loss and /or gain

[JWFilips]

Of my three .22 Ruger handguns ( 1966 Single six, 1969 Single six and 1976 Standard) they all have 6 1/2" -6" barrels. I love the way they hold & shoot:
Recently I have been thinking about getting either another Single six or MK and was thinking maybe a shorter barrel length would be nice to have.
I'm sure there are a lot of pros & cons dropping down in barrel length but I think it would be great to hear from the members of the forum on their experiences & recommendations.
Thanks

 

[blume357]

Hard call on barrel length.... but I would for sure go for a MKIII. but then I'm not a fan of the single six and am a die hard lover of the MKIII. I might try the short barreled hunter they have.... is a fun looking pistol.

 

[1gunsnotenough]

I find the T514s the best balance for a short barrelled shooter. And for me as accurate as a 5.5" BB.

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[contender]

Well, while I'm a dedicated SA fan, I see you have a pair of SA's while your Std is a fixed sighted gun. So, I'd opt for one of the adjustable MK series guns to compliment the battery of fine 22's.

 

[PO2Hammer]

With the Marks, I keep going back to the standard 4-5/8" tapered barrel as the best balanced, and most easily shot one handed. Not to mention it's still the best looking Mark design. My NRA/WBR commemorative Mark II;

 

[bennettfam]

Short barrels are good for packing, but at the range you don't gain anything by shortening barrels. You may shoot worse with the closer sight radius.

 

[CraigC]

One of each!

That T514s is a good lookin' pistol! Very classy.

 

[Anonymous]

My Single-Six and Mark III are both 5.5 inch. I like the looks and balance on the S-S. My only kick with it is that some holsters are only made for the 6,5 inch, like the Bianchi Lawman. No big deal, there.

The Mark III's bull barrel sometimes seems a little front-heavy. It does cut recoil to nil, and looks better to me than the longer tapered barrels, though.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

I can tell you a 4 5/8" semi MK II has 200fps more velocity than a 6 1/2" single six because of cyl gap.