Blackhawk in 357, barrel length prefered?

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roylt

Hunter
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
3,100
Was wondering what you thought was the best barrel length? I like my GP in 4" better than my 6". So figuring closer to the 4 for a Blackhawk.
 
Joined
Oct 24, 2007
Messages
11,653
Location
Kentucky
Depends on several things.

If you plan to use it for a hunting gun you may find that the 6-1/2" barrel with its longer sight radius is more to your advantage.

If "handy packing" or concealed carry is on your mind, the 4-5/8" gun might be a better choice.

Having addressed those concerns, probably a more important consideration is . . . which one can you shoot better?

This is sort of a Ginger/Maryann, Ford/Chevy, 9mm/.45ACP situation.

JMHO

:)
 

mrbumps

Blackhawk
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
634
Location
Sutton, VT
I just picked up a new Blackhawk in 357/9mm convertible today. They had both lengths, and after handling both, I chose the 4 5/8th. I wish they had made it in the 5 1/2 instead of 6 1/2.
 

okie44

Single-Sixer
Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
210
Location
NW Louisiana
I like the FrankenHawk :mrgreen:
606535e6-8ef5-434c-b8cb-7488e8d5ed07_zpsbdf35954.jpg
 

ncrobb

Single-Sixer
Joined
Aug 17, 2014
Messages
141
Location
Iredell County, NC
I have a 4-5/8 and a 6-1/2 .357 BH. Like Buckeye stated, 5-1/2" is a good compromise. I have a couple Bisleys in 5-1/2" and that is what I prefer.

Robb
 

onehandgunner

Single-Sixer
Joined
Nov 24, 2011
Messages
332
Location
Los Lunas, N.M..
I have 3 SBHs, 2 started out as 7.5" and ended up as 5.5". The 3rd is a 4.62" that now sports the Dragoon grip frame. I like the balance of the 5.5" with the Dragoon grip frame a lot more than when they where longer. My son is really liking the 4.62". He is one of those types that likes them damn slide action pistols. I think I brought the right kid home from the hospital.
 

roylt

Hunter
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
3,100
mrbumps said:
I just picked up a new Blackhawk in 357/9mm convertible today. They had both lengths, and after handling both, I chose the 4 5/8th. I wish they had made it in the 5 1/2 instead of 6 1/2.

Did you get the blued or stainless pistol? Just curious.

Thanks to all for the input.
I am just a fair weather shooter. Also a single dad so my range time is typically just over lunch during the week if I can get away.
 

mrbumps

Blackhawk
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
634
Location
Sutton, VT
roylt said:
mrbumps said:
I just picked up a new Blackhawk in 357/9mm convertible today. They had both lengths, and after handling both, I chose the 4 5/8th. I wish they had made it in the 5 1/2 instead of 6 1/2.

Did you get the blued or stainless pistol? Just curious.

Thanks to all for the input.
I am just a fair weather shooter. Also a single dad so my range time is typically just over lunch during the week if I can get away.

I got the Blue. I've never seen the stainless convertibles at any of my local FFLs.
 

roylt

Hunter
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
3,100
Stainless is a special run. That is what I will be getting. Saving my pennies....
 

Rclark

Hunter
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
3,533
Location
Butte, MT
For target shooting, I prefer a bit longer barrel... So if just going to be a 'range' gun for most of your shooting, I'd recommend the 6 1/2". I too wish the .357 came in 5 1/2" as this is my favorite length. If you plan on packing the gun a lot, then the 4 5/8" would be preferred... That said, in my teens I packed my 6 1/2" .357 BH hiking (long hikes too), fishing, and camping..... And didn't think anything about it. Course I was younger then!
 

DGW1949

Hunter
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Messages
3,916
Location
Texas
Beings how the power difference between a common .38 Spl and the .357-Mag comes strickly from the latter's increased velocity, I've allways figured that if ya want true magnum performance, the bullet should be launched from as long of a barrel that would still be practical to cary around.

But that's just me.

DGW
 

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