Author Topic: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...  (Read 1289 times)

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Offline 4MUL8R

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5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« on: December 21, 2006, 03:05:25 PM »
Purpose--potential deer hunting handgun, but more likely a woods walker or hunting backup (post rifle / shotgun kill).  I have found two used Redhawks, one in each barrel length.  Of course the 7.5 will have greater velocity (I'm not that interested in velocity) and a longer sight radius and all that.  But, it requires a bandolier or equivalent holster and would be less totable for general hiking (not hunting).   For the 300 grain 44 magnum heavy loads (somewhat over 1100 fps) I'm thinking that the 5.5 inch velocity loss would bring things down to subsonic speeds (again, this is what I want).  5.5 looks like it was rode hard and not cleaned much.  Face of forcing cone is marred and may even be dinged around the beveled perimeter.  7.5 has express gold bead front V rear sights which are reportedly easier to use on game than the partridge style.  5.5 has Packymars only, while 7.5 has original wood.  Both would require new Hogue grips, so that don't matter, except I can use the wood grips now and the Packymars are not pointing the revo right for me.  5.5 is $50 less.  Hmmm.  I'm thinking the 7.5 might be the right one.  What say you?

Online Graybeard

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2006, 06:08:53 PM »
In your case I think the 5.5" might be a better choice. You won't often see me recommend the shorter of two barrel lengths no matter what the are. But it really doesn't sound to me like you'd gain from the longer one and the shorter is easier to pack. As to velocity loss, forget it. There is more difference between two different guns than between a 5.5" and 7.5". Heck it's entirely possible the 5.5" might actually push bullets faster than the 7.5" but regardless the 50 fps or less difference that should exist is of no concern whatsoever.


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Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2006, 11:35:12 PM »
personaly id prefer the 5.5 but i think id look that gun over closely and possibly pass and find another.
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Offline 4MUL8R

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2006, 02:24:23 AM »
Thanks to both of you for excellent guidance.

Offline nomosendero

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2006, 04:43:05 AM »
I have owned a 5.5" for years & have some experience with the 7.5". I see nothing in your application that would give the advantage to the 7.5". I would for sure go with the 5.5". I have thought about getting a 7.5 with a scope, to use in some situations,
but it would never be the go to gun that a 5.5" is, at least not in my opinion.
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Offline Reloder28

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2006, 12:05:14 PM »
I own three 45 LC's. I have a Ruger 5.5" Blackhawk S.S., a 7.5" SBH Hunter and a Smith 625 S.S. Mountain Gun. I pack the Mountain Gun as a sidearm, subsonic purposes as you cited. I can shoot it general duty without ear plugs. The 7.5" Hunter I hunt with 250 XTP's @ 1200+ fps and the 5.5" is on permanent loan to my son-in-law.

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Offline millwright

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2006, 02:21:53 PM »
I have a 7 1/2 sbh in 44, I love it, it is extremely hard to tote.  I hope this helps.
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Offline 4MUL8R

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2006, 02:14:17 AM »
Thanks for all the input!  I think the 5.5 is the way to go.  I will need to carefully study the one I found for condition.

Offline Dr. A

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2006, 03:45:04 AM »
Gosh, in light of the condition of the 5.5inch gun, I think I'd wait and get a new 4 inch Redhawk with an improved grip coming out soon!

Offline JD HHI 6092®

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2006, 04:14:12 AM »
Last year I purchased a 5.5 " Redhawk.  I wanted it as a packing gun.  I didn't like the way it carried so I sent it off to Jack Huntington and had him convert it into this little packing gun.
I had it cut down to 4", inverted muzzle crown, removed the warning off the barrel, bead plasted, action job, jeweled hammer/trigger, and installed a Freedom Arms front site base.  I currently have Express sites installed on the gun. 



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Offline nomosendero

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #10 on: December 23, 2006, 06:21:04 AM »
That is nice!
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Offline Prof. Fuller Bullspit

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Re: 5.5 vs. 7.5 Redhawk conundrum...
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2006, 09:08:40 AM »
I really prefer the 5.5 Redhawk. The 5.5 is the way to go as it is the best balance between length (sight radius, muzzle velocity) and ease of carry that I have found. I have one in .44 magnum that is just right, although I confess that lately I'm preferring single actions for all of my handguns.