooting the gun at, and the extra couple inches of barrel might get me a little more velocity for a flatter trajectory. However, in John Ross's essay about the 500 S&W, his explanation on why he prefers a 5ish inch barrel - slight trade-off in sight radius and velocity for less movement/shake while you hold it - seems to make sense to me as well. I thought I'd come here and see what everyone has to say.
Extra info: I'll be shooting factory stuff through it a little while, but I will start handloading for it in the next few months.
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