redhawk barrel replacement

[gulfdaddy]

I have a standard Redhawk 7 1/2" 44 magnum that I would like to send into Ruger and have a factory 4" barrel installed.  Do any of you know if Ruger will do such a swap since it is a factory offered barrel length?  If yes , could you even approximate the cost?  In the event that they will not do the job, and I have a gun smith cut and crown, will the front site from the old barrel work reinstalled or would an aftermarket selection be a better idea?  Thanks to all for you ideas, Gary

[wganz]

They could but won't due to ATF regs relating to model numbers.

[SHOOTALL]

it might be more economical to just trade/sell your gun and buy the 4 inch model . Redhawks have tapered barrels and moving the front sight back has to be done correctly or the relation of front and rear sight alignment can be affected . That might mean more cost of machine work or fitting.

[gcrank1]

I had an early 7 1/2 and it was marvelous, but I wanted a shorter barrel, and that was before they came out with the 5 1/2" (think how long ago this was!). Even then the costs were more than I could justify, so it was sold and I moved on to a Lew Horton(?) S&W 629 44M 'Mountain Gun', then my favorite, a 624 44Spl. in 4". Wish I could have kept them all.......
So I can understand why you think a 4" would be nice, though it will still be a horse pistol more than a beltgun. I agree that when you calc. your costs in right now, then the shipping (if you must) and the barrel replacement or mods that you will be in pretty deep. If you absolutely love this particular piece, or have a bunch of work/money in mods so far (that you couldnt change over to a new one) then 'maybe', but for me the numbers dont work.
Id buy what 'I think I want' and play with both to truly decide which one to sell.

[gulfdaddy]

Considering what has been said, I think I will keep the 7 1/2" barrel Redhawk and look for a 4" to add to the mix.  I traded guns all my life and now the prices are so high and going up plus FFL fees and shipping fees.  I consider myself lucky to have some pieces that I have as they are good shooters and increasing investments.  I would love to have one of the Lipsey's 3 3/4" super Blackhawks or Bisley Blackhawks but they are scarce and costly.  Not to say that I have not paid the price when I wanted something bad enough.  Thanks for all the input guys.  Gary

[gcrank1]

Gary, you are a wise and prudent man  .
Good Hunting! (and let us know what you find calling your name)

[Lloyd Smale]

they will do it on single actions but i beleive not on redhawks. Even alot of gunsmiths shy away from swaping barrels on redhawks. Somethig about destroying the frame threads when removing the old barrel. That said i had dustin linebaugh cut a 7.5 in redhawk to 3.5 but i doubt hed take on a job that small right now as hes backed up with just to much work as it is.

[1911crazy]

for some reason i remember my redhawk 5 1/2" barrel being hard n the recoil. my s&w in 41mag with  4" barrel shoots and handles like  dream. i believe the s&w's are balanced better in there design. i like shooting my 7 1/2" hawk. when i shoot my 29 i will post if s good or bad recoil wise.  i do shoot the hotter reloads with the 44mag. now that my bigger bang and flame days are over i look for accuracy now.