4 3/4 or 5 1/2 fpr Cowboy Shooting?

Shooting cowboys is mean. But if you're going to do it, I personally like the 4 3/4". There's no detectable difference in the amount of muzzle flip, and they both clear the holster virtually the same. So I think personal preference, or availability would be the determining factor. For some unknown reason I prefer either short ( 4 3/4") or long (7 1/2"). My 2 cents.
 
I've noticed that a lot of people shooting .38spl/.357mag seem to shoot 43/4" while .45lc seem to shoot 51/2".
I shoot a pair of Ruger NM Vaqueros in .357mag and they're 43/4", I'm looking at buying a pair of .45Lc and they will likely be 51/2". Some of the fastest shooters will tell you shorter is faster.
I am not a competitive shooter so I say, whatever floats your boat!
In the old days cowboys shot mostly 71/2", so go figure. Have fun that's what I say!

Frenchy
 
I use 5 1/2" because I like the look of them better than the 4 3/4". Starting out I doubt you'd find the difference in those two barrels would make any difference. Maybe if you became really, really fast there might be some competitive edge but who knows. Personally, I prefer the look of the 7 1/2" barreled guns (and I have one) but that extra two inches does seem to take longer to pull out. If Cowboy Action used only one revolver I'd use the 7 1/2" "just because I like it" but with a two gun rig I prefer 5 1/2".

My revolvers are all 45's. One reason was because I felt it was easier to reload than 44/40. I never considered 38 but if you are thinking of becoming "competitive" I'm of the opinion that the 38 is the way to go. Then again if you want to be "classic" you have to pick something in the 40 caliber range (that is if your club follows SASS rules).

Have fun with it!
 
Magnum PI said:
I use 5 1/2" because I like the look of them better than the 4 3/4". Starting out I doubt you'd find the difference in those two barrels would make any difference. Maybe if you became really, really fast there might be some competitive edge but who knows. Personally, I prefer the look of the 7 1/2" barreled guns (and I have one) but that extra two inches does seem to take longer to pull out. If Cowboy Action used only one revolver I'd use the 7 1/2" "just because I like it" but with a two gun rig I prefer 5 1/2".

My revolvers are all 45's. One reason was because I felt it was easier to reload than 44/40. I never considered 38 but if you are thinking of becoming "competitive" I'm of the opinion that the 38 is the way to go. Then again if you want to be "classic" you have to pick something in the 40 caliber range (that is if your club follows SASS rules).

Have fun with it!
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I thought about 45colt, but I dont reload to ammo would be horrible to buy factory.

Maybe when I get into reloading, Ill give the caliber a try.
 
Good points from Garand if you have any ambition to be competitive with the big dogs. If you just want to have fun with what the sport offers and a good bunch of people, fill your boots with whatever gives you the most fun. I've seen people use Buntline Specials (10" barrels) and smile a mile wide after every stage.

One thing to consider before buying on barrel length alone is what type of leather do you have in mind. If you want a 'both strong side holsters " rig or holsters high and tight to the gun belt rig, the shorter barrels will definitely be easier to clear leather with. If you want a "Hollywood movie style" low slung buscadero rig or cross draw, any length of barrel can be used.
 
Going for a 2 day Cowboy Action match the absolute minimum ammo I would take for the wife and myself would be 500 rds of .38 Special and 150 rds of shotgun. The wife & I are going down to Arizona this winter for 9 straight days of Cowboy/Wild Bunch competition this winter an we are taking 3,500 rds of ammo with us. Always have extra just in case. You couldn't afford it if you don't reload!!
 
HOWDY: 4 3/4 in 38s is the best for speed and non reloaders. The 5 1/2 give the needed muzzle control in 45 colt. 45 colt cost much more, if you shoot a little or are buck up cool.
There is very little that is real cowboy in this GAME.
 
VICIOUS said:
HOWDY: 4 3/4 in 38s is the best for speed and non reloaders. The 5 1/2 give the needed muzzle control in 45 colt. 45 colt cost much more, if you shoot a little or are buck up cool.
There is very little that is real cowboy in this GAME.
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I don't know if the longer barrel does give you any "needed muzzle control", I shot Cowboy Action for 12 years with a 4 3/4" Ruger "original Vaquero in .44 Magnum. I had no problem at all, I only changed to .38 since my wife started to compete and it was a pain loading 2 different calibers. IPSC is a game, Cowboy Action is living the fantasy!
 
I think that part of your decision should include your plans on black powder.

I am very happy with my 357's with a 4.75" barrel for light smokeless "cowboy" loads.

If I load 'em up with blackpowder cartridges, I wish I had the long 7+ of the original SAA.

You have to load black powder cartridge to full capacity, it is not safe to do otherwise, so the short barrel does exhibit noticeable muzzle flip when compared to the heavier long barrel.

My heavy 8" Navy cap n ball has much faster target reaquire than my SAA, but again, only with blackpowder.

My revolvers are 357, but have seen a lot of 38 through them. I found 357 shells cycled through my rifle more reliably, so now I only shoot 38 for practice. I have found a nice load of Trailboss under 158 grain hard cast lead that is safe and consistent in both cases (3.2 gr) so only one setting on my powder measure. It makes 357 the same price to shoot as 38, right in line with required velocity for SASS, and very comfortable. Starline 357 brass is not much more expensive than new Starline 38 brass either.

A beginners kit from Lee and a set of dies will pay for itself half way through your first season. You can find a load your guns like, and be assured you can always get it.
 
I don't think you will notice any difference on draw time or muzzle flip. The longer sight picture may help you on further tagets though, that's why I like the 5.5
 
I agree with KK, I like the balance of the 5 1/2. I used to shoot Colts and preferred it over the 7 1/2 or the 4 3/4. Now that I shoot Rugers I really like the 5 1/2. I also think that it is a little easier to focus on the front sight (I know that is a novel concept) with a slightly longer sight radius.
 
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