Which length 27-2 would you get if you could only have one

[Warren Sear]

...I did have an 8 3/8" one back in the 70s that shot like a rifle - wish I hadn't let that one get away!

Riposte

8-3/8" would be nice to have.

 

[Warren Sear]

Well... I do have this one with a 9" barrel...

 

[joseywales44]

5 inch is the best of both worlds (IMO). Conceals almost as well as a 4 inch, sight radius almost as good as a 6 inch.

 

[DomG]

For fun at the range the long tube (8 3/8) N frames are hard to beat! Has anyone ever seen a 38/44 long tube?

 

[WildBillWJW]

Happy Father's Day Fellas
View attachment 767265

 

[WildBillWJW]

I second the 5” barrel…

 

[45NUTT]

4" no 3 1/2" uhm......yes the 3 1/2" please.

 

[Hal H.]

3&1/2” the gun is well balanced and easy to point and shoot. I have one in nickel and one in blue.

 

[RMS272829]

All of my N frames are 6"/6.5" as are my other revolvers. Not a fan of the 4" in any frame size. I like the longer sight range.

 

[Riposte1]

For fun at the range the long tube (8 3/8) N frames are hard to beat! Has anyone ever seen a 38/44 long tube?

I have not, but I think they may have made a pre-war 8 3/4" Outdoorsman? I'm sure they made an 8 3/4 and an 8 3//8 Registered Magnum.

I think they made the Registered Mag in any barrel length you ordered at 1/4" intevals.

I own a post war .38/44 in 4" and had a friend that had a 5" and I've handled a 6.5" Outdoorsman and seen a 5" but none longer.

There is a picture of a pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman in Roy Jinks book (pg. 212) that looks long but he doesn't mention the length, Looks to be about 7.5" but 6.5 was more common I think.

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[DomG]

There is just something about N frame long tubes at 50 yards. Can't miss with med powder loads in .44 mag and .357s. I have a 61/2 38/44 outdoorsman but have always wanted to find a long tube. Long tube K frames are fun but just not the same.

 

[Riposte1]

All of my N frames are 6"/6.5" as are my other revolvers. Not a fan of the 4" in any frame size. I like the longer sight range.

I like em all, short to long.

I ended up with three Model 58s, one someone had round butted and the finish was worn so I decided to change it to a 4" .45 Colt - but before I could find the necessary barrel I came upon a 4" 29 barrel for cheap and a 629 cylinder for free so I made a .44 Magnum (with the intend to shoot .44 Spls in it).

I cut the barrel to 3.5" and milled the old front sight base down to .125" wide and it turned out to hit pretty close - alas the gun really like the Federal 240 gr JHP magnum load the best and yes it hurts - gets 1350 fps from that short barrel (due to the minimal flash gap). The groups are shot at 25 yards.

The gun now wears Spegal boot "grips"...I need to update the pic.

Riposte