i had three new models break on me. all in the same fashion. there is another thread going on right now called "redhawk barrel turned" that i will direct you to. ruger has a problem that i thought was only with their super blackhawks, but it appears that the redhawk is subject to the same problem.
beyond all that, i think ruger's customer service leaves alot to be desired. yes, they fixed my guns. they also took their sweet time doing it. and i had to pull teeth to even get anyone from ruger to even talk with me about the problem, and the one guy who did tried to b.s. me and obviously wanted to end the conversation asap. i would stay away from the new rugers.
i recently went to a gun show and a guy there had a old flattop 44. i asked if i could handle it and he said "sure". compared to the new models, the old model seems like an entirely different make of gun. it was of obviously better quality than the new models. if you must have a blackhawk, i would strongly advise you cruise one of the online auction sites for an old model, or find one locally.
this all coming from a guy still trying to sell his last blackhawk. i must be doing a good job letting folks know about this; as i havent even had a bite.
no takers. ruger WAS my favorite firearms manufacturer. keyword here being "was"