Question about Ruger DA's

[Blackhawker]

I'm new to double actions.  In fact, all the revolvers I own are single actions.  I'm curious about Ruger DA's.  I hear that for the most part they're not the best operating of the DA's.  What are some of your opinions on Redhawks or Super Redhawks, if any?

Thanks

[SHOOTALL]

I shoot both SRH and RH . I like mine . I got to shooting rugers because they are stronger than S&W's . This can be seen in loading books as load data for the rugers is hoter. Some say they weigh more and in some cases they do an oz or so. Some say the trigger is better on a S&W and depending on your needs they can be . I have had triggers jobs on 2 Rugers and both came back great . As good as any S&W i have owned including a Custom DX . I really like my RH the best the SRH is a lot to tote. Mine all shoot well . If you hand load the 45 Colt RH can be loaded to impressive levels . With light bullets it gets flat shooting. With 300 gr bullets it is a powerful gun if loaded to Ruger spc. If not loading the 44 is the best bet. As far as operating - never had a problem of any kind shooting the same loads that locked up the custom DX.

[Blackhawker]

I shoot both SRH and RH . I like mine . I got to shooting rugers because they are stronger than S&W's . This can be seen in loading books as load data for the rugers is hoter. Some say they weigh more and in some cases they do an oz or so. Some say the trigger is better on a S&W and depending on your needs they can be . I have had triggers jobs on 2 Rugers and both came back great . As good as any S&W i have owned including a Custom DX . I really like my RH the best the SRH is a lot to tote. Mine all shoot well . If you hand load the 45 Colt RH can be loaded to impressive levels . With light bullets it gets flat shooting. With 300 gr bullets it is a powerful gun if loaded to Ruger spc. If not loading the 44 is the best bet. As far as operating - never had a problem of any kind shooting the same loads that locked up the custom DX.

Thanks for the info Shootall. Here is what I'm considering:  I've always wanted a large frame double action revolver and since I DO load the 45 Colt on the heavy side for my Blackhawks, I like the idea of the heavier frames and tolerances of Ruger revolvers such as the RH, SRH and of course, the BH.  This might sound funny to you but I don't hunt so I really don't need a hefty caliber other than for just fun.  What I'm considering is either a 454 Casull or a 480 Ruger in a SRH.  What would be nice is to have the 454 and have the versatility of shooting my heavy 45 Colts in it as well as the 454 BUT, the 480 Ruger is something different and even slightly bigger.  Do I need something that big?  No, but it's just something fun to load and tinker with.  Basically I'm undecided upon which of these two calibers would be better to get.....aside from the whole experience of entering into the DA world.

[SHOOTALL]

It seems like the 480 is not around much any more

[Blackhawker]

Yeah, I guess Ruger discontinued it in their SRH.  That is a five shot revolver...correct?  I don't know why it seems to be fading away.  I've read that it's a stronger yet less recoiling round than the 454.  I've read other positive attributes too.  I guess maybe the 454 wins over the 480 due to the 45 Colt additional chambering. 

[SHOOTALL]

Mines a 454 . I was looking for a 480 a while back and none were around. After looking at ammo , reloading dies etc. I let it go. I don't shoot the 454 much anyway. But it is fun to blast away at the 300 yard gong every once in a while 

[Blackhawker]

I hear you on that.  What I didn't tell you in the last message is that I tend to shoot prairie dogs with my BH 45 Colt.  I refuse to shoot anything closer than 75 yards.  Man, is it ever fun to try to nail em out past 150 or 200 yards.  OK, aside from just fun shooting, that's my other intent for getting this DA.  Yes, it's total overkill and YES, I can use varmint ammo etc, but what's the fun in that?   

[SHOOTALL]

I don't see it as over kill. It will sharpen yur skill . I have shot ground hogs with my 44. Not the small target you go after but fun. I got into IHMSA years ago . After the TC's and XP's got old it was several 10.5 inch BH's that i enjoyed shooting. I switched to the RH and like it better . You might notice the difference and feel the same way. These days I shoot for fun when I can. I take people i meet working to shoot some and always enjoy getting them hitting 300 yard gongs with a revolver. It gets them more involved i think. One guy wanted to shoot his rifle on the 500 yard line . We set up and he has at it . Well there is a 24 inch X 36 inch plate steel target out there . I pull out the 44 and he ask what I'm going to shoot. I say the target. He said i will give you 100 dollars if you hit it first shot . We had not shot togather before . I said will you give me two shots ? He said naw I don't like the way ya said it . I hit it second shot ( but i had shot it many times before . He was hitting it in no time at all. It just something about long range with a stright walled revolver cart.

[Blackhawker]

Well, it looks like I'm heading down the same road you have traveled.  I too shoot T/C pistols a lot.  The get a little boring because I usually sit when I shoot them and I basically can hit almost anything within 200 yards with them.  I love to walk and shoot my Blackhawks....and now I'm thinking of heading into the large frame DA area. 

