Model12Win
Moderator
So I'm about to buy my first single action revolver ever (excluding my cap and ball guns) and I'm set on the Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt that comes with the .45 ACP conversion cylinder. I'm no reloader, no how, and that .45 ACP cylinder will allow me to shoot all day till the cows come home and not break the bank. Have you checked prices on factory .45 Colt these days? Yikes!
But on to my main point, I am wondering about barrel length. Now I love the looks of the 5 1/2" barrel guns... but this'll be my user gun, and all rounder if you will. I plan to use it for trail defense and open carry when on my property (I CCW in public) and also as a BUG when I'm hunting for boars down south a ways. But, I also plan to do mostly range and target work, plinking, things of that nature.
Now I gots to know... will that 5 1/2" bbl be too long? I've held 5 1/2" bbl SAAs before and liked the balance compared to the 4 5/8" guns. I always prefer a mite more weight out front in a big bore. I plan to shoot some hot Buffalo Bores and defensive loads through the gun for social work and hog/trail protection. I plan to buy a pancake holster or some other lower profile rig for the gun and a cartridge slide too, no full blown western gun belt low rider rigs. No sir! I'm no cowboy action shooter. I'm buying this gun for real work, and I need it to be at my side in a comfortable and practical manner.
So while I'm a leanin' towards the 5 1/2" barrel, I'd like some feedback from guys that've carried 'em around. Too big? Just right? Will a 4 5/8" be better for MY purposes? Can I have a strong side draw with this barrel length?
Thanks all!
But on to my main point, I am wondering about barrel length. Now I love the looks of the 5 1/2" barrel guns... but this'll be my user gun, and all rounder if you will. I plan to use it for trail defense and open carry when on my property (I CCW in public) and also as a BUG when I'm hunting for boars down south a ways. But, I also plan to do mostly range and target work, plinking, things of that nature.
Now I gots to know... will that 5 1/2" bbl be too long? I've held 5 1/2" bbl SAAs before and liked the balance compared to the 4 5/8" guns. I always prefer a mite more weight out front in a big bore. I plan to shoot some hot Buffalo Bores and defensive loads through the gun for social work and hog/trail protection. I plan to buy a pancake holster or some other lower profile rig for the gun and a cartridge slide too, no full blown western gun belt low rider rigs. No sir! I'm no cowboy action shooter. I'm buying this gun for real work, and I need it to be at my side in a comfortable and practical manner.
So while I'm a leanin' towards the 5 1/2" barrel, I'd like some feedback from guys that've carried 'em around. Too big? Just right? Will a 4 5/8" be better for MY purposes? Can I have a strong side draw with this barrel length?
Thanks all!