What's perfect balance?

[rWt]

I've read that gunfighters liked the 4 3/4" barrel length for their single action Colts because it was "balanced" better than the other options available, namely 7 1/2" or 5 1/2"

Now you can get a Colt or Colt clone in just about any barrel length.

Is the 4 3/4" barrel length still the best "balanced"? Or, is there a new gold standard?

And, what does "balanced" mean anyway?

[carl]

For me the ultimate Single Action "balances" when it has neither a "nose heavy" or "grip heavy" feel while held in the shooting hand. A full sized revolver, like the Super Blackhawk or Freedom Arms Model 83, to me, feel pretty good with 6" to 7-1/2" barrels since the grip frames are "full sized" and relatively heavy.

Perhaps this in one of those times where words just won't explain the situation. Put some guns in your hands!

Carl

[COR]

5 1/2" is my favorite. The Accusport type of Bisleys being the very best IMHO.

[peacemaker]

I'm convinced that balance is whatever you want it to be. Where is the supposed balance point? At the trigger?

My 5 1/2" SAA is front heavy if that is the case, and that is in .45 caliber, unloaded, and with heavy stag stocks behind the trigger! Add ammunition and/or add steel to the cylinder and barrel by using a smaller caliber, or use the lighter factory rubber stocks and the gun will be even more front heavy. I can't imagine even a 4 3/4" barreled .45 Colt would balance differently enough to actually balance at the trigger itself.

So then, where is this supposed balance point from which we determine a sixgun to be "balanced"? My stock 5 1/2", loaded .45 Colt SAA balances just ahead of the trigger guard loop. Does a 4 3/4" barreled SAA of the same caliber balance at the trigger, or somewhere ahead of it? And any smaller caliber than .45 would be even more front heavy.

I suspect it would be more precise to say one gun is "more balanced" than another. And no one can say that a certain barrel length is "balanced" without also specifying a caliber, as that will change everything as far as weight distribution. No 5 1/2"+ SAA is balanced in any caliber, and I doubt the 4 3/4" barrel is either (assuming it makes sense the trigger would be the definitive balance point).

Perhaps the only truly balanced SAA would be a loaded Shopkeeper's model. I don't have one, so can't say, and wouldn't have any idea what caliber would come closest to balance in that short barrel length.

In short, I think what most of us call "balanced" has far more to do with what one is used to and how it feels to that particular person. Or perhaps "balanced" is bandied about more with reference to asthetics, which is also subjective.

Hold several different calibers in different barrel lengths for yourself (loaded), and see which feels "right" to you.

[buck]

When was the last time you saw someone spin a 5½ or a 7½?

[coyote]

the 3.5" is "balanced" for me...

[Gary @ R&G]

Perfect balance is balance that is perfect.

It is different for everyone.

Spinning? Oh my.

[tullymars]

I just finished reading Elmer's book Sixguns for the umpteenth time and his definition of balanced was when the gun rested naturally on the second finger. That would still be a subjective thing as every ones hold and hands are different.

[Lee Martin]

Everyone is different, but for me nothing feels better than a 6" (not 5.5", but 6") Bisley:



-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[stinkeypete]

"balanced" means you don't NEED to buy a gun, and your wife just smiles and says "that's nice" when you do.

[Frank V]

I think balance is really subjective, what feels great to me may feel clubby to someone else. I think you should handle as many different barrle lengths as you can, & shoot them if you have to opportunity. Then make your choice.
Frank

[boomer]

Aug 9, 2010 19:48:52 GMT -5 stinkeypete said:

"balanced" means you don't NEED to buy a gun, and your wife just smiles and says "that's nice" when you do.

Very well said and after 32yrs. and still on my first wife

[AxeHandle]

Dang! It took me three to make it 31!
Keeping that in mind IMHO "Perfect Balance" can only be called by the holder... Best I can tell it evolves... For me "Perfect Balance" at 25 isn't quite the same as "Perfect Balance" at 58...

[Boge Quinn]

I used to know a gal who was perfectly balanced - snuff ran out of BOTH sides of her mouth!

;D

[COR]

Aug 9, 2010 23:55:00 GMT -5 Boge Quinn said:

I used to know a gal who was perfectly balanced - snuff ran out of BOTH sides of her mouth!

;D

DId you marry her Boge or did that one git away?