Do you like the 7.5" barrel?

[NorthBorder]

I've generally been turned off by such a long barrel on any revolver. It looks cumbersome and difficult to carry or draw from a holster. I don't think I've ever even held one. And I don't see them on the shelves at the LGS or big box stores like Cabelas I understand that the longer sight radius can assist in the marksmanship and the longer barrel may eek out a few more fps. But I never considered ever owning one until...(drum roll)
looking on GB I saw a Traditions (Pietta) 1873 and I started wondering if I got it all wrong. I might even bid on this. It's a 44 magnum but I would be more interested in utilizing it as a 44 Special.
So, what do you all have to say about a long barrel revolver? How do you carry it, and (aside from killing paper target) how do you use it? You can talk me into or out of a revolver like this. I certainly don't need one but what does that matter.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I like 'em-

 

[Bazoo]

I've never owned a 7.5, but I've had a couple Blackhawks with the 6.5" barrel. I like them just fine for range use, or even carry in a western rig.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Love them!

 

[NorthBorder]

Mark. You're cheating. That's a Colt.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Mark. You're cheating. That's a Colt.

you are right! here one!

 

[NorthBorder]

My bad. I was looking at a Cimarron Model P, but still..

 

[Mark_Mark]

My bad. I was looking at a Cimarron Model P, but still..

the 7.5 is well balanced! looks very mean too

 

[NorthBorder]

Seems like Marshall Dillon carries one. He can draw it pretty fast.

 

[commygun]

I do on single-actions but not doubles. Unless they’re pre-war. I saw a S&W 1905 .38 Special with a 7.5” barrel at the LGS today that I would have snapped up if I hadn’t been on a gun buying tear recently.
$360 at East County Guns in Centralia, Mark_Mark!

 

[Pat Riot]

I have a 7.5 barreled Ruger Vaquero (original) in .45 Colt. I really enjoy shooting it. I used to use it for Cowboy Action Shooting. I carried it in a crossdraw holster. I also carried it when out in the woods target shooting in remote areas. I carried it once while on a deer hunt. It was a bit heavy for that. It may have been okay in a chest holster.

 

[UncleEd]

The long barrel has its roots in the ability to best
use black powder to attain optimum velocity.
As powder improved, even with black powder,
the barrels got shorter.

The Colt SAA, the so-called "cavalry" model, is
a delight to shoot. Original 1873 specs called
for the SAA to be regulated (zeroed) for 60 yards.

Fast draws were not a consideration nor for sitting
in saloon chairs or in buckboards. It was a
handgun designed for field use.

 

[Targa]

If I was going to carry it a 7.5” barrel would not be a consideration, but since they are just range toys, I love them.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I do on single-actions but not doubles. Unless they’re pre-war. I saw a S&W 1905 .38 Special with a 7.5” barrel at the LGS today that I would have snapped up if I hadn’t been on a gun buying tear recently.
$360 at East County Guns in Centralia, Mark_Mark!

$360! what condition? who cares $360!

do they have a-lot of classic guns?

 

[UncleEd]

I have a 7.5 barreled Ruger Vaquero (original) in .45 Colt. I really enjoy shooting it. I used to use it for Cowboy Action Shooting. I carried it in a crossdraw holster. I also carried it when out in the woods target shooting in remote areas. I carried it once while on a deer hunt. It was a bit heavy for that. It may have been okay in a chest holster.

View attachment 1200552

Used to own a pair for Cowboy Action shooting. I'd switch from match to match with
a pair of 4 5/8 inch Vaqueros. (Different holsters, obviously.)

 

[J-Bar]

A 7.5" 1851 Navy percussion revolver is still the most comfortable, natural pointing handgun I own, even with profound arthritis in both hands. That long barrel pulls the gun towards the target. Wish the range would let me shoot it indoors! Yeah I know, they make conversion cylinders.

I'll think about it.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Seems like Marshall Dillon carries one. He can draw it pretty fast.

cross draw is the best for 7.5”

 

[Mark_Mark]

A 7.5" 1851 Navy percussion revolver is still the most comfortable, natural pointing handgun I own, even with profound arthritis in both hands. That long barrel pulls the gun towards the target. Wish the range would let me shoot it indoors! Yeah I know, they make conversion cylinders.

I'll think about it.

have not shoot a 1851 but my 58 shoots really good.

 

[Armored farmer]

FWIW.....this is an 80 yd gong ringing sob.

 

[J-Bar]

have not shoot a 1851 but my 58 shoots really good.

View attachment 1200565

Beautiful revolver. I wish that Remington grip was comfortable in my hands, but alas...

The Colt clone plowhandle is usable for me. I gotta enjoy it while I can.

 

[Mark_Mark]

View attachment 1200561View attachment 1200562View attachment 1200563View attachment 1200564
FWIW.....this is an 80 yd gong ringing sob.

how do you guys even see 80 yards? nobody likes bad breath distance?

 

[Armored farmer]

how do you guys even see 80 yards? nobody likes bad breath distance?

This was my deer gun for a while. I practiced!

 

[CraigC]

I used to tell myself (and everybody else) that I only liked ejector length single actions. Then one day I turned around and I had 43 7" to 9.5" sixguns. Forty three! So I guess I like `em just fine.



Even some pairs!

 

[Mark_Mark]

I used to tell myself (and everybody else) that I only liked ejector length single actions. Then one day I turned around and I had 43 7" to 9.5" sixguns. Forty three! So I guess I like `em just fine.

View attachment 1200568

Even some pairs!

View attachment 1200569

43! you said 43! we got some catching up to do

 

[Riomouse911]

I would hate to carry them day in and day out, but for fun I think long-barreled revolvers (6.5” and up) are fun.




Stay safe.