.44 mag SA question

[dogfood]

Hi-
I'm looking to get into handgun hunting. As it stands now the two models I am considering are super blackhawks, either the standard configuration w/ a 10.5bbl weighing in at 55 ounces and the hunter model with a railed 7.5bbl, weighing in at 52 ounces. Given their comparable weights but 3" difference in bbl length, would there be any appreciable differences in accuracy and/or recoil?
Thanks for your time
-dgfd

[Whiterabbit]

I will say no, not in this case. I personally think the extra length is required when the cases get huge, like the big S&W magnums. Not sure if 44m has "enough" to "require" the extra long barrel length.

Notice I put require in quotes, its not my intention to start a debate on barrels that work, since shorties have been shown to work just fine.

I just believe that the longer barrels for large cases like 44m yield appreciable benefits. But beyond 7.5"? not 100% sure.

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I notice you don't ask about ease of access, given that a 10" barrel will be more cumbersome to remove from the harness than a 7.5. I also believe this is a non issue for hunting and would not base my decision on ease of carry. I preduct posts 3-9 will touch on this subject though with preference for the 7.5 and even shorter barrels. I think it doesn't matter.

FYI when it was my turn, I went with the 10" model rather than the 7.5. However, I DO shoot the oversized S&W magnum, not the 44m.

if it were me I would buy the 10, but for aesthetic reasons, not for performance reasons.

[Whiterabbit]

if you plan on shooting with irons, the 10.5 WILL give you a better sight radius.

[dogfood]

thank you for you input.