5.5 vs. 7.5 ???

[lizziedog1]

I have been wanting a Ruger Blackhawk in 45LC for God knows how long.

Not too long ago I picked up one of its little siblings. I bought a Ruger Single Six in 32 H&R Magnum. I really like that little gun. It is my go-to exploring gun.

I just want something that lauches a bigger projectile.

I see the it comes in with barrels in 5.5" and 7.5" lengths.

The shorter barrel looks nicer to me, but I realize that the longer barrel would add a bit of velocity and maybe a bit of accuracy to the gun. I can't decide.

What should I do? Dont forget, Christmas is not too far away!

 

[hardluk1]

If your buying one just to own and plink with it then get the 5.5" barrel. If your going to ever shot the 45+P loads that a ruger SA can for hunting use then the 7.5" barrel will allow for a longer site picture and will allow those hotter loads to show there ability. They both look fine to many.

 

[MARKMALL]

I have the 7.5 blackhawk convertible and I love it! But I think I would be happy with 5.5 also.

 

[rcmodel]

If you ever want to set down without getting poked in the ribs while carrying it in a belt holster, get the 4 3/4" or 5 1/2".

They don't make them in 7 1/2" as a regular stock item, but the 6 1/2" they do make is more uncomfortable to carry seated in a truck or car.

rc

 

[BCCL]

Ruger makes a 6 1/2" barreled 45 Colt Blackhawk?


4.62, 5.5 and 7.5 are regular stock.

 

[rcmodel]

Oops!
My bad!
I see they do in .30 Carbine and .45 Colt. Again.

But actually, 7 1/2" was one of the first lengths made back in 1950 something when they came out. But it was quickly shortened to 6 1/2", and stayed that way for a very long time.

Just in the last few years they again made some 7 1/2's for Davidson's, and a couple other distributors, but they were not catalog items.

Now they are again.
Blue: Yep!
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBlued/models.html

Stainless: Nope!
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkStainless/models.html

Convertible: Nope!
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkConvertible/models.html

Beasley: Yep!
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBisley/models.html

Distributor exclusive: Nope!
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkDE/models.html

rc

 

[murf]

lipseys.com has a flattop 45lc in 4.625, or 5.5 inch bbl that you may want. it has the smaller frame and comes in blued or stainless steel.

suggest you get a cross-draw holster if you carry while driving. the grip won't stab you in the ribs all the time and is out of sight between you and the door.

my go-to exploring gun is a 4.625 blackhawk in 45 long colt. light (relatively), powerful and accurate.

murf

 

[wildcatter109]

I have both, and will say, there is no gain in accuracy between them. The fact that one may be more accurate than the other would only be the same thing as the fact one 5.5" gun can be more accurate than another with the same barrel length. In fact some of my most accurate have been under 5.5".

As far as velocity difference, if you didn't see it on the Chronograph, you probably wouldn't notice it. 100 or 150 fps, really don't make a huge difference at the range most responsibly hunt at. Seldom do you see any big game hunting professional, J.D. Jones, Larry Kelly, Elmer Kieth, and other S.C.I. Hunters, with barrels longer than 6" on revolvers and usually shorter. I am sure from the guns John Linebaugh produces that this applies to big and dangerous game as he builds far more under 6" than over .

I know when using revolvers, I prefer 5" to 6" barrels, for the reason I hunt with them, there excellent compact carry and convenience. The only revolver I use that is any longer is for it's ability to use a scope. I have one, a Ruger Bisley Hunter in 45 Colt, that I deer hunt with because I like open sights, but the older I get it is difficult to see them that first and last hour of the day, in low light, when hunting is best. With the Ruger mounting system I can remove it in the morning using a Key or a quarter, hunt all day, and replace it in the evening, and it is close enough to Zero, to make deliberate shots at deer out to 120 yards or more. This is one of my favorite camp and trail, in 45 caliber convertible, the 45 colt cylinder will do almost as good with heavier boolits, this is 200 grain SWC's in the acp cylinder!


I think the longer sight radius definitely makes it easier to aim accurately, but I think you will find that is the only benefit, and for the extra length there are other trade offs I find I don't want to give up. Totally a personal preference for most.

 

[Hondo 60]

According to Uberti's advertizing, the original 1873 Peacemaker was 7 1/2".
Due to a large number of requests by civilians the Peacemaker was made in 5 1/2" versions (case color & nickel).

Neither of which answers the OPs question.

Either 5 1/2" or 7 1/2" is the users preference.
I guess if you're gonna use it for hunting you have to check the laws in your area.
But the longer barrel (and sight picture) would seem to favor the 7 1/2" barreled version.

lizziedog1 - Just be aware that the new model Blackhawks have a larger frame than a Colt or replica SAA.

I have a 5 1/2" SAA & Love it!

Just my 2¢

 

[rcmodel]

Due to a large number of requests by civilians the Peacemaker was made in 5 1/2" versions

They made a heck of a lot of them in 4 3/4" too for civilian sales. (barrel even with the end of the ejector rod housing)

The 5 1/2" SAA was actually first requested by the U.S. Calvary, and became sometimes known as the Calvary model after a lot of the 7 1/2" GI guns were shortened to that length.

They also sold more then a few 3" Sheriffs models with no ejector rod a tall.



rc

 

[BCCL]

rcmodel, pretty sure that a Colt SAA with a 7 1/2" barrel was the "Cavalry" model, and the 5 1/2" was the "Artillery" model.

 

[rcmodel]

Yep! You are exactly right.

I started typing before engaging my brain again.

rc

 

[BCCL]

Happens us to best of the.

 

[David E]

The Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt was introduced in 1971. It was only available in 4 3/4" and 7 1/2".

The Super Blackhawk in .44 magnum was only available with a 7 1/2" barrel for the longest time.

OP, for general purpose, the 5 1/2" will be the better choice. For hunting, the 7 1/2" will be better.

Crossdraw holsters are a good way to carry either one. I'm partial to the Bianchi #111 Cyclone.

 

[ClemY]

I find I prefer 5 1/2" myself, but I have a 7 1/2" just for fun.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I really like the 5.5" barrel length in a SA revolver. I have 2 in .357 Magnum and one in .45 colt, all sport a 5.5" barrel...