What barrel length do you like best on revolvers?

C

CZ_

New member
No, this isn't a dreaded poll. ;)

Anyway, please explain why you like the barrel length that is your favorite on a revolver.

For me, I prefer 5.5" - 6.5" barrels, with an even 6.0" being the favorite length. My S&W 686 Plus 6" is EXTREMELY accurate, and it has the right combination of muzzle weight and stability for my size. Most of my shooting is target shooting at moderate pistol ranges, and I like the extra muzzle stability and sight radius that the six inchers provide. I don't find them so heavy that they are uncomfortable (I do find the 8" plus barrels to be a little too muzzle heavy though).

I do like 4" barrel revolvers for general all around use/duty use, and occasionally 2"-3" for discrete carry, but for target work or plinking make mine a 6"!

I'm not too fond of the 8" plus barrels, simply because I feel like I'm holding a heavy club instead of a gun. There are many excellent revolvers with long 8" plus barrels, but for me those ranges of barrel length are a little too big for my needs.

What about you guys?
 
Six inch.

I tried some .357 140 gr on a section of old guard rail.
4" put one hell of a dent and split the metal.
6" went through and left a jagged hole.

six inch also easier sight radius for my eyes and less noise with .38s.

and slightly less jump.
 
I agree with everything CZ said, except that once in a while I like a good 8" or 9" barrel on a .22LR.

My dad's got a 9" Heritage Arms. I don't notice it being any more nose heavy than my 6" Single Six. It's a cheap revolver, but darn if it ain't fun to shoot!
 
3 inch is my favorite, but it's not available in a lot of guns.

It's also not the most efficient for magnum calibers.

My 3 inch 65LS will toss a pretty impressive flame with some loads.

But it sure carries nice.
 
Keeping in mind the ground-rules of this question, I opt for no less than four inches and not greater than five inches. As our friend Mike suggested, IMHO this barrel length is the optimal all-around compromise for velocity, sight radius, handling, concealment, recoil, and so forth.
 
4", 5", anmd 6" are my preferred choice's; with the 5" being
my favorite. Only problem, leather is extremely hard to find
for the 5 incher's.:eek: :( :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
BIFOCAL BLUES

On small guns like my GP100's I insist on the 4" tube; on bigger guns I much prefer the 5.5".
I have one 7.5" Redhawk and it's great to shoot but it's a bit harder to carry concealed and it draws a bit slower, too.

If I had to actually CHOOSE one barrel length I'd pick 4".
 
When I was younger, 6" for the longer sight radius. Now that I'm older, 4". Weight becomes a consideration when you have to carry it and besides, everything seems to shrink when you get older. ;)
 
I agree with Tamara, the three inch for the standard ejector rod and ease of carry. My 3" S&W 586 Plus PCenter is the best all around revolver I ever owned and thats including 5 different Colt Pythons of various sizes and finishes that I have since sold. My Gunsite 442 is a close second.
 
I like revolvers with barrel lengths between four and six and a half inches...one of my favorite-"Feeling" revos is a five-inch Model 625...shorter than four inches is more practical for "Deep Concealment", and longer than six or six and a half inches MIGHT be better for hunting or metallic silhouette, but...the "Medium Length" revos just FEEL better to me....mikey357
 
Toadlicker hit it on the head.

I used to think I made a mistake by buying my Python with a 6" bbl., but after I began to fire it a lot, I saw the wisdom of my decision. Of course, I don't carry the Python for self-defense (that job falls to my wonderful S&W 642), but if I did, I'd want a 4" tube.
DAL
 
I like 5" for all revolvers. This length seems to balance out well for me no matter what make of pistol.

dfm
 
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