I can recall a time last year when my buddy and I were shooting off a large hillside (mountainside) at some dog mounds down below on the flat plain.  Typically they're about 40" around but can be bigger or smaller.  We sat on that hill shooting over and over at dog mounds that were anywhere from 500 yards to who knows how far.  We both were amazed at how we were able to judge shots at those distances and actually hit the targets repeatedly with a 45 Colt and 44 mag pair of Blackhawks.  What a lot of fun that was!
That's why I'm looking into the 480 Ruger or the 454.  I think the 454 can probably shoot a little flatter....what do you think?  Then again, it all depends on bullet weight vs. velocity. 

[SHOOTALL]

I will open this can of worms , The case of the 454 is longer so if you load a heavy bullet it must be seated deep enough to lessen the room for powder. With a light bullet you can stoke it up and shoot flat. I have read this was the intent and was to be used on deer and such at longer ranges than 44 mags could do. When loading heavy you often have to seat it to where you have not much more than a 45 colt case will hold . Yes different powder and still more power. There is no hold over ot "seeing front sight above the rear blade " way past 100 yards with light bullets . My oldest can hit a paper plate 6 for 6 standing at 100 yards alot of the time, I sit and rest the gun ( youth) .
I would suggest you hold both RH and SRH in your hand they are different guns with different triggers . Both are nice just different.
I have talked with posters here about getting colored bars on the front sight of a revolver to aid in long range work. When the economy picks up I think i will get it done .

[Blackhawker]

Good info.  Are you suggesting the 454 being better over the 480 Ruger for "small targets" at long distances then?

As for front sights, I've always wanted to calibrate my front sight on my Blackhawk and paint lines on it.  For a lot of real long distance shooting, the front blade mount works well. 

Which do you prefer....the RH or SRH?  I've always liked the "look" of the SRH with the grey tinted stainless...but looks aren't everything.  I would like to get a longer barrel if I do this.  Currently most of my BH's are 7.5".  I wouldn't mind trying a 9.5" if possible but I fear it might be a lot to tote around too.  What barrel lengths do you prefer?

[SHOOTALL]

Not sure I could offer any thoughts on the 480 as I have not shot one. The 454 is fine at longer ranges though. I guess I like the RH as i shoot it alot compared to the SRH. Don't read that as the SRH being not as good , It cost more to load . If its a 9.5 bbl then it will be a SRH. Mine is 7.5 . I was looking for a longer 480 if i could have found one.

[Blackhawker]

Not sure I could offer any thoughts on the 480 as I have not shot one. The 454 is fine at longer ranges though. I guess I like the RH as i shoot it alot compared to the SRH. Don't read that as the SRH being not as good , It cost more to load . If its a 9.5 bbl then it will be a SRH. Mine is 7.5 . I was looking for a longer 480 if i could have found one.

So even being a 454 owner, you'd consider a 480 and not feel like you're doubling up on another gun that is "for the most part" the same?

[temmi]

If you can find a 480 get it

[SHOOTALL]

Not sure I could offer any thoughts on the 480 as I have not shot one. The 454 is fine at longer ranges though. I guess I like the RH as i shoot it alot compared to the SRH. Don't read that as the SRH being not as good , It cost more to load . If its a 9.5 bbl then it will be a SRH. Mine is 7.5 . I was looking for a longer 480 if i could have found one.

So even being a 454 owner, you'd consider a 480 and not feel like you're doubling up on another gun that is "for the most part" the same?
Not at all each gun is fun

[painted horse]

If you can shoot and hit a 40in target at 500+ yards with your 44mag and 45 colt, I think you're pretty well set. Really don't see any reason (other than "want") to be using anything else.  I'm doin good to do that at 100..

[SHOOTALL]

Painted horse , Don't see more than is there . Its a known distance and the spoter can watch the bullet fly into the target . Its off a rest at a comfortable bench. Our berm is 40-50 ft high ( A code issue ) and there are always objects to use as refrence for hold over some seem to be perment like a bush etc. If it were a deer at 425 doubt i would touch it.  But its fun on the days when you are in the groove. If you have a long range give it a try its easier than you might think. Some used to say that the arc on a 44 mag at 200 meters was over 6 ft. I can't imagine what it would be at 500 yards but there is alot of front sight peeking over the rear one .

[1911crazy]

I have two ruger redhawks in 44mag ever since they were first offered.  I did take them apart and lube them with moly.  It makes the trigger much better with just a lube.  I'm waiting for ruger to super size the super redhawk and offer it in 500s&w.  I sent them an email suggesting this, now i'm waiting for it. I also asked them to offer the redhawks in 357mag and in 41 mag again too so us baby boomers could have a second shot at them.

[Blackhawker]

I have two ruger redhawks in 44mag ever since they were first offered.  I did take them apart and lube them with moly.  It makes the trigger much better with just a lube.  I'm waiting for ruger to super size the super redhawk and offer it in 500s&w.  I sent them an email suggesting this, now i'm waiting for it. I also asked them to offer the redhawks in 357mag and in 41 mag again too so us baby boomers could have a second shot at them.

The .41 mag for sure....and they should put the 480 Ruger back too.