How are the new .480 Alaskans different from older editions?

[kf6gub]

Are they different? Materials? Number of chambers? thx Jim

 

[98Redline]

I believe the only difference is the fact that the logo and name on the barrel is laser engraved vs. roll marked.

Everything else should be identical (i.e. 6 holes).

 

[mohavesam]

Generally the newer-production runs of any such comparison are regarded as better-built or improved due to the lessons learned from the earlier production runs. Likewise engineering changes or small materials or finishing improvements are likely incorporated without any fanfare. I know Ruger employees who'll concede many lessons from the assembly routers of the first LC9 lots for example.

Romantics favor the "original" productions lots simply based on nostalgia, but then some models had finish options that were/are not available on different runs or distributor exclusives.

 

[kf6gub]

I understand that the older 480's and 454's were manufactured with a "special" stainless steel. The 44's were always manufactured with a more "conventional" stainless steel. Is that still true today? thx Jim

 

[98Redline]

Yes.

In order to obtain a 6 hole version of the 480 and 454 cylinder, Ruger used Carpenter 465 stainless instead of the 410 stainless used on the 44mag.
http://www.cartech.com/techarticles.aspx?id=1608

I believe the original 5 shot Alaskans in 480R and 454 were 410 stainless cylinders.