Ruger Vaquero barrel length question

[Macklin]

I am looking at getting a Vaquero in 45 colt to pair with a 45 colt rifle. The question is for general purpose large bore SA, would you go with the 4 5/8" barrel or 5.5" and why?

I like the look of both, the 4 5/8" seems to be more "gunfighter" sized, but are you giving up any performance? This will be paired with an El Paso Saddlery cowboy rig.

Thanks.

[Dagga Boy]

I actually prefer the snubs, but if not, then the 4 5/8".

[Macklin]

Thanks, nyeti. I have been looking at your pictures and have noticed a trend to the snubs in you pictures. With the sights on the Vaqueros, I doubt long range accuracy is really a consideration.

[Jim Watson]

I started in SASS with a 7.5" .44 Colt.
I thought the 4.75" "civilian" barrel looked Cooler, so I had it changed out.
I couldn't hit as well with it, so I changed back. Then SASS went to 4 gun stages and I added a 7.5" Cimarron.

I have not shot enough with a 5.5" to know how it would perform, but I would pick it over a 4.625" if nothing longer were available.

[Malamute]

Thanks, nyeti. I have been looking at your pictures and have noticed a trend to the snubs in you pictures. With the sights on the Vaqueros, I doubt long range accuracy is really a consideration.

The sights arent great on the Vaqueros, but the guns are still quite capable of hitting an 18" plate @ 300 yards, and likely of fair shooting quite a bit farther. They arent as crisp of a sight picture as the Blackhawk sights, and the Vaquero sights start becoming invisible in dusk lighting sooner than better sights with grooved faces and sharper rears.

I generally prefer the 4 5/8" barrels for general carry and use, but am considering swapping a 7 1/2" barrel onto one, since I have a holster that size I really like.

[Blood_Brothers_2017]

It depends on the type of 'Gunslinger' you want to be.

There are typical competitions, which are rather worthwhile.

You'll have to get your 'Cowboy Stride' down though.