|
|
Post by n8dawg16 on Dec 2, 2011 23:20:01 GMT -5
Hello everyone,
Trying to decide on a barrel length on my first custom from John Linebaugh. For everyone who helped last time on the caliber question what is our favorite barrel length?
Thanks for all your input,
N8dawg16
|
|
|
|
Post by AxeHandle on Dec 3, 2011 8:13:39 GMT -5
Completely ruled out octagon? My selection was based on an adjustable sight gun.. My fixed sight selection would not be the same.  |
|
|
|
Post by boxhead on Dec 3, 2011 11:52:53 GMT -5
This.  |
|
|
|
Post by CraigC on Dec 3, 2011 12:09:36 GMT -5
I would definitely go for the ejector length barrel, 4 5/8" or 4¾" (because I've toyed with using a Colt ejector housing). IMHO and no offense meant to any present but the 5½" barrel band is not very attractive to me and has been way overdone. Cartridge selection would be a little different, I'd opt for the .500S&W 1.4" (JRH) to take advantage of all the commercial cast bullets available for it. Have no plans to cast my own in the foreseeable future.
|
|
|
|
Post by n8dawg16 on Dec 3, 2011 12:39:49 GMT -5
Axe,
Haven't totally ruled out octagonal barrels, but with octagon I think I'd lean towards a 5.5 on a adjustable sighted gun. For fixed sight what would be your choice?
I'm planning on an adjustable sighted gun. I like the look of the Vaquero's, they are slick looking. I just think the adjustable sighted guns would be more flexible and allow me to more easily use more than one load.
N8dawg16
|
|
|
|
Post by Lee Martin on Dec 3, 2011 16:10:52 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Lee Martin on Dec 3, 2011 16:13:12 GMT -5
Some of John's early 500's had a straight 6" barrel like this:  Though most prefer 5.5" with a band, I actually find 6" to balance a little better (for some reason I notice the extra 1/2"). -Lee www.singleactions.com |
|
|
|
Post by dougader on Dec 3, 2011 17:42:14 GMT -5
On an adjustable sights Bisley, I'd go with the 5.5" with a barrel band. I think it just looks better balanced.
But if you're talking a Bisley Vaquero with an octagon barrel, I'd have to go shorter; maybe 4" to 4-5/8". If you haven't seen Boge's 500 Vaquero by Dustin Linebaugh you need to search around and find the thread. It's stunning.
|
|
|
|
Post by AxeHandle on Dec 3, 2011 18:20:25 GMT -5
On a Vaquero based 500L +1 on the 4 5/8" and might even go 4." The octagon would get some serious consideration too.. FWIW while I like the looks of the Vaquero based custom put adjustable sights on mine.
On the barrel band... If the holster isn't formed for the diameter of the band doesn't that band eat your leather?
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbores on Dec 3, 2011 18:33:35 GMT -5
What you going to do with it?
If its just a toy, well what do you like best?
for hunting you might want a little longer barrel.
Like lee I prefer a 6" barrel in the 500Linebaugh.
One big advantage to the 500; barrel length adds very little to the weight.
|
|
|
|
Post by eisenhower on Dec 3, 2011 19:56:57 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by zeus on Dec 3, 2011 21:36:31 GMT -5
My 4 5/8" Vaquero 500 balanced very well. The 5.5" barrel banded 475 does also so I don't know what to tell you |
|
|
|
Post by AxeHandle on Dec 3, 2011 22:23:12 GMT -5
So.. Zeus, ole waffling buddy.  How did you vote?  |
|
|
|
Post by subsonic on Dec 3, 2011 22:28:19 GMT -5
5.5", no band is how I'm feeling today. But the band isn't terrible and I might go longer for some uses. Doubt I would go shorter in these calibers.
|
|
|
|
Post by boxhead on Dec 4, 2011 3:14:34 GMT -5
On the barrel band... If the holster isn't formed for the diameter of the band doesn't that band eat your leather? Von Ringler solves that problem when you specify banded. I like the banded front as it adds a touch of weight out there. With a 1/2" bore the barrel gets a bit whippy to me. Keep in mind that the gun will weigh no more that a 6 1/2" M29. Montana Bullet Works has a very large variety of 500 Linebaugh bullets available. Quality stuff too. |
|
How did you vote? 