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?

I like the 5.5 inch barrels.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Found one. 3rd gen Colt 44 special, 7 1/2 inch.

The 44 Special was introduced in 1907, the 45 Long Colt in 1873.

Well that one didn't work out, had a problem and I didn't purchase. I did order a Standard Mfg 45 colt.

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.

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.

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.

If you want to shoot it, get a 7 1/2 inch, if you pack it get a 4 3/4. The 5 1/2 inch just doesn’t quite cut it either way…

I have model p clones. 44 Special and 45 Colt. Not enough jingle for the originals.