Barrel Length?

[Eli Dead Eye]

Howdy Folks!  I got a question??  I have a OLD Ruger Vaquero BH SS 45LC 3 and 3/4" and it shoots Great and I am considering another one.
 Only this time I am looking for a plow handle mod. but I am uncertian about bbl. length?  I can get either 4 and 5/8" or 5 and 1/2" mod in SS ?  I would just like to weigh the Pro`s and Cons?  My shorty shoots great POI & POA @ 25yds.
What do you`all think?

Eli Dead Eye

[August]

Other than balance, which many think important, the difference affects sighting and holstering.  The longer sight radius on a 5 1/2 will result in more dings over the long haul.  The shorter barrel of the 4 5/8 will allow for faster re-holstering.  They all seem to come out of the holster about the same (more or less).  Since one cannot move fast enough to make up for misses, the 5 1/2 should be the choice.  One just has to develop the constant habit of "looking" the gun back into the holster.

On the other hand, most of the speed demons in CAS use the shorter pistols.

[Cyrille]

4 5/8 is faster handling and at SASS/CAS distances it should do well, I consider 5 1/2 good, but not optimum for target shooting.
A 6 1/2 or 7" barrel would, in my opinion, be better. But you use what you have or can afford to buy.  Personally do dang good with my 5 1/2 Vaquero.

[Angel_Eyes]

I used to use a 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk in .44mag from the crossdraw and 4 5/8 OMV in .45 Colt from the other,(our local British police didn't like you to have more than one of any caliber) and they never caused me any problems regarding barrel length. I guess the more you use them, the easier it gets.

Additional:- Get one of each length then you can have even more fun, hur! hur! hur!

A friend of mine (now Passed) when asked if I should buy a .44 said, "They should be compulsory!"