Rossi .45 Colt....16" or 20"?

[Swamper]

Arch, you are moving in the right direction

Archangel14,

I know that you will be happy with either. For my own needs, I prefer the shorter barrel. It is handier in and out of the truck and on the ranch. Remember, the paper numbers that are pushed by the ammo manufacturers are, too often, not really representative. And, in the instance of the handgun calibers, their velocities are markedly improved from a rifle barrel. In years past, I mostly hunted with handguns, mainly the 44 mag. Using cast handloads, 250 -280 gr. at 1300 fps, I never recovered a bullet - penetration was a given. Now, my older eyes are pushing me to the long guns.

Never being one to shy from asking a question, I have always relied on the kindness of others. Years ago, I called Mr. John Wooters, seeking his advice for 45 Colt handloads. At the time, he as living in Houston and I found him to be one incredibly nice and very informative. One of his favorite 45 Colt loads was the old 300 gr. Lyman (45-70) loaded to around 750. Likewise, he said it killed all out of proportion (given the low velocity) and he never recovered a bullet, enjoying complete penetration.

You are embarking on the right path and I wish you well.

Swamper

 

[BCRider]

One issue that MIGHT matter in the 16" vs 20" decision is that if you even THINK that you MIGHT want to use it at some point for cowboy action matches is that the 16" does not hold 10 rounds.

 

[Archangel14]

Thanks for the reply.....but this thread is over a year old!

Now, I've got to say that I have determined that a big bullet at shorter distances is a terrible thing. But alas, I'm now thinking about acquiring an AR for the very reasons I first sought a lever action!

 

[Badlander]

I am curious how you came to that conclusion.

 

[CraigC]

I have determined that a big bullet at shorter distances is a terrible thing.

Uh, what???

 

[MAKster]

Is the 20" model round barrel or the octagonal model referred to as the short rifle. I have a 20" with octagonal barrel and it is much heavier than the round barrel model. If you are looking for a quick handling gun then the round barrels would be better.