Ruger redhawk question

[handirifle]

I am considering a handgun for defense carry (4 legged critters not 2) and am kinda partial to Rugers, and have considered the Redhawk in 44 mag.  I'd also like to be able to hunt with it, possibly, and some states require at least a 5" barrel.  I know a 4" would be a little quicker out of the holster, but what do you guys think?

[Luckyducker]

I think for a hunting pistol a barrel length of at least 6".  The sighting plain of a longer barrel will make accurate shooting much easier than a shorter barrel, especially for older eyes.  Us bi-focaled genre need that front sight as far as possible from the eye as we can get when using iron sights.  I recently scoped my 6.5" Blackhawk 41Mag because I just can't shoot accurately enough in the last several years to confidently hunt with iron sights on it.  If I still had the same eyes now at 55 that I had at 25 I wouldn't even think of scoping a handgun but I ain't gettin any better with age in that regard.

[handirifle]

I would have to scope it no matter the barrel length, so the only real loss would be some velocity with the shorter barrel.  Mainly wondering if a 5" or 6" barrel is too long for a bear defense carry gun?

[Graybeard]

I would have to scope it no matter the barrel length, so the only real loss would be some velocity with the shorter barrel.  Mainly wondering if a 5" or 6" barrel is too long for a bear defense carry gun?

It doesn't matter how long the barrel is if you scope it then it is NOT a defensive handgun PERIOD. Forget that idea.

[crow_feather]

Pray tell, ol leader of the writing/hunting/shooting/etc. set.  Why for does a scoped pistol eliminate it as a defense weapon?

C F

[Graybeard]

Way too slow for self defense use. If you need it you need it "rat NOW" and you must be able to line up the sights quickly on a close range moving target and with a scope that is just not possible.

[crow_feather]

Sir,

I do see your point and do agree - somewhat.  When one thinks of self defense from bears etc. the mind can flash on a bear charging from 50 yards out or to where the bear is on you before you know that it's there.  I always think of the bear 50 yards out rather than on top of me already.

In close, 50 feet or closer, I was taught to "point shoot" as if you take the time to try to sight, your out of time.  I would think that in this instance, the scope on a powerful pistol would be beneficial as it would help to reduce recoil, thus allowing a second shot before you are eaten.

It might be nicer to carry a moderately powerful pistol, allowing multiple shots, instead of the 454 that I carry, which allows me one or two shots and a head start.

C F

[Ken ONeill]

handirifle,
The standard 5 1/2" Redhawk is a fine hunting handgun that should fit your needs, as you've outlined them, nicely. The 4" version is only slightly lighter.

[warrior1]

i saw a mount for a revolver that included a rear sight .the more i think about this mount the more i just might give
it a try. there are two possible ways to use this setup,one hunting withe the scope mounted you could sight thru the mounts,or two with the scope off you could use the open sights.  good luck,dan

[Lloyd Smale]

never did believe in that point shooting stuff unless when your pointing the barrels in hair. It might work at 5 feet but not at 20 yards and i agree with bill. the last thing id want on a defensive gun wether it be two or four leg defense is a scope. About all it will do is block the view of the animal along with making the gun much harder to draw and present and cause confusion. You will find that if you need to use open sights real fast in close that all you have to do is put the front sight on the target and squeeze. If you practiced enough with your gun your mind will take care of everything else.

[crow_feather]

Point shooting is not a twenty yard item.  It is more for 15 yards and closer.  You say fruit, I think apples - you think oranges.  I would believe that for what you see in your mind, you are correct in your methods, for what I see, I would prefer the method of defense I have mentioned.

I would hate to tell someone a method that doesn't work for him, especially when his life is on the line.  Most experts believe pepper spray is the best, and with that -  you point shoot the stuff.  (chuckle)

[Lloyd Smale]

like you said its your ass on the line do what you want. I do know other people that actually practice your point and shoot theroy and have gotten decent at it but it takes many many hours of practice. I dont know of any self defense expert in the country though that would tell a guy to set up a defensive handgun with a scope on it.  Even the ones that use electonics for shooting games would never trust one on a self defense gun.

Point shooting is not a twenty yard item.  It is more for 15 yards and closer.  You say fruit, I think apples - you think oranges.  I would believe that for what you see in your mind, you are correct in your methods, for what I see, I would prefer the method of defense I have mentioned.

I would hate to tell someone a method that doesn't work for him, especially when his life is on the line.  Most experts believe pepper spray is the best, and with that -  you point shoot the stuff.  (chuckle)

[crow_feather]

I carry my 454 as a hunting weapon and a self defense tool.  I am so damn close to 60, I can rub up against it, thus my eyes aren't what they used to be.  These days, I need the scope for a humane 15 yard kill.  I always figured that if an attack comes, it will be quick and close.  My revolver is in a cross draw holster and sits loose in it.  If I do get it out, I could hope to get to aim, but as fast as these animals are, I figure it will probably be a one shot deal before it goes to claws and steel.  (Yeah, like I have a chance)

I have trained for thirty years on the point and shoot method.  It's not as inaccurate as most people think if it is done correctly.

As an aside, During our yearly Jr. Rendezvous, I tell the kids the story of Hugh Glass.

[Cayoot]

At 45 I'm starting to have the same concerns.  I'm thinking strongly of the Bushnell Holo sight.  It is very popular in IPSC style competitions, so I have to believe that it is fast enough for defense shooting (or, in my case, moving deer and rabbits).  Also, it is a single plane sighting devise, so my eyes growing older should not be a concern with it.  I've heard of older shooters finding it to be an answer to their eyesight problems.