General Redhawk info and basics

[tacotime]

New to the Redhawk. Just curious on some basics...

Endshake - Do you have any? I would assume if there is much endshake seen on a Redhawk, that indicates some heavy usage, yes?

Was there a bad period for Redhawk quality, ignoring the barrel separation issue?

I hear some comments about light primer strikes. A real issue?

Any common timing issues or cylinder-bore alignment issues?

What are the most common issues to look out for, and to check for on a potential purchase?

Thanks!

 

[cellar701]

I own several Redhawks in .45, .44, 41, and .357 configurations. Bought them all used and have had zero problems. I have heard of the light strikes/ignition issues but I have never experienced a problem. You may wish to review a brief discourse from Bowen Arms on the subject (December 11, 2011| RUGER REDHAWK IGNITION PROBLEMS)

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/news.html

Endshake is typically pretty minimal - I have never seen or heard of a Redhawk being "shot loose." It is a very strong gun - really no comparison to guns such as a Smith model 29 (I have seen some very loose versions of that gun when they have been shot a lot with magnum loads).

I just do a typical revolver check when I have the opportunity to buy one in person - but I have bought used ones over the internet, again with zero problems.

Best Wishes on your upcoming acquisition - I am sure you will end up with a great revolver in the Redhawk!

 

[gunboat57]

When I bought my used stainless Redhawk a few years ago it showed very little evidence of usage. When I had occasional misfires I tried to fix it by installing a heavier hammer/trigger spring. That didn't solve the problem. But replacing the firing pin with a Bowen firing pin did the trick. My original firing pin protrusion was only .040", the Bowen brought it up to .055" where it should be. I've had no misfires since, even after installing the lightest hammer/trigger spring available.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

My RH was bought used--sales guy at LGS was a former pistolsmith for my boss in our gun shop while I ran the range, and was always pretty straight w/ me about the whos, whats, whys and wherefores of used guns. He said this one looked like it probably had less than a box of ammo thru it. S/N check shows it was built in the early '80s ('82 if memory serves.)

It has a tiny bit of endshake, though I haven't measured it. It's my understanding a little bit is mandatory to compensate for heat expansion and any build up of crud. And while I don't shoot it that much, usually only a box or two per year, I've yet to experience a misfire (Win WLP primers exclusively), so I guess the firing pin's ok, too. The gun's straight out of the box stock...

Rick C

 

[hittman]

I've owned 3 Redhawks in .41 Mag and .44 Mag and currently have two ~ both in .41 Mag.

Never a mechanical problem or flaw. Triggers right out of the box equal any S&W I've ever owned or fired.

Too darn rugged to be "shot out" or otherwise destroyed unless that is your specific goal.

Blued versions sported a finish nicer than the Six Series double action .... not equal to the old Colts but very nice. Certainly as nice as my 1970's vintage S&W's.

 

[tacotime]

I like the 4 incher and I agree about the blueing. I had always ignored the Ruger 44 guns but last week I saw a blue Redhawk up close for the first time and the blue was extremely nice. Exactly as said, not quite Colt Royal Blue, but looked close to the best Smith's I've seen.

 

[DPris]

Had Bowen do his firing pins on both of my Reds.
Those are the high country bear guns & I didn't want to find out about any ignition problems the hard way.
Denis

 

[tacotime]

Classic guns, about to explore them...