shortening long barrel revolver

grizzlybear

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Hi everyone! I a few questions that I hope someone can help with. I am planning to purchase a ruger new vaquero in 45 caliber. My question is, if I cut down the 7 1/2 in barrel to 6 in, what if anything will happen to the accuracy? Also, how expensive would the process be?(cut grind and install a new sight)
My reasoning being I prefer 6in barreled revolvers, the single actions traditionally come in 4 3/4, 5 1/2, and 7 1/2 inch.

Thanks for any help!
 
nothing should happen to the accuracy. Shop rates are about 70 to 100 $ per hour shouldn't take more than 2 hours for a good job
 
"...happen to the accuracy?..." Nothing, as long as the barrel is re-crowned properly.
"...how expensive..." Mostly depends on the smithy and the material. It'd just be re-installing the front sight. Epp's charges $75 if drilling and tapping is required. $50, if it's not. Put you location(city and Province) in your profile. Makes suggesting a smithy easier.
"...prefer 6in barreled revolvers..." I'd just go with a 5.5" barrel. You won't notice the half inch.
 
"...happen to the accuracy?..." Nothing, as long as the barrel is re-crowned properly.
"...how expensive..." Mostly depends on the smithy and the material. It'd just be re-installing the front sight. Epp's charges $75 if drilling and tapping is required. $50, if it's not. Put you location(city and Province) in your profile. Makes suggesting a smithy easier.
"...prefer 6in barreled revolvers..." I'd just go with a 5.5" barrel. You won't notice the half inch.

:agree:

Didn't buy it yet? Go for 5.5 barrel. You will not regret; and you will save a buck.

:cheers: Kazimier
 
Only a guy with a 5.5", would say there's no difference between 5.5" and 6" ;)
It'll be a little spendy, and you won't get that money back if you sell it, but if it's what you really want, go for it. I'd rather have something exactly the way I want it, then just live with the way it comes.
 
Only a guy with a 5.5", would say there's no difference between 5.5" and 6" ;)
It'll be a little spendy, and you won't get that money back if you sell it, but if it's what you really want, go for it. I'd rather have something exactly the way I want it, then just live with the way it comes.

i disagree- i've got both the 5.5 and the 7.5 redhawk, and i prefer the 5.5- i see no advantage having a 6 whatsoever
 
IIRC, the Vaquero front sight is soldered onto the barrel, not a ramp like the Blackhawk. Would likely have to get the barrel reblued after it has been cut and sight resoldered. Guessing this is going to be somewhat costly. I'd say go with a 5.5 and spend the money on ammo.
 
Gunsmith would get it verified before you pick it up.

I have 2 45 Colt s/s Ruger Bisley Vaquero's in 5.5" barrels and I couldn't tell the difference between 5.5" or if they were 6"...

I understand the length thing I had 2 454 Casull SRH's sold the 7.5" and shortened the other to 4.25" definately prefer the shorter gun...

Accuracy is almost exactly the same except for having a shorter sight radius, velocities are slower in the shorter barrel and the barrel whips up a bit more.

Armco in BC did the work for me he is a dealer here on CGNTZ shortening the barrel, installing his new front sight ramp and a spring kit cost about $300.00 only thing is it may take a long time to get any work done most of the handgun smiths are pretty busy.
 
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