Do you guys see any advantage to shortening the 7 1/2" barrel down to say... 5 1/2"? I saw a picture of one and thought it looked awesome.
I plan on hunting with iron sights, so a magnified scope isn't a consideration.
Picture is down the page a bit.
That finish looks pretty nice too!

Not if you're going to scope it but I agree it looks cool and it would be more of a packing gun with a shorter barrel.

I had Magnaport shorten my RSB down from 7.5 to 5.25 and it shoots great. The only thing I would have done differently is not have it magnaported.

I don't see any downside to it and it would actually make it a heck-of-a-lot easier to pack.

Wow. I like that a lot! Might have to consider it. Looks like it would still take a red dot, or smaller scope ok.

What state has the longest "required" barrel lenth for handgun hunting? Would want to make sure I could still use it anywhere.

Hmmmmmmm...

MN

So is magna-port the guru on these things or do you recommend another place?

It does look easier to pack, and seeing those alaskan bear pics with those short barrels got me thinking what an SBHH would look like.

Wapitirod could cut it down for you......

check dixie firearms. Rod is a member here and does great work.

The only barrel length restriction that I'm aware of is Kentucky. They have a 6" min. for elk. Stupid - and I tried to dissuade them on that part of the regulation but to no avail.

thanks

6" minimum for any revolver?

Ohio has a 5" or longer barrel restriction.

I've cut them back to install muzzlebrakes but I saw Jim is going to a screw in front sight whereas I maintain the factory plunger system so you can use the factory interchangeable sights. Cost is about the same, the sight is the bad part because it's a hybrid dovetail/spring detent system so I have to drill the rib for the plunger and then mill the top to fit the sight.

Thanks rod...do you see any adverse effects to doing this?

Also, any idea what finish that is on that gun? looks like it could be similar to the "velvet hone" from magna-port. If so what is that process?

That SBHH looks great!! You get another vote for Rod from me. He is a first class custom gun smith and an all around great guy. I am about to send him my Bisley 45 colt right back to have the barrel shortened myself. After seeing his craftmanship I wouldnt even consider sending anthing of mine to anyone else. As far as state regs go Arkansas lists a 4 inch minimum for any handgun used as a main weapon for any kind of hunting.

the light makes it hard to see but I'd guess it's a bead blast matte finish which is what alot of places use but they give it a fancy name.

So recommendations on barrel length?

I'd cut it off just slightly ahead of the ERH, like this....

Yup, me too!

I like that very much. I would love to have that done. Any idea what that would cost? Hope that question isn't taboo.

Rod?

on a hunter to shorten it and reinstall the front sight with factory hardware is about 225.00 by the time you cover return shipping.

That isn't bad at all. How can I contact you instead of taking up thread space?

email me at dixiefirearms@gmail.com is the most reliable way. I work alone and odd hours so I don't always get the phone right away. I'll be gone for a couple days but I'll be able to get my emails by weds at the latest.

Hey all, I believe Kentucky also requires a 6 in. barrel for black bear also, Agree !! STUPID LAW. Greg Bayes from Ky.

Howdy and Welcome aboard Greg!!

+1 Welcome to the forum, Greg!

I agree, stupid law. But it wouldn't be so bad if they measured a revolver from the breechface like all other handguns. In some states they have been changing the law to do so. In others that aren't y'all should get on them. Why should a semi-auto be allowed to be shorter than a wheelgun? That is stupid.

Welcome Greg, agreed s4su...any idea what PA's law is for measurement or how I would find that out?

Indiana has a 4 inch minimum requirement and the barrel must be shorter than 16 inches.

Colorado is four inch min.

Probably because the law is going strictly by definition. On a revolver, a cylinder is defined as the cylinder; the barrel as the barrel.

I agree s4s4u. The cylinder should count as part of the barrel. Typical case of a law made by people who know nothing about what they are making the law about! That sentance sounded wierd, but you know what I'm saying.

MN

Point in fact, you count the chamber of a TC barrel as part of the barrel length.

You are absolutely correct.

I didn't like the law in Colorado that didn't allow handgun hunting for Antelope and Elk, etc, so I worked to get it changed.

If y'all feel that strongly about it, you can do something about it.

Well... I think I'd rather just grumble about it, and not actually DO something that requires effort. Way easier that way, and I still get to complain about it...

Actually, it's not a problem here in MN, and I don't see myself putting forth much effort to change it...but I think we still have the right to call a stupid rule stupid...

MN

Barrel measurements should be consistently measured across the board. For once, the BATF seems to do something correctly.

Insert a rod into the muzzle with the gun in battery and measure the insertion depth to the back of the breech. Seems pretty easy to me, and it gets rid of the varying measurement techniques companies use to advertise their barrel lengths (i.e. Magnum Research vs. Ruger)

you'd be surprised at how many "knowledgeable hunters" that aren't handgunners that think accuracy is determined by barrel length. doesn't make sense.

gregg--thanks for your efforts in getting colorado changed. i'm pistol hunting elk outside ouray this october!