Hi again guy's. I'm starting my research for a new gun. I definetly want a .475 linebaugh, mainly for backup and a shorter range hunting pistol. What are your guy's thoughts on wich one to get, BFR, Ruger, Freedom arms, ect. I'd like to try to keep it under $1000 BUT that doesn't always happen. I like the bisley and bfr , but not really sure because no one around me has one for me to test shoot. I have a problem with liking big hand guns and not to many of my freinds have the same feelings. I dont want to scope it and would like to get it in a six inch barrel with adjustable sights. Thanks again for the feedback!!!

Lars

The BFR is a fine gun and about the only one under 1000.00, the FA is a top notch gun and your only other alternative is going to be a custom Ruger Blackhawk which not including the donor gun will go somewhere in the range of about 1400.00-2500.00 depending on who builds it and how fancy you want it.
Gary Reeder, Bowen, John Linebaugh and Clements all build nice guns so it's just a matter of personal preference. I have a pic posted on the bragging board of my 6" Reeder African Hunter in 475 with a 2X Leupold and a 1 1/2" 100yd group. I also own a 4 5/8" Reeder Southern Comfort in 475 and it will shoot around 3" with iron sights at 50yds off the bags.

Mine are FA's, but the only one you're likely to find for under $1000 is a BFR.

Don't overlook the 480 Ruger. I know its not a Linebaugh but a friend has one and I have a FA 475 and his will do about 85% of mine with same bullet weight. Also this will keep you way under a grand. Just a thought.

Personally I would go with the FA in a hard kicking gun. Their grip design will let you handle the recoil better than the BFR. Remember too that if your purpose is a backup gun then it will have to be very portable or it will end up left in the truck or at home instead of on your belt. You may want to give some more thought to going with the 4 3/4" barrel too depending on what mix of backup vs. primary gun this will serve.

If you want to keep it closer to 1K then maybe shop for a good used FA. I've bought two of mine used and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.

Cool guy's thats great advice . I think it will be kind of a 50/50 spread on backup and primary . Thats why i'd like it in a 6 inch , Unless it doesnt gain much over the 4 3/4 . Whats your advice on that.

Lars

I see a difference of 50-100fps depending on load between my
4 5/8 and my 6". The biggest difference will be in your sight radius, the extra 1+ inch makes a bigger difference than you would think when the target starts getting further out.

Rod is right on. For me the extra velocity is of less consequence than the sight radius because if I place the shot properly nothing will ever know whether the bullet was going 1600 fps vs 1700 fps. With iron sights and my 4 3/4" gun, I'm good out to 50 or 60 yards on a broadside deer standing still. I don't have a 6" gun with irons so I really can't comment on what the extra inch would do for me in terms of accuracy at longer distances. Hunting with a 4 3/4" gun is a lot like bow hunting in terms of the distances and challenge.

I bet The 4-1/2 looks good too. Kinda like a beafy version of your grandpa's old 45 colt.

Lars

I have a 6" FA .475, as well as a .454 and .500WE in that length. After many years of using 7 1/2" revolvers, 6" has become my favorite length. I find the sight radius to be almost as good as the 7 1/2" and much better than the 4 1/4 - 4 3/4 versions for my eyes. At 6", the revolvers are still comfortably portable.

THAT is good to know, THANKS 500WE!

I have the 9.5 SRH and the 4 5/8 SBH in 44 mag and always considered them a good pair. But for future reference, I think I am going to look into the 6in.

I can carry my 4 5/8 on my strong side and still sit down in a chair. What does the 6in do and what is the best way to carry it, that you have found, for backup purposes? I am bringing it up because that is what I want out of that gun. I didn’t get it for a primary. I will likely carry it when pig hunting with my single actions as well.

I carry my 8" and 6" scoped guns in a strong side belt holster, the 8" is a little cumbersome while sitting but carries fine. I carry my 4 5/8 and 6" (when it's not scoped) in a crossdraw holster, for me it is more comfortable and I can clear leather faster than with a strong side set up.