Considering a Redhawk

[kyguy]

Hey guys big Ruger fan here. So I recently sold a Charter Arms Bulldog because I didn't like the quality at all, or the brushed finish, it seemed very cheaply made. Glad I sold it. So now I'm in the market for a Ruger revolver. I have an sp101 already, and it's by far the most fun, and comfortable shooter I've had. It's just built so solid and I totally trust it. I have shot tons of 357 out of it and it's just a champ.

But now I'm wanting to change things up, I'm a big bore fan, and really wanting a big bore, shooter, an all in one, for shooting at the range, and for self defense too. The one I'm liking and looking at is the Redhawk. Either in 4.2 or 5.5". I love a 44 special, and the 44 magnum would be my first 44 mag. And I love that it's double action. Single actions are cool, but not sure if they're as practical. Although I like the Vaqueros. So should I go for the Redhawk? They look really high quality. I'm a Smith guy too, but I couldn't bring myself to buy a new Smith I don't think. Thoughts?

 

[427mach1]

I've got a 5.5" Redhawk in 41 mag and love it. I also like the look of the 4.2" version, which was never offered in 41. By self-defense, I assume you mean woods-carry, and I would lean toward the 4.2" barrel. If it will spend more time at the range, the 5.5" might be a little better. If you intend to use it for self-defense against 2-legged creatures, I would suggest a 9mm, 40, or 45 instead, as 44 magnum is overkill and you risk over-penetration.

 

[cleardatum]

i have a 4.2" redhawk .44 mag, and it is one of my favorite rugers. it has a really nice trigger, and is my usual nightstand choice. if you load your own ammo, speer has some really nice short barrel self defense loads. a 200 grain "flying ashtray" at about 1000 fps will do the job. i wouldn't want to carry this thing much. it is quite heavy.

 

[Tom W]

I'm kinda drooling for the .45 Colt / .45 ACP model.....

 

[tinman]

I'm kinda drooling for the .45 Colt / .45 ACP model.....

That's the one I bought..........great gun. :!:

 

[kyguy]

I love double action, single action shooters are fun as hell but I'm more into double because they got it all shooters and can be a good personal defense weapon too. I don't think any revolver is made better than Rugers now. For this weapon I'll be both shooting it and also use it for defense. This would be a shooter and personal defense weapon I already have a small woods gun in my sp101. So I'm debating whether a 45 lc or a 44 mag. Basically I want a good all in one. The single action Vaqueros are sweet but probably would have to be double for my purposes. I'm still thinking the Redhawk in 44 mag because I can shoot specials in it for defense too and plus I already have a ton of 44 ammo leftover from a bulldog I sold.

 

[cmonti77]

I have 4.2 inch redhawk in 41 magnum. It's definitely a keeper. Between 45lc and 44 mag, the 44 mag might be better for you if you're not into reloading, as 44 caliber ammo is more commonly available and reasonably priced. Also, you mentioned that you've already got a good supply of 44 ammo on hand, so that's another advantage.

If you're planning on using it for CCW, you might also consider the Kodiak backpacker model, as I can tell you from experience that even the 4.2 inch redhawk is a pretty chunky and heavy revolver that doesn't conceal well.

 

[gramps]

Kyguy, welcome to the forum. I have a Charter Bulldog, and a Redhawk .44 mag with the 4.2 inch barrel. The Charter is 21 oz to the Redhawk's 41oz. I carried the Redhawk while in Alaska in either a Simply Rugged holster or an Uncle Mike's vertical shoulder holster, depending on my activities for the day. The Redhawk has a good trigger. I have read the 5.5 inch barrel is better balanced, I don't know first hand. I got the 4.2 inch barrel as a defensive weapon while hiking the boonies outside of Anchorage, Barrow, and Kotzebue, Alaska. Clearing leather was a priority for me (shorter barrels rock). It was a great talisman, as the only Grizzly or Polar bears I saw were in the Anchorage zoo. Good luck with your search. Let us know what you choose.
gramps

 

[contender]

I own a few Redhawks,,, and all I can say is "buy it you will like it!"

BTW; Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

There is a 4" Redhawk 45 Colt, and a 4" Redhawk 44mag, in the classifieds. I don't know the owners but picture shows them to be in excellent shape. I've got both 44 Mag and 45 Colt, I'm not prejudice in any way.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The Redhawk is a big heavy gun but handles the 44 magnum well. For self-defense I would recommend 44 specials. It isn't very good for CCW but might be fine out in the woods on your hip. If you like to shoot a lot, reloading can cut the cost of ammo considerably. Them 44 mags and 44 specials are expensive.

 

[kyguy]

Does Ruger make any big bore revolver with fixed sights? I'm not a big fan of adjustable sights on a defensive weapon, just me. The 44 special is my far my favorite round. So a 44 mag is really what I'm looking for. I'll never have another Charter though, the quality was pretty lacking. My sp101 is a little tank. Just wanting something bigger bore.

I love Smiths too, but am leery of the new Smiths with the lock.

