Why 5.5" standard barrel length for 500 JRH?

I know that a number of you guys love shorter revolvers. I like them too, but not for my hunting guns. I fail to see the wisdom in offering the JRH with a 5.5" barrel as standard issue. No doubt some of you will disagree but so be it. Is it that difficult for them to offer the gun in 6.5 and 7.5" versions?

I have searched like hell for a BFR in JRH and can't get my paws on one.Sooner or later there will be another batch on Gunbroker or Bud's Guns etc., etc. but they will have those short barrels.


I can order directly from the factory for $1050. plus $100. for a longer tube plus $40. shipping. But compare that to the going rate of $850. on the varios auction sites and you see why it's annoying.

I'm just venting here. I really do prefer my hunting revolvers to have at least a 6.5" barrel.

I had a Precision Center BFR in .500 JRH and I recently took delivery of a production BFR (also in .500 JRH) with a 5 1/2-inch barrel, and I have to say that I love the way it balances, more than the 6 1/2-inch version. I haven't shot or tested it yet, but I can imagine that it too will be a shooter. With the shorter tube it should prove accurate -- the shorter sight radius may be a problem for some, though. Why 5 1/2-inches? Why not?

I like 5 1/2" barrels on some of my revolvers but I agree why not offer some longer barrels for those that want them? Especially on a caliber like that; ballistics is one argument; plus balance and feel with the heavy recoil.

Why not? The customer is always right.

it probably comes down to demand, the 500JRH is where the Casull was 25yrs ago without any real supply of factory ammo so most people that want one will either go full custom or MR custom shop. The 5.5 is just the most commonly requested length so they only offer it in that length for their production model.

Yes, the customer is always right and they have sought the 5 1/2-inch barrel. Bean counters are the ones making these decisions and I can assure you the decisions aren't based on the fact that someone over there prefers the 5 1/2-inch barrel over all others. As Rod stated, they get more requests for the shorter barrels.

I would venture to guess too that many customers aren't hunting with these guns as primary guns.

Hang on, not everyone wants a rifle-like revolver in the killing fields! It's supposed to fit on your hip if need be -- LOL!

I just have trouble wrapping my head around the idea that these guns are being acquired for target shooting -- there are much more pleasant chamberings for such endeavors! But then again.....you never know.

I prefer my hunting revolvers to have a bit longer barrel. Let me rephrase that, I prefer my big bore revolvers to have longer barrels. My 41 Mag and 44 Spcl both sport 5.5" barrels but they don't have the massive frame and cylinder of the BFR.

They offer the 475 with 6.5 and 7.5" barrels. How much different is the market for the JRH? Sheesh. Ain't buyin' it.


Furthermore, the BFR is already offered in the S&W 500 with longer barrel lengths. What, they can't put a % of those barrels on the JRH revolvers? I doubt they would never sell. Strange move if you ask me but, well, they didn't.
Anyway, to each his own.

Not understnding the dislike of the shorter barrels for hunting? My longest kills ever with a revolver were with a 5 1/2" barreled 45 Colt and a 6" 45 Colt. MY first 475L back in 1988 killed a Moose and shot a grizz in Alaska that year and it sported a 5 1/2".

To me the 5 1/2" barrle is the best balanced of all and my favorite lenght.

I have 6" barreled big bore revolvers because that was at one time a requirement one state that I hunted, bu thye have since revised the law t 4"


As to the OP I can not speak for BFR