Pistol length dilema

[bigbill70]

Hi everyone i have a questions about a taurus i want to buy. the raging bull 44 magnum. the 8 inch or the 6 inch im gunna hunt and target shoot with it so any advice?

[cruzans]

Hunting and target shooting, I'd go longer, 8" for accuracy - just my 2 cents

[fritz1]

You might be better off with the longer for hunting, longer in slightly more velocity and more weight in front and less recoil.

[Guns N'at]

Of the two choices, definitely the 6/6.5". Although I really like my S&W 29 with it's 6.5" full lug barrel, I'd get the 5" if the choice came up again. For me, the 8 3/8 option never even entered my mind, and the extra length with these full lug type barrels just gets too muzzle heavy for me, and feel awkward and ungainly.

[firebird.77]

I'd go with the 6"

Although it's not ideal for hunting I have a 4" and it will still be sufficient for target and hunting purposes. I prefer the shorter barrel to keep the muzzle weight lower and just because I think it looks better

[Howard Bullock]

I have had both 6" and 8" .357's for hunting. I preferred the longer barrel for that task.

[knight0334]

For handgun only hunting or target - when you can, you always pick the longer barrel. Since you wont be trying to conceal it, the extra barrel length will be to your advantage when hunting and target shooting. It will offer a bit more velocity(more energy) and a longer sight radius for more accurate shots.

The only two real disadvantages are:
1. Sight-target acquisition will be a little slower
2. A little more heft if you hike your way in. But if you are handgun hunting(minus rifle), no matter the weight of the handgun - it will be less than a rifle.


Now, if you are going to use the handgun as a backup to a long gun - go with the shorter unit. The long gun will probably be used for longer shots anyways.

[Xringshooter]

Have to agree with knight, Just carrying for hunting I too like the longer barrel, especially if I'm using iron sights. You can get a bandolier style holster for it and that takes all the weight off your hips and puts it across your shoulder. Makes it easy to carry to where you hunt.

When I hunt with a rifle, my sidearm is typically a 4" bbl (for finishing shots if needed). With the 4" I'm also good for short shots if they present themselves. But if just carrying a handgun to hunt I go with the longest barrel I can get (in the past I hunted whitetail with a Contender - 7-30 Waters with a 16" bbl )

[ByblosHex]

Wait, large barrel full-size revolvers aren't for carrying?

I guess I'm 'doing it wrong'.

[knight0334]

Wait, large barrel full-size revolvers aren't for carrying?

I guess I'm 'doing it wrong'.

lol I don't think anyone is saying that. I used to carry a 8" Colt Python and dad's 6" S&W 28. I occasionally carry a 5.5" Ruger Vaquero or my 10.5" Virginian Dragoon still today.

There aren't many of us these days that carry Dirty Harry style. I try to post what is "mainstream", rather than how Inspector Sledge Hammer or Sergeant Tackleberry would.