I looked at a 2" (maybe 2.5") Ruger Redhawk .44 mag today. I dont recall ever seeing one in the wild in this barrel length. It seemed to handle well and we all know and have opinions on the reputation / build quality or Rugers revolvers post Six Series. My question is that the grip and frame felt small for caliber. Maybe it was the magna style grips it was wearing. Does the Redhawk come in different butt styles (square, round) and how does the frame dimensions compare to both the N and K frame Smith?

Generally I think Redhawk frames are bigger than N, but smaller than the X frame.

To me, so others probably feel different -

Security Six is about a K

GP100 is about an L

Redhawk is about an N

And Superredhawk is bigger than an N, but not as big as an X.

I don't believe it comes with different butt styles. Just square.

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I always take precautions

The snubbie model you handled is the first round butt Redhawk. Redhawk frames and cylinders are considerably larger than S&W N frames but, as previously posted, smaller than X frames. IMO going to a larger size frame for a snub nose .44 works against the gun's purpose.

Apart from the grip frames and the Super Redhawk's frame extension that positions a scope mounting point forward Redhawks and Super Redhawks have the same size frames. Redhawk and Super Redhawk .44 magnum cylinders have the same part number. With 7 1/2" barrels .44 magnum Redhawks and Super Redhawks weigh the same.

Iwould rather have that snub nosed redhawk than the super redhawk alaskan. Which now begs the question-when can we expect a redhawk snubby in .454 Casull???

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What would the SP101 be? Still a about a K frame?

My presumption is Ruger does not offer .454 Redhawks because they believe most buyers would find the steel back straps recoiling into the web of their hand uncomfortable. If I'm right a 2 1/2" .454 Redhawk is unlikely. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see them in .45 Colt which can be reloaded to produce all the recoil I'd enjoy in that revolver.

SP101 is very close to the Six Series in frame size. The big difference is the 5 shot cylinder which gives it a slimmer profile and reduced weight. Bigger than a J and a bit smaller than a K.

Back to the OP. Comparing Ruger frames to S&W frames is like comparing apple to oranges. Just different animals. The RH and SRH are Rugers largest DA revolvers. Since you mentioned wood RB magnas I'll assume you are talking about the Kodiak. 2 3/4" barrel. Round butt frame. Probably feels like an N frame RB wearing magnas, except a bit heavier. Weighs in at a hefty 44 ounces. The 4" barrel and longer RH's have the SB wood stocks. Only the Kodiak sports the RB. The SRH series all have the grip stub that uses rubber grips.

thanks Klyde, I believe you have solved the mystery. it must have been a backpacker I was looking at. it certainly looked like your photo. I don't recall it being marked backpacker however. definetly had those small RB grips.

I went with the RH when they were first offered. Love my redhawk. There the strongest.