Thanks for all the good answers to my 44 mag vs. 45 Colt question. A follow-up: if you were buying a new SA revolver,what barrel

[rudyglove27]

Agreed with Del in KS and A + 1 for you sir!!!

[blackdawgz]

I had a 7 1/2 and a 12. I'd go for the 12.

[shane]

I would like a 5.5, but if this is a dedicated hunting gun, I would go with 7.5.

[007]

5 1/2" on my Super Blackhawk. Long enough for an adequate sighting plane and realistic velocity, short enough to carry comfortably. If you need that much longer sighting plane or accuracy, get a rifle, or at least a Contender.

[Reid Jones]

yeah i agree completely with jim in mo. if you're going to use it for protection against dangerous game, you might as well go with a shorter barrel. but if you're gonna hunt with it, get the long barrel.

[Jim in Mo]

5 1/2". Better for self defense from critters, easier to draw.

[slothman]

I feel that the 5.5" on my smith is a good compromise for most situations, but my dad loves his 7.5" red-hawk.

[hunterkid94]

longer for accuacy. or if your out of ammo you can use the long barrel as a weapon lol

[jbird]

For hunting 7.5", for protection 4.5".

[CPT BRAD]

If you plan on hunting with it then go with the 7.5 if you are just carrying it then a 5.5 will be fine.

[MLH]

I prefer a barrel around 5", even for hunting. Easier to carry and works fine for the range I am capable of with open sights.

[idahooutdoors]

Depends on your intended use. CCW go with the short barrel, primarily hunting go with the longest, everday all around use go in between.

[victorytw228]

I have the 7 1/2 on my blackhawk, its a little too long for me. But you might like it. Next one i get will be 51/2.

[Del in KS]

I prefer the long barrel-higher velocity and longer sight plane.

[idduckhntr]

For hunting I would suggest a 51/2 or 7 1/2 mine has a 4 5/8 but thats what I wanted and it'll shoot the Buffalo Bore 260's pretty good or I shoot 250 handloads. You should get a better sight picture with longer barrel also. Hope this helps