Author Topic: I just put a Redhawk .41 Mag on lay a way (Read 2102 times)

Cayoot · « **on:** October 03, 2009, 01:33:52 PM »

My local pusher just got in a used 7 1/2" Ruger Redhawk in .41 Mag. It looks like it was carried some (honest looking holster wear around muzzle and minor scuffs on grips) but fired little (only faint turn line of cylinder). The price is $525.

Does anyone know if there were any issues with these? I'm a real fan of the .41 Mag. This will be my first Redhawk.

When were these manufactured?

Thanks

rawhidekid · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2009, 02:51:04 AM »

Try the Ruger web site. They used to have that info available there, serial # to date chart. Also can down load owners manual I believe.

DDZ · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2009, 03:28:37 AM »

I bought a 41 mag with a 7 1/2 barrel shortly after ruger introduced them in 1979. Its a very well made gun and can handle loads that other DA guns can't. The only issue I have had with mine is barrel leading when shooting lead bullets. This was most likely due to it being stainless, because carbon steel is easier to machine, and the stainless barrels may be a bit rougher. I mostly shoot jacketed bullets in it anyway.
I once tried one of the lighter main springs to lighten trigger pull, and had an occasional misfire. The lighter mainsprings in the redhawk don't work unless you can live with the occasional misfire. The factory double-action trigger of the Redhawk smooths considerably with use. The pull itself is light enough, and the cylinder locks "early" in the DA stroke, allowing the shooter a final opportunity to correct the sight alignment, prior to the shot. Dedicated PPC shooters used to spend big money getting their S&W's tuned to offer just this characteristic- and the Redhawk gives this for the price of the gun.
I have a 44 mag Super Redhawk, but my 41 Redhawk is more accurate.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #3 on:** October 04, 2009, 04:03:39 AM »

I usually won't get much leading if speed kept under 1000 fps. For higher velocity and cast bullets use gas checked, as that was what they were designed for. Trail Boss powder was specialy designed for use with plain based cast bullets, filling the case so you can't accidentally double charge and providing mild recoil. Hope this helps.

DDZ · « **Reply #4 on:** October 04, 2009, 04:54:37 AM »

When I shot lead, the gun was fairly new and the loads I shot were under 1000fps. Maybe if I tried lead now the bore may be smoothed out a bit more from shooting jacketed bullets and not lead so much. It was such a pain scrubbing the lead from the barrel I just switched to jacketed bullets. Anyway I didn't buy it to shoot reduced loads.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2009, 10:52:41 AM »

Good grab! Great cartridge! Those RH's are too large for my tastes but they'll last and then some.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2009, 01:01:31 PM »

DDZ, alot of the load data given on the inernet is far above published data. Example: I have seen statements of 250 XTP w/21.5 Grn of 2400(45 Colt), 19.5 Grn 2400, and 18.5 Grn of 2400 all on the same hunting thred. My Lyman manual lists a max of 17.8 Grain of 2400. In .44 Mag you here 9 grains Unique under a lead 240 when Alliant who makes Unique only goes as high as 7 Grns,(plain base Cowboy load). Alliant goes to 11.8 for 240 Gass Checked loading. The gass checks keep the bullet from leading the barrel. Just food for thought.

Cayoot · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2009, 02:27:48 PM »

Thanks alot guys! I was looking forward to getting some encouragement on purchasing this gun. I'm a big fan of the .41, but I've never owned a Redhawk before. This one is blue. I've never shot a Redhawk but I've always thought the grip shape looked attractive. I really like the way it feels in my hand. I'm looking forward to bringing this jewel home. I think most of the shooting will be stiff loads, but who knows? It may be so accurate that it becomes my new rabbit gun too....I'm thinking that a .41 SWC moving at about 650 fps would be an awsome rabbit droper...I know the .38 wad cutter at that speed is!

DDZ · « **Reply #8 on:** October 04, 2009, 02:31:28 PM »

I have never, I repeat never used a load posted on the internet. The only data I have ever used was from loading manuals. the load I was using was under 1000fps. If I ever decide to shoot lead in it again I may try gas checks, but I doubt I ever will.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2009, 09:15:09 PM »

Hardcast bullets that are gas checked are very popular with handgun hunters. The gas check allows you to reach that 1100-1300 fps that everyone seems to think is ideal for side to side penitration.

watkibe · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2009, 04:51:32 PM »

I got my SS 5 1/2" RH 20 years ago for $289 ! I have had a Weaver base and mount on it with a Simmons scope until recently, when I went back to the open sights.

The gun/scope combo is awesome ! It is easily accurate enough for deer hunting at 100 yards. I have never had a problem with it, and over the years the trigger has really smoothed out. When I first got it, I put in the strongest (12lb?) Wolffe reduced power trigger spring and have never looked back.

The 41 Mag is pretty much the same as the 44 mag; I have a mold for 240 gr bullets 41 bullets, which is the standard 44 weight. With a case full of H110, the velocities equal the 44. With just enough Unique to get 1000 fps, its a fun daily plinking load.

bigoledude · « **Reply #11 on:** December 15, 2009, 07:44:52 PM »

I think 650fps will give you side-to-side penetration on rabbits. LOL

I had a Dan Wesson .41magnum years ago. The round was fabulous but, the barrel kept rattling loose. Sold the Dan Wesson and, have wanted another .41magnum ever since.

My redhawk is a blue 5 1/2 inch in .44magnum and, I could not be more pleased. I would very much like to have a Redhawk in .41mag and one in .454 Casull. Stainless would also be nice.

