Author Topic: REDHAWK HANDGUNS?? (Read 7281 times)

DECKAPE · « **on:** October 07, 2011, 11:25:31 AM »

thinking of purchasing a 44 mag redhawk..5.5 bbl....anyone have any input on them...also what is the difference between a redhawk and a super redhawk..sorry for the stupid ? but i have no knowledge of them..i have a sp100 357 and would like a 44 double action, but i punch a clock for a living and cant afford a smith....THANKS for any info.....DICK (aka deckape)

Bigeasy · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2011, 02:08:17 PM »

Dick

The Redhawk is a heck of a nice revolver. Main difference between the Redhawk and the Super Redhawk is the heavier barrel profile on the Super. The Redhawk is already slightly over built, compared to a S&W 629, the Super more so then necessary, at least in the 44 mag chambering. I own a fair number of 44 mag handguns, but my 7.5 inch early model Redhawk is my go to gun for testing heavy loads, and serious big game hunting. Strong as all get out, accurate, and a good trigger pull. I had a blue 5.5 Redhawk once that I foolishly sold, and would like to find another some day. They are a good choice for practical holster carry in the woods. I do not believe the 5.5 offers a scope mounting option like the 7.5 does.

DECKAPE · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2011, 02:52:29 PM »

thanks bigeasy...just what i was looking for .......im ordering one in stainless with the 5.5 bbl for a carry in the woods gun.....blind in right eye..shoot rt handed but sight with the left eye....scopes on hand guns dont work for me......as a great man once said.....a man must know his limitations.....DICK (aka DECKAPE)

anachronism · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2011, 02:59:54 PM »

Only std Redhawks are available with 5.5 in barrels. They're in pretty short supply right now for some reason. Because of the limited grip frame stud on the Super, as well as the barrel contours,a 7-1/2 Super Redhawk weighs slightly less than a 7-1/2 std Redhawk.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #4 on:** October 08, 2011, 01:37:05 PM »

I have a stainless in the 45 Colt and agree with Big Easy. Built hell for stout and easy shooting. Until I had my Super Blackhawk gone over by John Linebaugh, the Redhawk was my favorite carry in the mountains. DP

bkraft · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2011, 11:43:24 AM »

Got a .41Mag Redhawk and the only problem I got is I don't have two of em. Love it!

irold · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2011, 03:19:28 AM »

[ but i punch a clock for a living and cant afford a smith....

I've had several Redhawks , I still have the 4" stainless. That Redhawk will not take a backseat to any smith. The strength of the Redhawk is far beyond any Smith. (IMH) Yea , I had an action/trigger job done , but even adding that additional cost , its still less than a Smith. From what I've seen , most gunsmiths use the Redhawk for their big-bore D/A conversions....hmm wonder why ?

Go with a Redhawk , never look back !

regards , irold

handi243 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2011, 03:25:12 PM »

i just found one the other day 5.5" stainless it dont have the scope mounts but thats ok so far it like most all the loads i have put in it.

Swampman · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2011, 04:31:47 PM »

I had one of the first ones that came out. Heavy and hard to get a good trigger pull on them. Very accurate though. I don't like Ruger double action revolvers.

tacklebury · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2011, 05:17:54 PM »

Buds has some decent prices on smiths too.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/72/products_id/26258

41 magnum · « **Reply #10 on:** November 14, 2011, 12:55:45 PM »

Quote from: bkraft on October 09, 2011, 11:43:24 AM

Got a .41Mag Redhawk and the only problem I got is I don't have two of em. Love it!

except I have 3 others

great guns

Can't afford a Smith? I'd rather have a Ruger myself, at least they are completely made in the U.S.

DDZ · « **Reply #11 on:** November 15, 2011, 12:40:34 PM »

Quote from: bkraft on October 09, 2011, 11:43:24 AM

Got a .41Mag Redhawk and the only problem I got is I don't have two of em. Love it!

+1
I have one also, with a 71/2" barrel, and its my most accurate handgun with the 170gr JHC. I have been offered good money to sell it, but its one gun I never will.

anachronism · « **Reply #12 on:** November 15, 2011, 02:19:15 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on October 25, 2011, 04:31:47 PM

I had one of the first ones that came out. Heavy and hard to get a good trigger pull on them. Very accurate though. I don't like Ruger double action revolvers.

