Short(er) big bore revolvers.

[gnappi]

I much prefer revolver barrel lengths shorter than the typical 7 1/2" from Ruger. They're handier to carry, easier out of the holster than longer barrels and a bit lighter. Yeah they may bark a bit more with stout loads and distance may be a concern because of their reduced sight radius, but the former "could" be addressed by porting or reducing loads and the latter by discipline picking your shot distance in the field.

Anyone else prefer shorty magnums?

 

[rammerjammer]

Both of my 44 Mags are snubbies. An Alaskan and a Mod 69 2.75" bbl. I don't hunt so the longer barrel length is not necessary for me. On the chance that I'm out hiking or just generally out in nature a snubbie 44 Mag should handle any 2 or 4 legged threat in North America as long as I do my job.

 

[contender]

I actually have big bores from 4-5/8" out to 14" (Most of the ones above 10" are Contenders.)
But I always look at efficiency of the caliber and my planned uses for it. For hunting,, I like a bit longer. Better balance, better sight radius, more efficient burning rate of the powder, and overall usually more accurate at longer distances.
If I'm packing for SD or general use,, I don't mind a shorter barrel. But for big bores,, the gun is already bigger generally,, so anything less than about 4-1/2" just doesn't fit MY personal uses.

 

[gnappi]

Dang I miss my Contenders.

 

[pdugas]

I have 4 5/8" barrels on my .357, .41 & .45 Blackhawks and a 5 1/2" barrel on my .44 mag Redhawk. I do prefer shorter barrels. Easier to carry and handle for me.

 

[arcticruger]

Love 'em at any length.

I have them from 2.5" to 10.5" (most 5.5" or shorter), and all Rugers. The SBH 7.5" was my first and is still my all time favorite shooter at the range.

Still looking for that elusive OM 6.5" flattop to bring into the family though

 

[sharpblade7777]

I prefer them.

 

[seasterl]

I like big bore and short barrels, too! Here are a couple of .45cal…

 

[The Preacher]

All my .357s, 44 Special/Magnums/and 45 Colt's sport 4 5/8th inch bbls. The only one that doesn't is a very nice '58 44 Mag Flattop which will likely be sent down the road as I've never shot it.

 

[BearBiologist]

Not a "magnum" but I carry a short OM Blackhawk with heavy cast loads in bear country. It's a 45 Colt.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

4 5/8" is my favorite length for Ruger single actions, 4" for Smith & Wessons. If I'm also carrying a rifle hunting, I carry one of those. If handgun only hunting, I'll carry my 7 1/2" flattop .44.

 

[NH Rugerman]

Dang I miss my Contenders.

Well, you are in luck. TC is back, guns will start showing up in 2025.

Thompson/Center Arms

America's Master Gunmaker

tcarms.com

 

[pyth0n]

In big bore revolvers I have a 2" Taurus Titanium .44 spl, Charter Arms classic 3" .44 spl, & a Redhawk 4" .44 mag.

 

[Brant]

I prefer to carry a 4 5/8" 45 colt when I'm in the woods. It's a stainless Blackhawk I is loaded stouter than I normally use do to running into a really big hog and I only had a ruger bearcat with me at the time. It carries well enough that I often have it as a secondary when hunting with other guns, other handguns even. I think a custom Ruger mid frame Blackhawk with a 4" barrel in 475 special by JRH would be great. As would a 4" large frame 500jrh.

I don't normally plan on hunting with shorter barrel guns. I am a better shot wit 6 1/2 + barrels.

 

[vlavalle]

I much prefer revolver barrel lengths shorter than the typical 7 1/2" from Ruger. They're handier to carry, easier out of the holster than longer barrels and a bit lighter. Yeah they may bark a bit more with stout loads and distance may be a concern because of their reduced sight radius, but the former "could" be addressed by porting or reducing loads and the latter by discipline picking your shot distance in the field.

Anyone else prefer shorty magnums?

I have been a Ruger revolver owner for almost 60 years, and it is a a .357 6.5" Blackhawk. I now own three Ruger revolvers: another Blackhawk but this one is a .45LC/ACP SS 5.5" Barrel, and the other is a GP 100 .357 Mag. The latter two are both SS. So, based on this and what I see available in the Ruger line, I would not say that the 7.5" barrel length is standard at all!

As for the shorter barrel length, it is definitely true that the shorter ones are easier and perhaps a bit more practical for conceal carry. But there are many disadvantages that go with that. The shorter the barrel, the less accurate the gun is. The shorter the barrel, the more the kick gets. If you never shoot any ammo above medium power, and never over longer distances (say over 40-50 yards), then the shorter 4" or even shorter barrels will be just fine. But if you do either of these, you will probably be sorry with the shorter barrels. I often wished that my .45 would have a longer barrel, reducing the kick quite a bit (because it really kicks with any of the high powered ammo made by Buffalo Bore), but with its 5.5" barrel, it is short enough for conceal carry, albeit a bit heavy as compared to a pistol. I do not carry any of my revolvers, concealed or open. However, I use to quick draw, and quite successfully, with my 6.5" Blackhawk, and I have the western holster that goes with this gun.

 

[vlavalle]

Love 'em at any length.

I have them from 2.5" to 10.5" (most 5.5" or shorter), and all Rugers. The SBH 7.5" was my first and is still my all time favorite shooter at the range.

Still looking for that elusive OM 6.5" flattop to bring into the family though

I own three Ruger revolvers and my oldest is the .357 6.5" Blackhawk. I bought this in 1965, and had Ruger update it with the transfer bar about 10 year ago. It is NOT a flattop.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

I myself, greatly prefer short barrels anymore. My current go-to .44 Magnum is this old originally 6.5" Flattop #6000, found on Gunbroker, and purchased BIN for a song. It had endured much use, came with some of the most RIDICULOUS, and poorly made, oversized grips I've ever seen...and also unfortunately, had suffered the indignity of being converted...

I wasted no time in the procurement, and fitment of original action parts, proper original period grips. (The old one's became firewood!) Then pulled the barrel, cut and recrowned it to 4-5/8" on my lathe. And, silver soldered on a newly fabricated, on my milling machine, front sight.

WHY?..Ruger never offered this barrel length for decades, is a total and complete mystery to me?!

They're as "handy as a pocket on a shirt." As Grandpa used to say...

 

[Laserbait]

I also greatly prefer 4" and shorter revolvers. I find the balance so much better.

 

[Killer Bee]

I'm also a fan - 4" balances well for me

1971 OM Blackhawk .45

1971 Colt Lawman .357

 

[deac45]

I have revolvers from 3" to 5 1/2" all 44s and 45s save far one 38.