Short barrel Ruger SBH
- Thread starter Noreaster
- Start date
newfrontier45
Moderator
The issue is going to be the shorter grip frame. The 4 5/8" and 5½" Supers have the standard Blackhawk XR3-RED pattern grip frame, instead of the long Dragoon grip frame of the longer barreled models. In a rare instance where I agree with Gary Reeder, we believe that shorter barrels have less leverage against the wrist and thus, are less wrenching to shoot. I have a few custom Bisley .44Mag's and .45Colts and find the shorter barrels more pleasant to shoot, although the difference is slight. I've never really found barrel length to be a significant factor affecting recoil. It has a more profound effect on muzzle blast and that sometimes causes the shooter to perceive the recoil as more severe.
newfrontier45
Moderator
SA grips should never roll "in" your hand and no, they are not designed that way.
Bob Wright
New member
Here is my 5" Super Blackhawk, and I do use reduced loads in it as they are more comfortable to shoot. The shorter barrel does indeed emphasize the flash/blast!
I do prefer the 7 1/2" barrel for hunting as it handles the heavy loads much better, for me, and offers a longer sight radius.
Bob Wright
I do prefer the 7 1/2" barrel for hunting as it handles the heavy loads much better, for me, and offers a longer sight radius.
Bob Wright
newfrontier45
Moderator
I remember having the hots for a shortened Super back when I was a teenager. I thought it was a serious looking sixgun and wanted it bad. Yours reminds me of it. Might have to scratch that itch, eventually. 
Ported barrel...
If recoil, muzzle blast etc are an issue, you may consider a custom porting job like Mag-Na-Port in MI or the top rated Hybraport work from Gemini Customs: www.geminicustoms.com .
Both shops do a lot of custom revolver work. I'd check into Gemini Customs if you want to slick up your Ruger wheelgun.
CF
If recoil, muzzle blast etc are an issue, you may consider a custom porting job like Mag-Na-Port in MI or the top rated Hybraport work from Gemini Customs: www.geminicustoms.com .
Both shops do a lot of custom revolver work. I'd check into Gemini Customs if you want to slick up your Ruger wheelgun.
CF
SA grips should never roll "in" your hand and no, they are not designed that way.
Yes they do. It might not have been originally designed that way (you would have to ask Colt that one) but they do rotate upward in your hand if you hold them correctly. And it does reduce felt recoil because it delays or spreads out the recoil pulse instead of going straight into your hand.
Hiccup is correct.
Noreaster The recoil will be less since you don’t have as much velocity with the shorter barrel but with the shorter barrel and less weight it will have more felt recoil. And with less weight out front the muzzle barrel rotation or flip will be greater.
If the recoil is too excessive then you can always shoot or target practice with specials. I have several short barreled 44’s and I don’t have any problem shooting them but with 44’s a lot has to do with your experience level.
The Super Blackhawk is a great gun and you won’t be sad you bought it.
Yes they do. It might not have been originally designed that way (you would have to ask Colt that one) but they do rotate upward in your hand if you hold them correctly. And it does reduce felt recoil because it delays or spreads out the recoil pulse instead of going straight into your hand.
Hiccup is correct.
Noreaster The recoil will be less since you don’t have as much velocity with the shorter barrel but with the shorter barrel and less weight it will have more felt recoil. And with less weight out front the muzzle barrel rotation or flip will be greater.
If the recoil is too excessive then you can always shoot or target practice with specials. I have several short barreled 44’s and I don’t have any problem shooting them but with 44’s a lot has to do with your experience level.
The Super Blackhawk is a great gun and you won’t be sad you bought it.