I swear that the early Redhawks all had springs made out of tempered coat hanger wire. Mine have all responded really well to quality spring kits. Smoothness hasn't been an issue for me, after a little work.

painted horse · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2011, 07:44:10 AM »

I have a few Ruger SA's in 45 colt all of which "needed" cyl work (undersized) and had tight spots in the barrel which were releived with firelapping. I bought Rugers because they're tough has he** and with a little work like above and a set of aftermarket springs you have a pretty darn good shooter. When I first saw the 4" RH in 45 colt just had to have one (didn't have a DA). When I finally got it guess what, undersized cyls and tight spots down the tube. Not a problem, reamed, firelapped, new spring, (only has one) still didn't shoot for crap. Did a whine and cry on another forum I attend as to the problems trying to find SOMETHING that this thing would shoot. Finally found a Blue Dot load that shot pretty darn well. But that was the only one out of many. (I do not like BD) Finally noticed while cleaning that the cyl and barrel didn't line up correctly. Sent it back to Ruger, new cyl, new barrel, new trigger mechanism, (new gun). Reream, refirelapp, new spring, gun is now a shooter of the first order. Would I buy another? Probably....

Ladobe · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2011, 09:46:59 AM »

Wish I had tried out a Redhawk 5 1/2" blue years ago, but stuck with all the old S&W 29's I'd had forever. Have no need for a 44MAG anymore or I'd give serious thought to a blue Redhawk 5 1/2 though. Kind of feel like I missed out on something good.

S.B. · « **Reply #15 on:** February 05, 2012, 04:30:30 AM »

I like my Ruger Redhawk.

Steve

kynardsj · « **Reply #16 on:** February 05, 2012, 04:42:32 AM »

Have owned a 44 mag Redhawk and a 44 Mag Super Redhawk in the past. Ended up horse trading them for something else but not because they weren't very nice revolvers. Got into 45 LC handguns sometime back and after buying several single actions I wanted a double action. Ended up with a 5 1/2 inch stainless Redhawk. Am very pleased with this revolver. They're built like a tank and although the factory trigger isn't as sweet as a Smith it's still light enough for great accuracy and being a Ruger, I can heat up the 45 LC loads I shoot in it.

vbhunter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2012, 04:50:49 PM »

I have owned four Super Blackhawks (one 5.5", two 7.5", and one 10.5") and one 5.5" Redhawk. My Redhawk was a standard stainless model with 5.5" barrel. I had to send it back to Ruger because the barrel was torqued on wrong, and shot way to the left due to an imperceptible cant in the front sight. It was fine when I got it back, but I just never could shoot it as well as my SBH's. It just didn't balance well in my average sized hands. The Redhawk was heavier than any of the SBH's (maybe close to the same weight as the 10.5" SBH. It was built like a tank, but was way too heavy and just didn't feel nearly as comfortable in my hands as any of the SBH's, and I tried several different grip options. I never shot a 7.5" Redhawk, so maybe it balances better than the 5.5". For a hunting and target handgun, I believe the 7.5" SBH is by far the best way to go, unless you just have to have double-action. Ruger really got it right with balance and pointablity with the 7.5" SBH. Of course, all of this is just my opinion.

P.S. The recoil in the Redhawk did seem a little lighter than the SBH's.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #18 on:** February 20, 2012, 01:58:05 PM »

The RUGER RedHawk is just plain one very tough an strong gun.

In fact, having owned a number of BlackHawks, in some ways the RH is stronger.

I have the 5.5" stainless and it takes a beat'in and keeps on tick'in!

My go to load is a 310gr LBT/LFN cast boolit with which I am getting just a touch over 1300fps.

Shooting the heavies (over 300gr) from the BH, I had problems with the base (cylinder) pin because of the recoil. I have had nothing but good service from the RH.

Saw a new one at a sporting goods last week, and even though I need another one like I need the proverbial extra hole in my head, I did stop and look.

Keep em coming!

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot

Dezynco · « **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2012, 12:34:15 PM »

I never cared for the grip design of the Redhawk, but a nice set of Hogue Monogrips took care of that. I never could make myself like the big Super Redhawk - they're just so dang bulky. If Ruger would figure out a way to put the grip from the Super onto the old style Redhawk.....like I said the Hogue Monogrip is a good upgrade. I love my 7.5" Redhawk

YARD MAN · « **Reply #20 on:** March 14, 2012, 05:44:58 PM »

You might want to look quick because I just read yesterday Ruger has stopped making that handgun. I hope it's wrong, because I am looking for one as well!

muznut 54 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 04, 2012, 04:11:00 AM »

I have a blued 5.5, .44 and I like it, I put a set of Houge grips on it but then I put the wood back on I didn't like the way the Houge made my hand lower on the grip/frame I use titegroup and ac5744 for hand loads. I must have got a good one because I had no problems.

southernutah · « **Reply #22 on:** May 13, 2012, 05:04:24 PM »

I don't have large hands and the SRH has the smaller grip the size of the GP100s. Have both and the SRH fit my hand better

1911crazy · « **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:01:38 AM »

