I'm about to order my .475 and wonder if the difference between the barrel length of 6.5" or the 7.5" is worth worrying about. I'm thinking of going with the 6.5"...

A 6.5" barrel is handier. You'd think that the extra 1" in barrel length might not be a factor, but for quicker shots, that and shorter barrels are easier to maneuver w/o catching on stuff.

I like the 6.5 inch barrel better.

Depends on your porpoises. What is the porpoise of your BFR going to be, primarily?

I've got a .450/.45-70 I made into a 14.5" gun for longer range and a bit better velocity. Came from the factory as a 10".

tom I see what you are saying, but I have different barrel lengths for different styles of handgun hunting. If I am doing long range shooting, I use my S&W 460 Mag with a 7.5 inch barrel. When I am in tight and short distance is the norm, I take my BFR in 500 Mag that I had cut down to 6 inches. Now my BFR 45-70 sports a 10 inch barrel and I have not decided which situation I plan to use it for hunting.

But barrel length does not really dictate the range I use, my 460 Mag with a 7.5 inch barrel is a tack drive at 175 yards. And the other factor is just what I feel like shooting that day for hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:
tom I see what you are saying

Mostly it just gives you different loading options. Wasn't saying one was any better than another.

Is it porpoise season already??

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Is it porpoise season already??

Porpoises are crafty and sly and not to be trusted and eat the fish I want to eat, plus they taste good, so you just have to get them when you can. Preferably with a .223 handgun headshot, just ask the people on the small bores forum.

Back on topic. My favorite just walking around and maybe shoot a Texas whitetail now and again revolver is a 4.5" S&W .357 J-Frame because it's just so damn handy and it doesn't weigh anything or get in the way of anything. ...Back to all what your plans are for the pistol.

Tom..

It will be insurance on fishing trips and bow hunting trips for when.. or if.. yogi ever wants to fight. So far I'm liking NOT having to cash in on that type of insurance and hope that it remains that way but...

I was just asking for those of you that would know if there is any significant advantage with the extra 1" of barrel.

Oh, if it's a backup gun, I would go for the shorter barrel -- it'll be easier to pack and easier to bring into action......

Thanks Whitworth.. and everyone else. Can't wait to get it.

Istaga -- you've chosen a great caliber and a great revolver!

Thanks Whitworth and I feel that I will be pleased just can't wait to start handloading for it and getting it out on the range.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Oh, if it's a backup gun, I would go for the shorter barrel -- it'll be easier to pack and easier to bring into action......

I would have to agree, my back up handguns are a 4 inch S&W 500 Mag and my Custom 2 1/2 inch Super Redhawk 454 Casull called the Super streethawk, by Jack Huntington.

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1: my Custom 2 1/2 inch Super Redhawk 454 Casull called the Super streethawk, by Jack Huntington.

Yes, the pre-Alaskan Super Streethawk! Would love to see photos of it!

I would like to see some photo's of it being fired at night.. Imagine the fireball. Marshmellow roast anyone??

With the StreetHawk, even if you don't hit 'em, you can definitely singe 'em in the ass.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1: my Custom 2 1/2 inch Super Redhawk 454 Casull called the Super streethawk, by Jack Huntington.

Yes, the pre-Alaskan Super Streethawk! Would love to see photos of it!

I have a bunch of photo's but lack the posting ability. If you want to see some PM me your e-mail address. I would be glad to send you some.

You are right, it was a pre-Alaskan. About 3 years prior and it has a lot more features.

Rehawk1, I will PM you my e-mail address and if you want, I can post the photos here. I'm sure everyone here would love to see it -- and any other handguns you would like to post photos of!

Yes, if you miss you will still burn, blind and deafen them (I have a 3-inch .44 that accomplishes this on a lower scale!)!

Be advised: BFR is the only manufacturer that measures their barrel length from the front of the frame. Consequently, what they call a 6.5" is actually 7 1/8' long. I sent my .475 Linebaugh back to them and for $135 I got a true 4 5/8" barrel put on. Much handier for bear protection while fly fishing in Alaska. El Paso saddlery tanker holster makes carrying much easier.

That is good to know bobmn and thanks for the info but my mind is made up on the 6.5" and order on the way.. besides.. it will be just a frogs hair shorter than the super blkhawk 44 w/a 7.5 " barrel that I have been carrying.

quote:

Originally posted by Istaga:
That is good to know bobmn and thanks for the info but my mind is made up on the 6.5" and order on the way.. besides.. it will be just a frogs hair shorter than the super blkhawk 44 w/a 7.5 " barrel that I have been carrying.

Makes perfect sense to me. As primarily bear repellent I can't even see anything wrong with making it almost verge on being a snubby if you ported it so that target re-acquisition speed would still be reasonable.

Go Shorter,handier and looks meaner too! I have a 5" on my BFR Custom 50/110 (600gr Woodleighs at 1400+!)and have no regrets!

I like long barrels for a primary hunting gun and 7-1/2" is the shortest I like. I want the muzzle blast to be farther away. There is hardly any difference in accuracy with a shorter barrel but the only reason I need a backup gun is for those wild, mean chipmunks!
Just choose what feels good to you and for the purpose you want the gun for.

I agree with bfrshooter -- if its zour primarz hunting weapon go longer. Back-up is a different story.