Author Topic: Muzzle velocity between a 5 1/2" barrel and a 7 1/2" in a Ruger (Read 1564 times)

bigoledude · « **on:** September 28, 2009, 05:06:28 PM »

I have an opportunity to buy a blue Redhawk very cheap. I am almost positive my friend said it has a 7 1/2" barrel.

How expensive is it to have the barrel cut to 5 1/2 inches? Who does 'em? And, what kind of muzzle velocity will I lose with the shorter barrel? I don't yet have a typical recipe for the Redhawk because this will be my only handgun in .44mag.

I have a Marlin lever-action in .44mag and bought lots of factory ammo for it at a gun show. Once I buy the Redhawk, I will certainly start hand-loading for them both.

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2009, 12:53:22 AM »

I think you can lose up to 50'/sec per inch of barrel but that doesn't always work out to be that much. Sometimes you lose a bit less with the longer barrels when they are shortened but to be honest I do not believe it matters much at all with the 44 mag.

I don't know what the cost would be to have a barrel trimmed back, or shortened. Maybe one of our other posters can recommend a gunsmith to perform that work. HTH.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2009, 02:55:03 AM »

No way Mikey not in a revolver. You're thinkng in terms of bottle neck rifle cases. In fact you'll likely find as much difference between two identical barrels of same length as between a 5.5" and 7.5" barrel in .44 Magnum. The velocity difference is nil but if you want sights ya gotta figure how to replace that front sight.

I realize folks do things like this but for the life of me I've not figured out why. Just leave it as is or trade it for a shorter one.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #3 on:** September 29, 2009, 04:46:48 AM »

Here's a neat link for ballistics;
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html

Dand · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2009, 10:15:18 PM »

I've done a little chrono work with some 41 mags in 4 inch, 7.5 inch and 20 barrels. I'll have to dig it up. From my recall, I got a bit more speed out of the longer barrels but don't recall how much. Somewhat variable with the particular load. I agree with GB though, if you've ever read the piece "why ballisticians get gray" comparing a big batch of 357 mag handguns.

I also agree with GB on cutting the barrel, though I've considered it myself in the past. Better to trade for one in the length you want.

John R. · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2009, 02:45:21 AM »

One reason to cut the bbl, is if the gun you want only comes with a 71/2" bbl. When I got my 45 Bisley, it was only offered in 7 1/2", so I had my gunsmith cut it down to 5 1/2". Now I'm happy.

Hank08 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2009, 06:01:59 AM »

keep in mind that the barrel has to be removed, cut off, crowned, the front sight removed from the cut off piece and remounted to your shorter barrel and if it's a blue barrel may have to be reblued. I can run into a bunch of money. I'd suggest you call Ruger. I think they will install a new shorter barrel for you. That may be the cheapest way. Velocity loss depends a lot on the load your shooting but usually it'll be 75 to 100 fps. for the 2".
H08

teddy12b · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2009, 06:15:53 AM »

Ruger makes redhawks in 5 1/2" barrels and 4" barrels also. They are really hard to find, but depending on what you pay for this gun used & rework it, it's probably just going to be cheaper to buy a brand new gun just the way you like it.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2009, 12:31:00 AM »

Not shure there would be a problem having Ruger put a 5 1/2 on. Doubt they would do a four inch, as they beefed up the frame to do a four acording to thier press.

EdK · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2009, 03:29:30 PM »

Wow - Redhawks are stout. Hard to imagine they beefed up the frame after 20 years of 5.5/7.5" production but maybe so...

Anyhow the reason for the post is to agree with some others here: a factory quality job of the shortening is going to be pretty expensive if performed by an independent gunsmith. I understand (from someone I know locally that is in QC at Ruger) those Redhawk barrels are tricky to remove/re-install. Maybe no big deal for an accomplished and trustworthy gunsmith but surely don't give it to someone who has no track record with them.

Factory is stubborn about things like this at times. I don't know if they'd do it or not. I know they will not rechamber - even to another caliber they currently have in production in the same firearm.

S.B. · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:10:52 PM »

You are better off having Ruger install a shorter barrel than having this one cut. Still expensive but, it will be shorter and done right.
Steve

S.B. · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:15:47 PM »

Quote from: rawhidekid on October 01, 2009, 12:31:00 AM

Not shure there would be a problem having Ruger put a 5 1/2 on. Doubt they would do a four inch, as they beefed up the frame to do a four acording to thier press.

Please give me a link to this information on the web? I've never heard or seen this before, about the beefing up their frames for 4" Redhawk guns. The only blue Redhawk Ruger lists now is the 5 &1/2" model. http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAFamily?type=Revolver&subtype=Double Action&famlst=6
Steve

rawhidekid · « **Reply #12 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:50:36 PM »

The info was in a review I read by Jeff Quinn I believe. I will try looking it up again and post were when I find it.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #13 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:44:00 PM »

I went back & checked. In the Ruger ad for the 4 inch Redhawk it stated "Rugged frame, designed specifically to handle magnum loads, includes extra metal in top strap, sidewalls and barrel mounting areas." At www.realguns.com/Comentary/comar157.htm Realguns has an excelent article which compares specifications evan against Bislley showing thicker cylinder walls, etc.. The present Ruger site still gives the qouted statement of stronger top strap but lists 4, 5 1/2, and 7 1/2 barrels. So maybe all the new Redhawks are the same. Hope this helps.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #14 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:47:49 PM »

When you go to link I typed it will say can not find, but offers other sites. Pick Realguns home then type in 4 inch Ruger hit enter. it is "a case of sibling rivallry"

S.B. · « **Reply #15 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:27:39 PM »

Is this the article to which you refer?
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Redhawk4.htm
I don't see anything different mentioned in Jeff's article about these guns, just the length of the barrel?
Steve

rawhidekid · « **Reply #16 on:** October 08, 2009, 11:44:54 PM »

As stated above I thought it was mentioned in that article, but when I went back to check it was in Ruger advertisement. Which can still be read at Ruger site.

S.B. · « **Reply #17 on:** October 09, 2009, 10:59:55 AM »

Is this the line you're refering to:
** "Rugged frame, designed specifically to handle powerful magnum loads, includes extra metal in top strap, sidewalls and barrel mounting areas."

I think they're talking about all the Redhawks, here?
Steve

rawhidekid · « **Reply #18 on:** October 09, 2009, 11:44:30 AM »

I can tell that now, however when they first came out with the four inch that was the way the email article from Ruger was worded without reference to the other models.

I had not realized it was just hipe on Ruger's part.

bigoledude · « **Reply #19 on:** October 09, 2009, 01:32:48 PM »

I was finally able to see and handle the Redhawk. It has the 5 1/2 inch barrel! The gun is in perfect condition. No box or papers. Never had a box or papers give me any extra penetration or tighter groups anyway.

I know, I know some folks keep all that stuff in case of resale. By the time I drag this gun through hog country it'll be lucky if it's own momma would recognize it! I take very good care of my firearms but, this gumbo slop and salt marsh just take their toll on guns. It will be in perfect shooting condition for many many years. I might try one of those Brownell's coatings when this blue-finish is worn-out.

It comes with a decent black nylon holster. All for $350.00.

S.B. · « **Reply #20 on:** October 09, 2009, 02:51:59 PM »

For that price, I'd buy it!
Steve

teddy12b · « **Reply #21 on:** October 09, 2009, 05:31:46 PM »

Quote from: bigoledude on October 09, 2009, 01:32:48 PM

It comes with a decent black nylon holster. All for $350.00.

I wouldn't even think twice at that price.