Barrel lengths when using 2 barrels

[dougk]

I typically have 2 barrels with my Dan Wesson.  The 8 inch is typically scoped and I normally have a 6 inch (non scoped) but I am thinking about 4 in for a 445.  Thought?

[gypsyman]

dougk, just my opinion you understand. Not sure of how much velocity loss from that short a barrel. And maybe it's cosmetics to me. I never thought that a big magnum handgun with that short a barrel was very useful. Or that good looking.(and that is just my opinion) With that much powder under the bullet, and that lenght barrel, unless your planning on shooting 180 or 200 gr. bullets, just wouldn't get up to speed. And in all honesty, your probably not losing that much, but not that faster that a hot rodded .44 special. Just my thought. gypsyman

[Reed1911]

Doug,

Yikes a 4" in .445SM. I've seen them but I too wonder what would be the point. I suppose if you wanted it as a backup in Large Bear country it might be an idea but the muzzle blast would be pretty terrible and I'd really think that a short barreled .454 Casull would be a lighter and more comfortable option as a carry gun, muzzle blast on the other hand would also be a pain.

[El Hombre]

There lies the heart of the Dan Wesson enigma.

It's strength is also it's main weakness.

The truth is most guys don't change barrels. At least not much. The innovative feature that makes them so unique, really isn't that great once the novelty wears off. It's too much of a hassle to re-sight the gun in every time you change barrels. That's why you find all those pistol pacs with 3 unused barrels. Or you might try it once, but once you change back, that's usually the barrel that stays on the gun. The feature while unique, really isn't needed by the average shooter or understood.

Please understand, I am a huge DW fan. I currently have a revolver in every factory caliber ever produced, except a dedicated 38 special. I also have multiple barrels for each gun, mostly as collectables, but I don't change barrels much, if ever.

For a long time, the DW revolvers were cheap enough to just buy another gun in the barrel length you wanted. Strange, but true.

Instead of changing barrels, I prefer a little locktite on my barrel, and changing shrouds between iron sights & a scoped shroud. With the barrel secured with locktite, you can switch back & forth without re-sighting. A little heat will break the locktite if you ever do want to change barrels.
I have found I also prefer the 6" barrel for iron sights only and the 8" for a scoped gun on guns I don't switch shrouds on.

[Steel Shooter]

Geez - you guys are unbelievable.

[El Hombre]

Geez - you guys are unbelievable.

Really? How so? 

[blhof]

I wouldn't want to try the 445 with the 4" barrel.  I have the 6" light barrel for my 357max and it gets uncomfortable after a few rounds of hot stuff.

[dougk]

I wouldn't want to try the 445 with the 4" barrel.  I have the 6" light barrel for my 357max and it gets uncomfortable after a few rounds of hot stuff.

the 4 inch is ported.   

[El Hombre]

[/quote]

the 4 inch is ported.   

[/quote]


I'll bet it's a flamethrower! Especially at night!

[dougk]

Maybe I should trade it for a 6 inch barrel...     

[Reed1911]

Doug,

If you already have the barrel I'd shoot it, To be honest I'd like a review from you on how you like it. You've always posted unbiased info and it would make a good read. For all the naysayers (myself included) look at the short barreled 500 and 460?! They are selling like hotcakes and we cannot get enough to supply demand, would I shoot it? Sure once or twice, wouldn't own one and wouldn't carry one, then again I said the same thing of the short barreled .454 and have one with a 6" ported that really does quite well, although it does not get shot often.