Barrel length for Colt SAA

[jmace57]

I guess this is truly a "different strokes" thing. I have always thought 5 1/2 looks just right - 7 1/2 in is too long, and anything shorter is too short!

 

[perrazi]

71/2 shots better at longer range, but the 4/34 carries better. depends on what you want to do with it. most of mine are 71/2, but I don't carry one.

 

[Thuer]

I do have all barrel lenght of the Colt SAA or the Replica's. I do prefer the
5 1/2 becouse it gives a perfect balance. I shoot it very well.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I only have two Colt SAA's one black powder frame 4 3/4th inch and one cross latch in 71/2 inch both in .45 Colt and both late 3rd gen. I like both barrel lengths. I do have a bunch of Ruger and other makes with the 5 1/2 inch barrel and I do sorta lean towards the 5 1/2 inch barrels, better balance and feel and a bit more velocity with the longer barrel. As far as looks go the 4 3/4 inchers just look great.

 

[M29since14]

I like the shorter barrel length, 4.75 I believe.

I agree. I am no SAA man but if you can only have one that is what I would buy. The SAA is a pretty svelte little gun, all things considered. I never saw much sense in one with a longer barrel. Maybe I was unduly influenced by General Patton's .45.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I solved the issue by buying a 5 1/2" Colt SAA in .45 Colt , a 6 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk .44 magnum, a 7 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt, a 9 1/2" Ruger Single-Six .22 LR/.22 magnum, and a 10 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum.

 

[Donn]

7.5, because that's what I have.

 

[snubbyfan]

How about a 12" Buntline Special, worked for Wyatt Erp.

 

[Camster]

I had a Colt New Frontier 45LC with the 7.5 barrel.Always wished that it was the 5.5.

 

[Shooting Padre]

4 3/4 brl is the only way to go!

I like the 4 /34 barrel also. Nice for quick draw and balance. Also, with my poor eyesight, the front sight isn't so far away that I cant see it!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have 6 Vaqueros, 2- 5.5" and 4- 4" plus 6 Colt clones from 3" to 7.5". All told 2 are 357, 2 are 44 WCF, and the rest 45 Colt. I own more 4", but prefer the 5.5" guns. The only 7.5" is a 357 and will be one of the next to go by-by (if I find a 5.5"). I have a 4" "Thunderer" in 45 Colt and love the way it carries and shoots slow aimed fire, but the "Birds head" just rolls in my hand too much for aimed rapid shots even with light "Cowboy" loads. Ivan

 

[Alpo]

Do you actually have a Thunderer, or do you have a Pinkerton?



The Thunderer (top gun) is, I'm pretty sure, made only for Cimarron. I have one (3 1/2" 45 Colt), and that hump prevents any movement. Uberti makes the same gun, for other importers, but with a plain birds-head grip - no hump. The Pinkerton.

I bought one of these kits, many many years back. A Classic Arms New Orleans Ace .

And recoil made it roll back so much I'd be looking at the muzzle. Never have been fond of the birds-head grip, ever since.

 

[chief38]

I like the 4 3/4" myself.......

 

[DFrame]

I've always felt the 7.5 is cumbersome. But then I'm a snub nosed guy anyway. So I really like the shorter barreled guns.

 

[Big Shrek]

7.5 for SASS, due to longer length giving better forgiveness in aiming...
5.5 for anything else