You will enjoy that .41 brother. Believe me!

rawhidekid · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2009, 02:30:43 AM »

I bet that blue RH would look ausome in stag grips.

Good luck and good hunting.

Three44s · « **Reply #13 on:** December 20, 2009, 04:03:48 AM »

You mentioned the Red Hawk grip .......... you may not like those factory stocks after you try heavy loads.

But there are many remedies.

Three 44s

DDZ · « **Reply #14 on:** December 20, 2009, 05:24:17 AM »

I didn't like the stock grips on my 7 1/2 inch .41. I installed Pachmayr Presentation grips. After I had them awhile I thought I would like the Decelerator grips better, and bought them. At the time a buddy of mine was pestering me to buy the Pachmayr grips from me. So I sold them to him. After shooting with the decelerator grips I wish I would have kept the Pachmayr's. They felt better and gave me more control. The decelerator's just seem a bit to small. So I will be buying another set of Presentation's for it.

bkraft · « **Reply #15 on:** December 20, 2009, 08:16:54 AM »

You have aquired a first rate hand gun, I know I got one, it will shoot better than I can. Have several deer and a couple of hogs to its credit. I sent mine to SSK and had the barrel ribbed and a 2X Leoupold mounted in their TSOB mounts. I hope that yours is as good to you as mine has been to me.

saddlebum · « **Reply #16 on:** February 28, 2010, 01:27:45 AM »

Had a 5.5" stainless. Was my favorite to hunt with. Thats the gun that started me reloading 25yrs ago. 4 boxes of ammo cost as much as a Hornady reloading outfit. Started me casting too. Easy to work on with the trigger group and all. I put a trigger stop on mine. Got me started on LBT cast bullets too. Lots of firsts with that gun. 300gr WLN LBT at 1500fps, 215gr RCBS at 1100 were my two favorite loads. Very sad day when I sold that one.

Rutin2tin · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2010, 03:20:31 AM »

Quote from: Cayoot on October 03, 2009, 01:33:52 PM

My local pusher just got in a used 7 1/2" Ruger Redhawk in .41 Mag. It looks like it was carried some (honest looking holster wear around muzzle and minor scuffs on grips) but fired little (only faint turn line of cylinder). The price is $525.

Does anyone know if there were any issues with these? I'm a real fan of the .41 Mag. This will be my first Redhawk.

When were these manufactured?

Thanks

Someone once offered a near new Redhawk .41 with 7.5" bbl to me for $200. To this very day, I kick myself for not taking that offer.
Good shooting with the Redhawk!

jimone · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2010, 11:42:32 AM »

My ,41 Blackhawk and 1894S Marlin like .40 grams AA #2 with Lee 210gr TL wheelweights as cast, kills rabbits like Tiger with a 9 iron. This is lighter than AA data anc crosses chrony at 1000 fps from blackhawk 6.5".

bkraft · « **Reply #19 on:** March 02, 2010, 06:53:41 AM »

I could be talked into doing you the favor of taking that worthless R.H. off you hands. I would gladly further endanger my marriage and my "happy home" to keep you from the terrible addiction that that seemingly innocent .41 will lead to.

Best of luck with it, I hope yours is as much fun for you is mine is for me.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2010, 07:10:09 AM »

Well i will tell you the problems you will have with that gun . First some idoit will say it is heavy . You will check and compare and see its not . Most guns that can be compared honest are with in an ounce one way OR THE OTHER. Second some guy with a less strong gun will say only a fool will load hoter than his gun will shoot . Two things you can use as a standard reply 1- then why do reloading books list heavier loads for them 2- If no one ever pushed the 44spl. we would never have had a 44 or 41 mag. A third and one with a real cost to you - You will learn what a great gun Ruger has in the Redhawk . You will want more and more and more and still more . Then you will want a Super Redhawk , then a GP-100 , Then an SP-101 and then they will find you in old gun shops and gun shows searching out service sixes and security sixes on used racks . Then you will have to have an SP-101 in 22 LR. then a 327 fed mag. and on and on .
Now if you want a hunting holster give a Galco Kodiak a look see . Think i spelled that wrong ?
I'm looking for one in 357 mag. yep they made one years ago .
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY !

Dand · « **Reply #21 on:** March 07, 2010, 10:15:15 PM »

my stainless 7.5 41 RH does fine with LBT style 250 to 265 cast gas check bullets at about 1100 IIRC. I've shot a lot of them thru it with H110, 296, 2400 and 4227. Like H110 the best. I haven't had much leading. If I do get leading I run a Lewis Lead remover through it and it cleans up easy. It IS heavy compared to my Bisley. Have scopes on both but the not GS mount on the RH is a lot bigger than the Leupold mount I had installed on the Bisley. I keep thinking I might be better off taking the scope off the RH and using the irons. I went to a Houge grip as my hand is small. The Hogues fit me really well - MUCH better than Pach Presentations. I should take that scope off, it might be easier to handle.

Pot-Bellied Stallion · « **Reply #22 on:** April 01, 2010, 09:31:06 AM »

There are a lot of fine DA revolvers out there,and I've had the pleasure of shooting a large number of them. That being said, I would take my blued, 71/2" .41 mag Redhawk over all of them. I bought it over 20 years ago and it has been my constant companion whenever I'm out in the mountains (which is a lot). When I first bought it I replaced the sights with hunting sights and was able to place 6 shots in a regular Oxydol box at 100 yards. As far as I'm concerned it's the best.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #23 on:** April 01, 2010, 09:42:07 AM »

Issues with a Redhawk - ........................................... nope !
Well some like a trigger job , check out brownells for different weight springs if you want to lighten up the trigger .
GREAT GUNS ENJOY !