SAA - 4 3/4" or 5 1/2"- which is better "balanced"?

[ExMachina]

I'm going to buy myself a new USFA SAA

UNfortunately I've only ever handled (loaded) a 7 1/2" SAA and was wondering how the two, shorter-barreled SAA models compare when loaded w/ 5 rounds?

A lot of SASS folks seem to prefer the 5 1/2" version but the looks of a 4 1/2" bbl appeal to me more.

Are there any noticeable differences between the handling of the two bbl lengths (other than the sight radius)?

Thanks for any direction.

-ExM

 

[Imaginos]

Suit Yourself

I prefer the 4 3/4 barrel, but everyone has their own preference. Go pick up one of each and discover for yourself.

 

[El Rocoso]

I have both and the 4 3/4 is hard to beat for balance alone. The 5 1/2 gives a little more sight radius and still feels good. Obviously, a longer tube is a hair slower out of the holster--if that matters at all to you. I agree that the best idea is to handle both if you can and make YOUR pick!

 

[albanian]

I just got a single action in .357 after having tried the 5 1/2" and 4 5/8" versions. I am mostly a shorter bbl guy but I found that the 5 1/2" didn't seem any heavier or muzzle heavy so I went with that. I think the 5 1/2" looks more of what I think a SAA should look like. I think it may point a little better also since it has the extra length to aid.

I would try both of them side by side and if one doesn't feel better or worse, get the one you like the looks of. I wanted the shorter bbl for size weight but I really didn't see any downsides to the 5 1/2" so when a deal crossed my path, I got one of those. You could keep an open mind and wait for a deal on either bbl length if you are undecided. Let the deal make your mind up for you.

 

[Jim March]

Want to get more confused?

The balance on a 44 or 45cal SAA with a 5.5" barrel will be almost identical to the 4 & 3/4" in 38/357 calibers!

Yup. Thicker barrel wall in the smaller bore. Affects weight and balance.

-----

At some point, you need to sort out whether or not you prefer a "heavy barrel" feel or a "light barrel". That will guide your choice. If you don't yet know, you need to borrow or rent various types, shoot 'em some, figure it out .

 

[thatguy]

I doubt that anyone can tell which they are holding with their eyes closed. Very small difference. Mainly personal preference on appearance. I prefer the short barrel SAAs like this .44 Special Colt with ivory grips.

 

[ExMachina]

I prefer the short barrel SAAs like this .44 Special Colt with ivory grips.

I can see why ...that's a beauty

To be honest, I think I was secretly posting in order to see if there was a reason NOT to go w/ the 4 3/4"

So, a 4 3/4" it shall be!

Now I just have to decide if I want a Pre-War model or not....

Thank you all for the input.

 

[Lone Star]

I've always favored the 4.75-inch barrel over the 5.50 -inch barrel. But it's mainly a looks issue.

I also like the 7.5-inch barrel.

Doesn't matter a lot: I can't afford any of them in a genuine Colt...

Lone Star

 

[Bill B.]

I lile the looks of the 4 3/4 but to me nothing works and points any better than the 5 1/2. I have a Colt 3 rd. generation in 45 LC that simply shoots better than any single action I have ever owned. It's superb!

 

[MrAcheson]

I survey of a cowboy board will find that everybody has a preference with no two people the same. 5 1/2" is a good compromise and 4 3/4" is nice and quick.

 

[guy sajer]

I've owned SAA's in 3" , 4" , 4 3/4" , 5 1/2" , 7 1/2" and 12" .
I prefer the 4 3/4" , but could easily settle for 5 1/2" .

 

[Tony Mig]

I prefer the 5.5" for both looks and balance, to me the 4.75" is just a little too short. I've also fired a few 7.5" models, and although they are a little slower out of the holster, they point well, and that extra barrel and sight radius sure helps place that bullet where you want it to go.....

 

[MrMurphy]

For pure accuracy, 7.5".

For holster carry, speed, accuracy and balance...... the 5.5" in .45 Colt or .44 has always been my pick. The 4 3/4" just doesn't quite feel right in a Peacemaker.

 

[tc300mag1]

i prefer the 5.5 length myself..

 

[asa]

barrel length

I have two early third gen. Colt SAA's in .357-one 4 3/4 and one 5 1/2. I like the balance of the longer length but the looks of the 4 3/4. Both have nice actions and are equally accurate, so it's looks vs. feel. Flip a coin.

 

[ExMachina]

Flip a coin.

I did...several thousand of them, directly to Turnbull Restoration

Looks won out (well, almost, as I couldn't afford the ivory grips )

Should be getting my mits on it early in 2005. Now it's time to start hording 45LC brass

 

[thatguy]

I still prefer the short barrel. Even in a nickel plated clone.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Man, talk about subjective!

Perhaps the only thing LESS objective than one's individual "feeling" about personal sidearms is one's choice of a significant other.

And it truly does extend right down to a difference on 3/4 inch in barrel length on an SAA.

Regardless of the (admittedly small) gain in velocity and sight radius with the 5-1/2" barrel, I've always preferred the 4-3/4" length - - All of mine having been in caliber .45. And, while I'd like to have a pure army pattern example of the 7-1/2" barrel revolver, this would be only for "historical" purposes. I've never been able to do any good in "point shooting" with the longer barrel, notwithstanding what ought to be a detectable "feel" with the added weight out front.

BUT, this is my opinion only, and I know guys who hate and dispise the shorter tube pieces. And, some of them dearly love women for whom I have little affection . . . .

I hope you're very happy with your individual choice.

Johnny