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Joined: Jul 2010
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OP
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I got my first Shiloh sharps a little over a year ago (Montana rough rider). I am saving for a saa for a companion handgun. I know I want a 45 colt in a Colt, or standard mfg. I can't decide on a barrel length. I usually shoot Smith and Wesson and prefer 6 inch or longer barrels. I have never owned a saa. I like the looks and idea of 4.75 for packing but I have ended up selling 4" smiths for longer guns. Anyone have experience with the different lengths and an opinion?
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,275
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,275 |
I like the 5.5 inch barrels.
the most expensive bullet there is isn't worth a plug nickel if it don't go where its supposed to. www.historicshooting.com
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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No Colts, but have toted some Rugers, both 5.5” and 7.5”. Longer is better for shooting, so to me it comes down to whether I intend to use it or just carry it for fun or back-up.
Those Standards were awesome guns. Hope you find one.
What fresh Hell is this?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 400
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 400 |
Barrel length for me would depend on your intended use as a "companion" handgun. I've had 4 ¾, 5 ½, and 7 ½ inch barrels. As you would imagine, shorter is easier to pack than longer, shootability often is up to you.
I will throw you a curve ball on your choice of SAA. Take a look at the no longer manufactured USFA SAA models, the ones finished by Turnbull. Fit and finish is superior, they look like the old ones, throats are correct diameter, very nice looking and shooting handguns that would be a fitting companion to your Shiloh.
Regards, Manny
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Joined: Jul 2010
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OP
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Usfa is definitely on my list. My gut is leaning towards 7.5. A lot will depend on what kind of deal I can find.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 134
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 134 |
My old friend Bill Bumann (gone now) once told me 4-5/8 is for paperweights, 5-1/2 is for trade stock and 7-1/2 is a real Colt SAA….especially lying beside an Original western shipped Sharps Rifle. He owned a bunch over the years, mostly 1st Generation guns.
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 482
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 482 |
I have a Ruger Vaquero with 5.5” barrel in .45 Colt. Like others I shoot the 7.5” a touch better but for carrying, the shorter 5.5” is much preferred.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 8,330 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2015
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i just purchased a new Ruger SP101 , 357 Mag. ,s.s. ,4.2 inch barrel with adjustable sights, weighs about 40 oz. ,5 shot , R.H. angle holster cross draw to have mounted on my belt / on left side, i plan on using Lost River Ammo 170 gr.lead wade cutters ,this will be my new carry handgun. i decided to go lighter and smaller when in the woods , mountains and general carry sometimes. Pete53
Last edited by pete53; 01/16/24.
LIFE NRA , we vote Red up here, Norseman
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Joined: Nov 2007
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,471 Likes: 2 |
My only SAA was a .38-40 with a 7-1/2" barrel. Parts gun. Looking at today's load data and pressure info compared to what my old Lyman manual suggested, no wonder it bucked and roared, the only wonder was that it didn't blow up. 40% over max ain't a good thing.
What are you going to do with it? Is this going to be carried in a vehicle or in a high ride holster? Strong side or crossdraw? A long barrel is ok for crossdraw or if your holster rides fairly low else you wind up having to lift it clear to your armpit to clear leather. That sucks. My main carry is a 4-5/8" Ruger (super blackhawk) in a Bianchi Lawman 1L holster. Riding that high, but with the short barrel, it is fine for strong side carry as driver in a vehicle even seatbelted. Longer barrel or lower holster, not so much.
Other options, almost period-correct, would be a Colt 1851 or S&W break-top.
Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip.
Here be dragons ...
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Joined: Aug 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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You could try strongside, butt forward and do that twisting, palm out, thumb to the rear cavalry draw thing. Be careful what you muzzle sweep.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Campfire Regular
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OP
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Found one. 3rd gen Colt 44 special, 7 1/2 inch.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 134
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Campfire Member
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The 44 Special was introduced in 1907, the 45 Long Colt in 1873.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Campfire Regular
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OP
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Well that one didn't work out, had a problem and I didn't purchase. I did order a Standard Mfg 45 colt.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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Campfire Outfitter
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Well? What barrel length did you end up ordering?
Always liked the looks of the 7/1/2" but ended up with several of the Ruger 4-5/4" Single Actions.
My old eyes (71) like the shorter distance between the sights.
Virgil B.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2009
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Congrats on the Sharps and new single action, agreed, 7.5" are for hunting/shooting, i like the longer sight plane, FWIW i walked up on a down but not dead 8 pt buck, just ran a 528gr flat nosed paper patch bullet from a 45-110 through him, as i walked up he looked at me, one single 270gr Keith bullet at the shoulder crease to the lungs, he coughed blood and died, that's what i use them for save one 110lb black russian shoat that nearly fed up into my lap ground hunting a creek bottom one evening.
She got one in the forehead at around 12 yards, bullet exited between her milk nozzles, DRT with a little bicycle peddling.
Trump Won!
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 36
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
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I've owned SAA handguns in 7.5", 5.5", and 4.75" barrels. The 7.5" is my least favorite as a carry gun backup when hunting. Just in the way whenever I sit, and too long to easily draw. The 5.5" is a good choice, but I prefer the 4.75" the best. It just balances well in my hand and easy to draw or carry.
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Campfire Ranger
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I have model p clones. 44 Special and 45 Colt. Not enough jingle for the originals.
I prefer classic. Semper Fi I used to run with the hare. Now I'm envious of the tortoise and I do my own stunts but rarely intentionally
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