Back when the S&W 29's were black marketed for $550++++ soon after Ruger offered the redhawk in 44mag. I purchased the 5 1/2'' barrel in stainless and the 7 1/2'' barrel in stainless also. For all these many years they have preformed awesome. With the magnum loads(hotter) the 7 1/2'' barrel handles better of course over the 5 1/2'' barrel. My only regret is i didn't purchase the 357mag & the 41mag redhawk at the time. I recently purchased a ruger super blackhawk in 44mag with a 10 1/2'' barrel to hunt with. My redhawks are in pristine condition. The S&W model 57 in 41 mag is another great caliber too. I just got one at half the price of new and its brand new from my dealer in nickel. I may go for a S&W 29 too. But for an awesome 44mag revolver the redhawk is hard to beat.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:41:30 AM »

Quote from: DECKAPE on October 07, 2011, 11:25:31 AM

thinking of purchasing a 44 mag redhawk..5.5 bbl....anyone have any input on them...also what is the difference between a redhawk and a super redhawk..sorry for the stupid ? but i have no knowledge of them..i have a sp100 357 and would like a 44 double action, but i punch a clock for a living and cant afford a smith....THANKS for any info.....DICK (aka deckape)

The main difference in a RH and SRH is the frame extension and lock work. The RH is a nice gun and if desired a trigger job can make it a fine target gun. I have one blue 5.5 inch bbl. that has a trigger job and it is about as good as i have seen. The RH is superior in strength to many other revolvers yet is but only an ounce or two over the weight of a comprable mod 29 contray to popular belief . I like the tapered bbl of the RH better than the pipe looking bbls of some other guns. I like the wood grips that come on a RH better than the rubber ones that come on the 4 inch mod. But many are just the opposite and like the rubber grips they can be switched. I would suggest a quality holster , I like a cross draw . As for not getting a S&W , don't feel like you are settling for less . In reality you are getting a more modern gun that will stand up to shooting as long as any 44 mag could be expected to.

1911crazy · « **Reply #25 on:** May 24, 2012, 09:56:56 AM »

Through experience with my ruger super blackhawk with 7 1/2'' barrel in 44mag its one of the strongest 44mag revolvers out there. We shot some very hot loads out of it. If you reload and perfer the hotter ammo constantly i think the SBH is the way to go. For average and normal 44mag loads the redhawk will preform ok. I don't think the S&W 29 in 44mag will take a steady diet of the 44 magnum hotter loads. I prefer to feed the ruger SBH the hotter stuff.
For a CCW 44mag revolver the redhawk w/ 5 1/2'' barrel will do ok. But the redhawk w/7 1/2'' barrel in 44mag will handle much better when it comes to the magnum loads.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #26 on:** May 24, 2012, 10:10:48 AM »

The Redhawk is stronger than the Super BH. even the super BH hunter. Thats why its used over most all other guns in some of the high pressure/preformance builds. But don't take my work check out some of the custom builders , or just look at the thickness of frames and cyl. on each. And no not talking Super Red Hawk. Super RH is just to big .

1911crazy · « **Reply #27 on:** May 25, 2012, 03:18:54 AM »

I didn't know the redhawk was stronger than the SBH in 44mags. I really don't care for the super redhawk frame either. Its just way to big and heavy for a CCW gun but perfect for target shooting and hunting with a scope mounted. Back when i was young and stupid we did push some hotter loads thru the SBH in 44mag with the 7 1/2'' barrel and it ate with pride everything we fed it. I guess the quality is there with either revolver.
My new S&W's in 41mag did impress me with the recoil and the preformance close to a 44mag in some cases. The model 58 with the 4'' barrel handled the federal 41mg 210 JHP very well with way less recoil over the 44mag with a short barrel. I know Elmer Keith liked the 41mag. but that was life before the 44mag.

S.B. · « **Reply #28 on:** May 25, 2012, 06:15:06 AM »

1911crazy, S&Wdesigned the .44 mag(1956) long before the .41 mag(1963) was thought of.
Steve

streak · « **Reply #29 on:** May 25, 2012, 11:15:36 AM »

Well I have a Super Redhawk with the 9.5 " barrel in .44 Mag. Some complain about weight and bulky aspects of the SRH but it really comes into its own in certain hunting enviroments. Mine is scoped and the last two shots I fired cout of it at 100 yds I could cover with my thumb. I carry it in a Uncle Mikes chest holster and it does not seem to be all that heavy. It is great with a good rest setting alongside a powerline or even edge of field, I had SSK Industries a sponsor on this site to do a trigger job and cylinder adjustment on it and while the had it sent it on up tp Mag-Na-Port for a custom brakes! It is one smooth shooting revolver!!