The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Ruger Blackhawk .357 Long or short barrel?

**44 AMP** · August 26, 2008, 11:40 PM

Personally, I prefer the longer barrel. The difference is only about 2 inches, and 2 ounces. The factory price for both guns (new) is exactly the same.

If you can get the longer barrel gun used (but in good shape) for $150 cheaper, I would buy it instead of the new more expensive gun, and play with it for a while, until I was sure it wasn't the one for me. You may be surprised and decide you like the 6.5" gun after all.

If, after checking it out, you do decide on the shorter barrel gun, you can sell the 6.5 inch one, or use it as part payment for the new one. .357 Ruger Blackhawks aren't going to get scarce in the near future, so I doubt taking a little time will prevent you from getting a 4 5/8" one (if that is what you do settle on) in the future.

August 26, 2008, 11:40 PM	#5
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Its your money Personally, I prefer the longer barrel. The difference is only about 2 inches, and 2 ounces. The factory price for both guns (new) is exactly the same. If you can get the longer barrel gun used (but in good shape) for $150 cheaper, I would buy it instead of the new more expensive gun, and play with it for a while, until I was sure it wasn't the one for me. You may be surprised and decide you like the 6.5" gun after all. If, after checking it out, you do decide on the shorter barrel gun, you can sell the 6.5 inch one, or use it as part payment for the new one. .357 Ruger Blackhawks aren't going to get scarce in the near future, so I doubt taking a little time will prevent you from getting a 4 5/8" one (if that is what you do settle on) in the future. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.