 

[WAYNO]

Sounds like your mind is already made up on a lot of things. Happens to me sometimes too.

I like DA revolvers. I like Redhawks, but even in their shortest barrel models, they are still big and clunky. Although nearly the same size, the Smith 629's just don't impart their clunkiness on me.

Don't close your mind to large caliber SA revolvers. Learn to use them and they are just as easy and quick to use as any DA revolver. And although dimensions would not agree, the SA revolvers are just more suave than any Redhawk. Since you asked about fixed-sight large bore DA's, ya just might want to reconsider a SA, in the short-barreled and birdshead New Vaquero's. I've got the 3-3/4" birdshead New Vaquero in .45ACP, and it's a pleasure both to shoot, and to carry.

And for the record, I truly appreciate Charter Arms revolvers. Sorry you ended up with one you don't like.

WAYNO.

 

[planetcat]

I've had my .44 mag 4.2" redhawk since '08. Great revolver, very stout, reliable, and strong. A bit on the heavy side, however. My .41 mag NM blackhawk is a bit lighter and also a great shooter. Really depends on what the intended purpose is. I wouldn't rule out .45 colt either.

 

[kyguy]

Yea Ive just no experience with single actions at all. Never owned or fired one. But the Vaqueros definitely look cool. Are single actions easier to clean or less so than doubles? Forgive the dumb question, just have never handled a single action before. The purpose for this one since I already have a snub sp101 is a larger, bigger bore that I can shoot and have fun with and maybe for a nightstand if needed too. I like Smiths and Rugers both. Just really will depend on which one feels better to me, I like pre-lock Smiths, not sure about the new ones..Have heard about quality problems with the new ones. the .41 magnum intrigues me. But hands down my favorite shooting round ever is .44 spl. Those stainless .45 lc Vaqueros look really sweet though, have my eye on them!

 

[cmonti77]

Don't forget to consider Magnum Research. They make a 5-shot 44 magnum single action with a short barrel.

 

[WAYNO]

Yea Ive just no experience with single actions at all. Never owned or fired one. But the Vaqueros definitely look cool. Are single actions easier to clean or less so than doubles? Forgive the dumb question, just have never handled a single action before. The purpose for this one since I already have a snub sp101 is a larger, bigger bore that I can shoot and have fun with and maybe for a nightstand if needed too. I like Smiths and Rugers both. Just really will depend on which one feels better to me, I like pre-lock Smiths, not sure about the new ones..Have heard about quality problems with the new ones. the .41 magnum intrigues me. But hands down my favorite shooting round ever is .44 spl. Those stainless .45 lc Vaqueros look really sweet though, have my eye on them!

Since your mind was made up on a DA revolver, don't let me talk you out of it. There will be plenty of time later to start experimenting with other revolvers.

As far as one or the other being easier to clean...If you're just cleaning the obvious stuff, there's not much difference. But field stripping will be easier on a Ruger DA for more in-depth cleaning of the internal components.

Whatever you decide, have fun with it.

WAYNO.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Sounds like your mind is already made up on a lot of things. Happens to me sometimes too.

I like DA revolvers. I like Redhawks, but even in their shortest barrel models, they are still big and clunky. Although nearly the same size, the Smith 629's just don't impart their clunkiness on me.

Don't close your mind to large caliber SA revolvers. Learn to use them and they are just as easy and quick to use as any DA revolver. And although dimensions would not agree, the SA revolvers are just more suave than any Redhawk. Since you asked about fixed-sight large bore DA's, ya just might want to reconsider a SA, in the short-barreled and birdshead New Vaquero's. I've got the 3-3/4" birdshead New Vaquero in .45ACP, and it's a pleasure both to shoot, and to carry.

And for the record, I truly appreciate Charter Arms revolvers. Sorry you ended up with one you don't like.

WAYNO.

I think Wayno must be my brother from another mother. Good input here. If there is any way possible, I think you should try both S/A and D/A before actually plunking down the money. Personally I find the S/A to point very well for me from the holster and that can be important. Hopefully you have enough shooting friends that you can at least borrow a few different guns.

I have a Charter Arms 44 as a Truck gun and it's a good gun. But I also have a couple of Taurus 431's which are fixed sight and shoot 44 specials. Mine are 3" barrels, and very reliable. Don't know if you NEED 44 mags at this point and in Kentucky (I assume) but there are a lot of good guns out there. I have several D/A revolvers but for over 30 years in Alaska carried a S/A that was extremely durable and reliable, and I knew my first shot would be on. Not everyone enjoys the recoil of a 44 mag, and at the least it would be worthwhile shooting one a few times to decide if that's your thing. Good luck with the choice.

 

[kyguy]

After thinking it over, I think I may just skip the Redhawk and go for a Vaquero instead. I like that the Vaquero in 45 colt has fixed sights and a sleeker look. The Blackhawk is pretty sweet looking, but that stainless Vaquero really has caught my eye. Absolutely beautiful.