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Old August 26, 2008, 10:36 PM   #1
Nesh23
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Ruger Blackhawk .357 Long or short barrel?

I've narrowed my first gun purchase to the Ruger Blackhawk .357 in stainless steel. I really like the way the shorter 4 5/8" barrell looks over the longer barrels. My local gunshop has a used 6 1/2 barrel in stock and I'm tempted to buy it. Anyone out there own one that can share some insight. Thanks.
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Old August 26, 2008, 10:43 PM   #2
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Longer barrel = higher velocity out of a given round, a longer (more accurate) sight radius, but heavier and harder to carry.

Shorter barrel = Looks cooler, lower velocity, easier to carry.

So what are you going to use it for? Hunting? --> longer barrel. Target shooting & plinking? --> longer barrel. Self defense Carrying --> shorter barrel. Cowboy Action Shooting --> shorter barrel.
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Old August 26, 2008, 10:51 PM   #3
Nesh23
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Thanks for reply. Just looking to have fun shooting with it. The short barrell sounds like it will be the one. I considered the long barrell because I found one used and liked the price but I should pay the extra $150 and get the one I like.
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Old August 26, 2008, 11:31 PM   #4
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I'll play the spoiler...5.5".
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Old August 26, 2008, 11:40 PM   #5
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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.
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Old August 26, 2008, 11:41 PM   #6
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i have the 4 5/8 357/9mm. great gun!
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Old August 26, 2008, 11:57 PM   #7
Nesh23
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The 6.5" barrell is only $399 used. Is that a good deal?
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Old August 27, 2008, 12:05 AM   #8
tplumeri
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Quote:
The 6.5" barrell is only $399 used. Is that a good deal?
you can get a new one for 80 bucks more (blued)
shop around , you s/b able to get one for $350. in ss
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Old August 27, 2008, 12:07 AM   #9
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I spent a couple of years daily carrying a 4 5/8 RBH (in .45 Colt) It is a very packable and shootable barrel length....however, I would be tempted by a 6.5 inch .357 Those couple of inches are a significant ballistics boost to the .357louderboomer.(and I live in a state that requires all the oomph that my 4 inch .357 can deliver for hunting. A 6.5" wouldn't even be challenged)
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Old August 27, 2008, 12:22 AM   #10
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FYI

The price for a new blued .357 Blackhawk on the Ruger websight is $525.
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Old August 27, 2008, 07:44 AM   #11
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My first gun was a 6.5 in blackhawk in .357 and I love it. I do really like the short barrels though, so my next blackhawk will be a short barrel, just so I can have something a little more packable. To me, there is no gun better looking than a nice short barreled SA.
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Old August 27, 2008, 07:45 AM   #12
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By the way, mine was bought used for around 300 dollars I believe.
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Old August 27, 2008, 08:46 AM   #13
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I have 3 Ruger Blackhawks in .357 (blued not stainless). 2 of them have 6.5" barrels and the third has the 4 5/8 barrel. The shorter barrel revolver will shoot circles around the two with the longer barrels.....go figure

BTW - I paid less than 300 each for all of mine off of either gunbroker or auction arms, shipping and trransfer fees included. If you have your heart set on stainless, go fir it, otherwise, you can find a much better price if you wait and look around.
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Old August 27, 2008, 11:13 AM   #14
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Quote:
The price for a new blued .357 Blackhawk on the Ruger websight is $525.
true, but nobody pays list.
Able Arms has em for $479 and there was one on gunbroker a couple weeks ago for $425.
you can get the 357/9mm convertible for $525-550 NIB but It doesnt come in SS (mine was a custom job).
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Old September 7, 2008, 06:41 AM   #15
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I just got the 6.5" bbl convertible 357/9mm blued for $360 at a local Coon hunters event. It is a ltlle beat up in the finish area, but not used much at all. I needed the longer bbl for legal deer hunting in Ohio though. So it was no other option on this set up for me. It was exactly what Iwas looking for and I found one there!
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Old September 7, 2008, 06:55 AM   #16
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What are your plans for the gun? Range only? Go with the longer barrel. If you plan on attempting to carry it at any point (hunting, hiking or CCW), you'll want the shorter barrel.
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Old September 7, 2008, 10:49 AM   #17
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first off, check bud'sgunshop.com you can get one blued for 392.00 delivered to your ffl..
if you are in no hurry,check rugers board,the local want ads even some pawn shops for one. i myself prefer the 4 5/8 barrel. to me it just points more naturally. oh i still enjoy the 6 1/2" ,especially my 3 screw ,but my first choice is 4 5/8". good luck. dan
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Old September 9, 2008, 05:16 PM   #18
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Go 6 1/2", the improvement in energy and accuracy is substantial!! Plus it looks more like a true "outlaw" gun as the Blackhawk is meant to be.
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Old September 11, 2008, 11:12 AM   #19
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Ruger Blackhawk

I have the 6 1\2 inch barrel model and love it! The longer barrel seems to make it harder hitting and helps with muzzle flip during recoil.
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