Hi there,
I recently acquired a BFR in 475 Linebaugh with a 7.5 inch barrel. I normally prefer the barrel closer to 5 inches. Since the seller was kind enough to include a Leupold 2x scope, I'd like to know how much barrel I can remove before the muzzle blast damages the scope?

Thanks!

-bnw

Unless you are real partial to a 5" tube, I would just leave it be. The scope is going to change your balance point anyway so I would try it before I chopped it. JMHO.

I agree, if you are going to scope it why chop it?

If you want a "trail gun/carry gun," for carrying ease you normally wouldn't scope it, so that would be a reason you might opt for the shorter barrel.

Other than that, to answer your original question, that would depend on how the scope is set up in the rings; ie. how the scope end relates to the end of the barrel; I would want at least an inch or so barrel out past the scope lens.

I also agree but I have a Magna Ported custom Ruger with a 6" barrel that I had scoped for a long time with a 2X Leupold and I didn't have any problems, the scope should still sit far enough back to avoid damage. I think though you'll find with a scoped gun the extra 2" will not only balance well but also give you approx an extra 100fps.

Most of my scoped revolvers have barrels of 7 1/2", and that seems a sensible length to me. However, this FA 83 has a 6" barrel, and it works very well. In fact, it may eventually become my favorite:



This Single Six has a 5 1/2" barrel:



As has been pointed out, much depends upon how your scope is mounted, and the configuration of the base. I would at least temporarily mount the base and rings on the 7 1/2" barrel to see how you like the handling of it, before doing anything.

Just for the sake of having a low end, I can say that a Leupold fixed 2 power of the size shown above will cloud up the forward lense with a 4 3/4 barrel on a FA in 454. Not so much so with jacketed bullets, but cast really coat the lense.

If you are going to practice or test and even use, I would suggest a set of flip covers with see through lenses. Use them on the bench, and don't sweat a little fouling when hunting, as it does come off. Make sure the poi/poa is the same through the lense ;^)

Craig

I would also recommend trying it out before cutting. You may like the balance with the 7 1/2-inch barrel and the scope mounted. I prefer shorter barrels, but it is worth trying it out before making any changes.

With a scope on the gun, why worry about a short barrel????? Leave the gun alone! You are already holding a large package. Just what advantage would a short barrel offer.

I agree. I have a 7 1/2" FA .475 that is great. If you want to "fancy it up" add express sights from FA. I have a set on mine and regularly hit a 12" rock at 110 yards at my range, Who needs a scope when a gun can shoot like that.

Having said the above, if you want to know where the crap begins to hit the fan just mount a 1" dowel in your rings, with the end painted white and run a few cylinders through her. You may be surprised what you find.

Thanks for all the great advice! I prefer the shorter barrel for the balance while shooting, not necessarily for the 'trail gun' carry. With that said, thanks for the input on dowels and see through scope covers! Might have to get some for the 2x Leupold on my SBH too!

I have a Burris 2-7 on a 5" 629 and have had no issues.