What can you tell me about Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag?

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canoeguy

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I am considering adding a Ruger Redhawk to my collection, primary use will be target shooting, general field use, hunting. A revolver to carry on my property, not for carry in town....

I like 4" barrel revolvers, longer barrels are kind of unwieldy to me, but I would consider the 5 1/2" version. The 5 1/2" barrel version with wood grips looks very nice. The 4" with rubber grips also looks appealing, these are the two models I'm looking at.

So, how do they shoot? I have always admired Redhawks since they first came out in the 1970's, but have never had a chance to shoot one.
 
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I had one in 5.5" a short time after they came out. A heavy, robust revolver that you can hot load for. The thing that made me not like it was the recoil came straight back. Ergonomics I guess with my hands. But overall, you won't be disappointed.
 
I loved my 7.5" and wish I hadn't sold it, but back then I had to trade up instead of collect. Accurate as I could expect.
 
They are very strong, accurate guns. I have a 5 1/2" model and it shoots very well. I find the factory stocks very punishing if you shoot full-house loads. I wear a shooting glove to pad my palm. You could also probably buy a set of the factory rubber they put on the new 4" guns.
 
This is the Super Redhawk, and it's one of my favorite handguns. The barrel was trimmed to 2.75" by a gunsmith who builds target rifles.

The grip is by Hogue, and is extremely comfortable even with heavy loads. I've never felt the need to load absolute maximum, but I know it could handle it. I'm sure the Redhawk could also.

This thing shoots like a target pistol, anything from a 200 gr. DEWC to the 300 gr. XTP. The 200 gr. DEWC, with 800x, is just like shooting a .38 Special. It's one of the last that would leave my possession.
 

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I have two the 5 1/2" and 7 1/2" barrels both redhawks are awesome. For shooters of the 44 Magnum loads there tops. No screws to come loose. These are my shooters. I installed the pacemaker presentation rubber grips on them. There awesome to shoot.
 
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I have a 4" Redhawk that I got about a year ago. Of course, it's not a lightweight but my table top scale indicates that it is only about two oz. heavier than my 4" 629. It is a very strong revolver and can easily handle handloads I wouldn't try in the 629. The DA trigger is as good or maybe a little smoother than the 629. The SA on the 629 is lighter and crisper but they are close enough that I shoot them equally well. The .44 Mag is s fine chambering, particularly if you have to use factory ammo. I find the felt recoil between the two .44s to be similar...It's a well made and rugged revolver that will hold up to shooting many more heavy magnums that most of us will.
 
I went by a gun shop today and handled a 7 1/2" Redhawk, liked everything about it except the barrel length. Thinking hard about it, the 4" is the way to go for me, everything else a holstered revolver will be just too long while seated. $830 was the price quoted for either 4" or 5 1/2" stainless steel....
 
The 5 1/2" was my summertime carry shoulder holstered at night on the bike. My 7 1/2" was my wintertime carry on the bike.

I had a car full of 30 yo while gassing up the bike when one fool said he was going to slap me and take my bike. With the gas pump in my hand and a match wasn't even my thought. But I felt the bullets in my 44mag saying shoot me boss. I just laughed at them. The car door never opened. You can't see the 7 1/2" barrel shoulder holstered on me. It's a dress shirt worn over my pants to cover the longer holster and my black leather jacket over it. Let the shirt hang out past the jacket.
 
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While I do not have the subjected caliber of this piece, I DO have these two, I find them to be built like a tank. Only reason for not having a 44mag. is the fact I have several S&W's in this venue. :D It did take some tinkering to find the right load for this but when found I became 100% perfect -- :)

5" REDHAWK-- Sambar Stag stocks:
.45 Colt:

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5" REDHAWK - .41 MAG - Ivory stocks:

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Ruger came out with a new Redhawk this past summer that shoots both 45 Colt & 45 ACP. No need to change the cylinder as you do with their SA convertibles. Uses moonclips for the 45 ACP. Advantage is of course the 45 ACP is ideal for a home defense handgun and less expensive to shoot, while the 45 Colt can be hot loaded near .44 magnum levels and makes an excellent woods gun. Barrel length is 4.2", model #5032. Street price is about $800 but pretty much sold out for now as they are quite popular. Check out Gunblastdotcom video review on youtube. He's always a character!

Of course if you absolutely have to have a .44 magnum then never mind.
 
I have The 7 1/2" Stainless .44 Magnum Version Purchased New in 1983,It's Built Like a Tank! Accurate & reliable No issues in 30+ Years It sure is not Lightweight Though.
 
Speaking of weight-- I have to laugh at all the comments about gun weight that I see just everywhere-- :) You ever heft a woman purse??? Some of them should have a weapons permit. :D:eek:
 
J. R. WEEMS said:
While I do not have the subjected caliber of this piece, I DO have these two, I find them to be built like a tank. Only reason for not having a 44mag. is the fact I have several S&W's in this venue. :D It did take some tinkering to find the right load for this but when found I became 100% perfect -- :)

5" REDHAWK-- Sambar Stag stocks:
.45 Colt:

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5" REDHAWK - .41 MAG - Ivory stocks:

large.jpg
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Nice pair J R :cool:
 
I have the 51/2 inch versions the 44 magnum, the 45 colt and the 41 magnum and find them enjoyable to shoot. I use the Hogue grips that fit my hand in order to maximize my enjoyment. I will own one of the new 45colt/45acp so that I can enjoy the versatility of the 45 acp.

Make your choice and go enjoy. If you change your mind, you can always buy another one, sell or trade.
 
I have a stainless 5.5" .44 magnum that I bought new back around
1983. It's a heavy, very strong and very well made revolver. I agree
with the above comments regarding recoil. For some reason it comes
basically straight back and thumps the web of my hand with full power
loads. But it is a gun made to use, not leave in a safe. I've spent
entire days out in the rain with it in an open belt holster while deer
hunting and just dried it well and oiled it that night and it has no hint
of rust. I made my first handgun deer kill with it. It's beefy compared
to my 4" S&W 29-2.
 

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I have the 4" Redhawk and it's one of my favorites at the range. It handles everything I load for it, and with .44 special loads (which I load in Magnum cases) it's like shooting a very heavy .22.
I carry it sometimes in a Simply Rugged Sourdough pancake holster which helps with the weight some. Great revolver, i love mine.
 
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