What length barrel on a FA 97?

[gjn]

I have a Model 97 41 with a 5.5" barrel and would like to get a 44 Special but can't decide on a 3.5,3.75, 4 or 4.25 barrel. I was curious as to what would be recommended by those that have them. I was looking for something that carried easily in a cross draw holster when I'm busy doing other things but didn't sacrifice shootability too much. Wasn't sure if it was just personal preference or there was a good compromise length. I would get the rounded butt as that looks pretty sharp with the short barrels. Thanks.

[AxeHandle]

No 44 bore 97 here but I do have 4.25, 7.5, and 10 inch FA 97s... Had a 5.5 inch that 2 dawgs took. My 44 FA 97 would be a 3.5 inch round butt.

[taffin]

Feb 3, 2011 17:02:04 GMT -5 gjn said:

I have a Model 97 41 with a 5.5" barrel and would like to get a 44 Special but can't decide on a 3.5,3.75, 4 or 4.25 barrel. I was curious as to what would be recommended by those that have them. I was looking for something that carried easily in a cross draw holster when I'm busy doing other things but didn't sacrifice shootability too much. Wasn't sure if it was just personal preference or there was a good compromise length. I would get the rounded butt as that looks pretty sharp with the short barrels. Thanks.[/quot
TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE; WHATEVER SUITS YOU. PERSONALLY FOR EVERYDAY USE I WOULD GO WITH A 4-3/4" OR 5-1/2" LENGTH. I DON'T SEE AS MUCH USE FOR SHORTER BARRELS.

[Lee Martin]

Like John, I think it's a matter of personal preference.....and mine is 5.5".

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[brionic]

Feb 3, 2011 17:48:56 GMT -5 taffin said:

I DON'T SEE AS MUCH USE FOR SHORTER BARRELS.

JT, that made me smile. It reminds me of this:

"I said I never had much use for one. Never said I didn't know how to use it." - Matthew Quigley

[Ken O'Neill]

My personal preference in a 97 is 5 1/2". Yours isn't? That's why they make all kinds.

[coyote]

horseback or in vehicles i prefer a 3.5-3.75" SA in kidney holsters, but in x-draws its less of a concern.

[2 Dogs]

I have a 32-20, 357, 44, and 45 model 97 and all are in the 5.5 inch length.

That should just about describe my druthers......however, my next one may be something different just for a little variety!

[rep1954]

Well you never said if you were getting a fixed sight or an adjustable sight gun. To me with the longer grip frame on the FA and the high profile of thier adjustable sights sights you would loose some of the advantages of going to a 3 1/2" barrel. Maybe if it was a 3 1/2" barreled fixed sight gun then it wouldnt be so bad. For the kind of investment you are talking ($2400.00 catalog price) I would want the 5 1/2" barrel to help take advantage of what work goes into them.

[gjn]

The advice is appreciated. Sounds like I already have what I need with the 41.

[bigmuddy]

Remember..."need" has got nothing to do with it. ;D

[Deleted]

3.5" round butt M97's are neat and quite compact. I find they require a little more trigger control then even a 4.25" gun though.

[wickerbill]

Feb 3, 2011 17:57:51 GMT -5 brionic said:

Feb 3, 2011 17:48:56 GMT -5 taffin said:

I DON'T SEE AS MUCH USE FOR SHORTER BARRELS.

JT, that made me smile. It reminds me of this:

"I said I never had much use for one. Never said I didn't know how to use it." - Matthew Quigley

My favorite line from a movie "EVER".
Bill

[Hobie]

I have the 4-1/4" and it suits just fine.

[nonpcnrarn]

Feb 4, 2011 9:16:56 GMT -5 wickerbill said:

Feb 3, 2011 17:57:51 GMT -5 brionic said:

JT, that made me smile. It reminds me of this:

"I said I never had much use for one. Never said I didn't know how to use it." - Matthew Quigley

My favorite line from a movie "EVER".
Bill

Another good line was when the British officer looked at the dead deserters laying across the saddles of their horses and said, "Their trial shall not be lengthy!" Another one was when Crazy Cora and Quigley were offered the grubs to eat by the bushmen. She looked at him as he was pondering what to do and said, "Are you gonna shoot it first?"