Your favorite SAA barrel length
- Thread starter Mn Fats
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.455_Hunter
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Very close between 5.5" and 7.5".
Not a huge fan of 4.75".
Not a huge fan of 4.75".
RKRCPA
Member
Very much depends on the mission.
ontarget
Member
For everyday handyness, I will take the 4.75ish barrel every time. You said we can only have 1, so it's gotta be the most useful one.
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Mn Fats
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I assumed folks would say 7.5 for the range or off the rest. 4.75 for slight ease of carry/draw. 5.5 for a balance or compromise of both.
That's why I said if you could only have one. Just polling that specific question, not the mission. One SAA barrel length.
King Medallion
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5.5", 45 & 44-40
Charlie98
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I've had my share of Ruger SA's... a few 7.5"s which I grew to hate. The last 3 Rugers I've had have all been 5.5", which, as someone said, is a pretty good balance... but I suppose if I ever had a 4 5/8", I'd probably change my mind.
.455_Hunter
Member
If I was limited to one full-size handgun, a 5.5" single-action in .45 Colt would meet my needs just fine.
Driftwood Johnson
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Howdy
4 3/4"
You did not ask, but 7 1/2" is my second favorite Colt barrel length. Not Colt at the bottom of this photo, my only Uberti Cattleman, but this is s 7 1/2" 2nd Gen at the top of the photo.
Yes, technically the New Frontier is a SAA.
I do not own any 5 1/2" barrelled Colts. I find that length to be boring.
4 3/4"
You did not ask, but 7 1/2" is my second favorite Colt barrel length. Not Colt at the bottom of this photo, my only Uberti Cattleman, but this is s 7 1/2" 2nd Gen at the top of the photo.
Yes, technically the New Frontier is a SAA.
I do not own any 5 1/2" barrelled Colts. I find that length to be boring.
I'm pretty sure I answered this same question on another forum so I better give the same response here (smile).
The 4-3/4" SAA pattern revolver balances and handles best for me so I voted for that length. That being said, every time I fire a full powered, black powder hand load (250 @ 910) from my 7-1/2" USFA and hear the resounding clang as it hits my steel silhouette at 20-25 yards, it puts a smile on my face and I can't wait to do it again.
Dave
The 4-3/4" SAA pattern revolver balances and handles best for me so I voted for that length. That being said, every time I fire a full powered, black powder hand load (250 @ 910) from my 7-1/2" USFA and hear the resounding clang as it hits my steel silhouette at 20-25 yards, it puts a smile on my face and I can't wait to do it again.
Dave
sgt127
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Since I own a grand total of one SAA. I’ll have to go with the shorter barrel. It handles well. Shoots fine. Nice balance. Of course, I really don’t have anything to compare it too.I had an old model Vaquero with a 5 1/2”. Much beefier gun. And, to me, felt muzzle heavy.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Like.said above, it depends.
For cowboy action speed not over 5.5" is my preference. for better accuracy at slightly longer distances 7.5" is better and IMO it looks great too lol.
I.have 2X in 5.5", 1X in 7.5" and a birds head grip revolver in 3.5".
For cowboy action speed not over 5.5" is my preference. for better accuracy at slightly longer distances 7.5" is better and IMO it looks great too lol.
I.have 2X in 5.5", 1X in 7.5" and a birds head grip revolver in 3.5".
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Mn Fats
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No. It doesn't. I tried to weed that out by asking "if you could only have one".
Just curious on which length SAA is ones favorite if they could only have one.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
You sound a little annoyed but I did vote for my favorite. This is a discussion forum and I was discussing my thoughts.
When I said if it's for cowboy action speed the shorter barrel would be a favorite. What was wrong with what I said?
I guess I should have added what my vote was so you wouldn't seem to snap at me. Really man, chill.
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Mn Fats
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Whoa. I agree. I'm sorry if I came off like that. My fault.
ArchAngelCD
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No harm done Sir. We are good...
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Mn Fats
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Truth is, I like them all. I'm having a hell of a time deciding. 5.5" seems prime, then I handle a 4.75" and it feels awesome. The sight radius on the 7.5" is appealing. Weight isnt a factor for me, nor is the draw out of the holster. I'm sort of stuck. Just curious what folks here would choose if it could only be one.No harm done Sir. We are good...
One of each some day.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Yeah, I voted for the 7.5 because if just looks like the old original guns and the longer sight radius helps with my older eyes lol. The 3.5" birds head is fun for short distance hip shooting. (Uberti made)
I shoot the 5.5" Ruger Vaqueros in cowboy action matches but when walking around I have the 7.5" gun in the strong side hosted and the birds head in a cross draw holster. I also have a small Derringer in a suspenders holster. It just looks cool to me, old guys have to do something to look cool lol. Unfortunately I haven't shot matches in years, I do miss them...
IMO if this will be a range/fun gun you won't go wrong with the 7.5" gun and in 45 Colt too.
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Mn Fats
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That's a diverse setup, one might even say tasteful.
I really have to get to one of those matches. Even if to just spectate.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Many of those matches have loaner equipment so you can try out the match and see if you like it. Even if they don't I have personally seen shooters lend their own guns to a new shooter and walk them through the match. It is for sure a hoot-to-shoot...
You need 2 sixguns, a lever action rifle and a shotgun that is legal. Of course you also need the ammo co the match. My Vaqueros are in 38/357 as is my Marlin levergun. The shotgun is 12ga and I shoot light loads from Winchester. (your shoulder will thank you)
The SASS site explains all the matches and legal equipment needed. They also list times and locations of matches.
The SASS site: https://www.sassnet.com
The Rules: https://www.sassnet.com/Shooters-Handbook-001A.php
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Mn Fats
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The Shotgun section was interesting. No SxS with automatic ejectors? But a pump and every other period correct shotgun is allowed. I wonder why they did that. Also wondering if you could get away with a Browning A-5. Designed in 1898
NeroM
Member
Depends upon chambering and mission.
However, if restricted to only one in a traditional SAA,
It would be 5.5" in 45 Colt.
For single action revolvers, any format, would
Select a 6" FA83 in 41 Mag.
However, if restricted to only one in a traditional SAA,
It would be 5.5" in 45 Colt.
For single action revolvers, any format, would
Select a 6" FA83 in 41 Mag.
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tubeshooter
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I prefer the handier 4.75" overall, although I do have a couple of 5.5 inch guns.
It is funny how less than an inch makes such a big difference for some folks.
I did elect to get a .45 Colt in 5.5", because I felt the caliber benefits from the additional length. But realistically, if I'm not worried about clearing leather to get quicker times (and I'm not) I don't guess it matters much. So if forced to choose, make mine the shorter barrel please.
It is funny how less than an inch makes such a big difference for some folks.
I did elect to get a .45 Colt in 5.5", because I felt the caliber benefits from the additional length. But realistically, if I'm not worried about clearing leather to get quicker times (and I'm not) I don't guess it matters much. So if forced to choose, make mine the shorter barrel please.
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