I'm with ya on the aging factor. Used to love shooting my 57 with hot loads, my Ruger .338 Win Mag and my 14" TC in .375 JDJ. I haven't shot the Ruger or Contender since two summers ago up in Ohio on groudhogs. Forgot how hard and sharp the Ruger and Contender recoiled. No fun to shoot and actually hurt my back and neck the next few days.

Why not a 6" 57? I shot a buddies 8" nickel 57 against my 6" and the 6" shot just as well and felt better balanced to me than the 8". My old no dash has 38 deer to its name over the years. Used the old Reington factory 210 gr. JSP's for most of them. The six inch barrel rides quite well in an ancient Bianchi shoulder holster and takes deer down with authority. Some really great prices on the longer barreled 57's compared to the shorties.

__________________
V/R
Roger / SG