I have the 7.5 inch 454. I previously had a couple of other 454's so the caliber recoil and potential were not lost on me. I really like it. I shot a doe at 120 yards a couple of weeks ago with it. I've got a Burris 2-7X scope, and find it incredibly accurate. I shoot nearly all cast bullets and get accuracy with 45 Colt as well. Its a very large gun, and have been tempted to get another, but can't decide on the caliber. There isn't anything the others can do that this one cannot. My brother has the 475 and switched the original grips for the micarta. It is pretty hard on his hands with recoil. I've not found that to be true for me. Its just like a SBH, and it has been to my advantage to leave the original ugly grips on it.
When using 45 Colt brass, the loads can be pushed beyond the typical Ruger loads. The chamber is tight, and the brass still seems to last forever. Much longer than hot loaded Ruger brass lasts.
As I said, its a large gun, and not for packing on the trail, unless its being used as a primary hunting weapon. The original sights are rather simple, and I could not use the guns potential without some help. My brother has a red dot and likes his that way as well.
