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Ruger Redhawk

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supertool73 View Drop Down
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    Posted: May/26/2011 at 15:15
I am a big fan of the 45 colt.  I have Ruger single action and really enjoy shooting it.  I just noticed that Ruger makes a Redhawk in .45 colt.  I like the Rugers because I can load them up to magnum velocities and they are safe.  http://ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5027.html

Anyone have experience with the Redhawks?  I realize they are probably not up to Smiths quality in some regards, but Smith does not make what I want.  I had a Smith for a while, a 625 mountain gun, but it was not capable of the magnum loads so I sold it.

Anyway, anyone who owns or has experience with the Redhawks please post your opinions, good and bad.

Thanks

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 15:38
I don't own a Redhawk, but I know that it is a stronger gun than the S&W Mod. 29, and will hold up longer with magnum loads. The early guns had actions that felt like the old Security Six 357 Mag., but I tried the action on a new Redhawk not long ago and it was almost as smooth as the action on an older S&W Mod. 29, and they were smooth.
If my old Dept. would have approved Rugers for duty use, I would have carried a Redhawk.
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ckk1106 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 15:56
I've got a Ruger Redhawk in 44 mag.   Just got it a few weeks ago.  Only put a few rounds through it, but I really like it.   I'll try  to post a pic. 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 15:57
Awesome Coby, keep me informed on how you like it. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 16:47
I have had my Redhawk for over twenty years. I took a whitetail doe my first year with it. It is a .44 mag and I can keep all the rounds in the black on a B-8 at 100 yds. My Smith N frame is nicer when it comes to looks and a better DA. But, the Ruger will extract handloads that the Smith's have had trouble with for me.




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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 16:52

It is a great gun, I have shot one a few times it had a bit of stacking in the trigger but not bad at all, built like a tank. I've been looking for one in 44 Mag for months but for some reason they seem to be scarce lately, BTW Buffalo Bore Ammo makes some stout loads for the Redhawk in 45 LC.

Sam


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 18:36
one of the advantages of the redhawks are their availability in 45 colt. I use a reg. 4 1/2 in" over the alaskan , but also have a super redhawk in 454. When the mod 29 came out, I put a set of Hogue grips for control and recoil, after shooting several thousand rounds through the super redhawk I put the stock grips backon the mod. 29.
While 45 cases are ok, I use trimmed 454 casuall cases, 300 gr LBT small rifle primer and 24-25 grs of 296 in the smaller redhawk. The barrel on it and the alaskan are too short to take advantage of super high velocity loads, so the heavy bullet hard cast and  flatter meplat of the LBT makes up for some of this.   The super carries a 2x leo and I use 45,-70 cast bullets for plinking and of course full power loads for hunting. I also use 45 black  powder sabots loaded with 200 or 180 gr 40 cal. bullets in both guns but accuracy suffers in the shorter barrel.


Edited by Dale Clifford - May/26/2011 at 18:38
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ckk1106 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 19:00
Originally posted by SamC SamC wrote:

It is a great gun, I have shot one a few times it had a bit of stacking in the trigger but not bad at all, built like a tank. I've been looking for one in 44 Mag for months but for some reason they seem to be scarce lately, BTW Buffalo Bore Ammo makes some stout loads for the Redhawk in 45 LC.

Sam


It took me about 6 months to find mine.  I knew I wanted the 44 mag with 4 inch barrel.  I found mine used at a local store, but haven't seen one since.  They must be a hot item. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 20:24
If you are going with a ruger why not go with 454 Casul then you can also shoot the 45 long colt in it.
With S&W the 460 shoots 454 Casul and 45 LC also just like a .357 shoots 38's

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/26/2011 at 21:31
I don't want the long barrel of the Super Redhawk.  If they made one 4 or 5 inches I would be all over it.  I have had a .454 before.  It was a nice gun, just to big for my liking.  The Redhawk with the shorter barrel will be a lot more compact for me.

The ,460 is just ridiculously big.  The power would be fun, but I would much rather just carry around a rifle than that sucker.  Big Grin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 06:16
not sure why ruger built the alaskan. the redhawk handles heavy 45 colt loads and you get 2 in more barrel,. muzzle blast from the 454 loads in a 2 " barrel are no fun
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 07:52
Hell, blast from my 71/2" .454 is no fun.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 08:01
Originally posted by Dale Clifford Dale Clifford wrote:

not sure why ruger built the alaskan. the redhawk handles heavy 45 colt loads and you get 2 in more barrel,. muzzle blast from the 454 loads in a 2 " barrel are no fun
I imagine your just joking about not knowing why right?
 
even so they built it for a compact but extremely powerful sidearm for people to be able to easily carry in bear country and have a feasable defense if needed without having to carry a larger combersome handgun or rifle
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anomad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 08:49
Originally posted by tahqua tahqua wrote:

Hell, blast from my 71/2" .454 is no fun.


No kidding. I load 45 Colts for a friend to practice with his Freedom Arms hand cannon, which are rather nice. With full blown 454s its another story.

I subscribe to the Elmer Keith school of thought that magnum handguns should have at least 6" barrels.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 08:59
The only reason I can think of for the alaskan is to sell on the 454 name to people who don't understand the velocity fall off in short barrel handguns. The wt of the 4 1/4 is still under the alaskan, and with causuall brass can be loaded to the same momentum levels as 454 loads in the 2 inch. An additional 2 in. sight radius in the 4 is a big plus, and the smaller frame makes it an easier carry. In either case, handguns are for carrying to the to-to not as a camp gun. Personally I've had more close trouble from moose than grizz. in grizz country, and while moose are easy to hurt, its hard to "knock them down" even with a big bore rifle.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 09:09
So Dale, when you trim and load in the .454 brass for the 45 do you exceed the max powder levels that the 45 can handle according to the books?

I have thought about doing this, as I have a ton of 454 brass.  I actually trimmed a bunch up but never got around to loading them. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 09:33
Way over, about 1/3 over a hot 44 mag load. And of course the imf will disavow any connection to statements made or suggestions etc etc.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2011 at 20:11
Thanks fellas.  I put in an order from one today.  Who knows when it will arrive, hopefully it will not take to long.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/03/2011 at 18:23
well, got the Redhawk today.  It came in real quick.  Gonna go shoot it in a bit. 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ckk1106 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/03/2011 at 18:25
Awesome, Jason.  Big Smile  Love the looks of those guns.  45 long colt?
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