I started with a 10.5" Ruger SBH. Great gun and the barrel handled the recoil well. Because it drew like a frigging Scottish Claymore, I traded it for a 4-5/8 model. More muzzle blast and recoil but much better to carry and shoot overall. If I had to choose a double action I would probably choose a 4-6" barrel stainless model. I prefer 6 shots so it'd be a 629.