Well in my Ruger single action and Colts i like a 4 and 5/8 barrel. My double action i like a 5 inch barrel. But the only problem they now a days they only come in 4 and 6 inch and longer barrels. My opinion a 4 inch is too short and 6 inch has a better feel but any thing over 6 inch feels weird too muzzle heavy. I have a few old Colts and S&W with 5 inch barrel too me they have the best balance not too long or short. My single action the 4 5/8 have a nice balance for doing spinning the gun like the Hardin butt forward trick. I have a few 8 lnch barrel the only reason i bought them because i got them cheap. They are safe queens.