Am current in the LA area for another 30 days, then back home to SW Idaho. Am trying to find a gun shop that carries RedHawks hoping to actually get a feel for the pistol prior to buying one, I see they are readily available on line but can’t seem to find any RedHawks other than the .44 Mag.
Looking for Ruger Redhawk 5050
- Thread starter cybersnow
- Start date
contender
Ruger Guru
cybersnow,, you started asking about the Redhawk. Not a Blackhawk. They are two very different revolvers. In how they operate, how they feel, & how they are fed ammo. Only YOUR hands can determine if they fit you or not.
BUT,, to answer your question,, a Ruger Blackhawk, in .45 Colt/.45 acp,,can & will shoot "Bear Loads" easily. But since you didn't specify WHAT kind of bear loads,, I'm assuming you mean some factory offerings.
I load my own,, using a .45 Colt, with a MP molds cast 280 grn bullet,, running a tad under 1200 fps. I carry that bear hunting here in WNC,, where a 500 lb bear is not uncommon.
BUT,, to answer your question,, a Ruger Blackhawk, in .45 Colt/.45 acp,,can & will shoot "Bear Loads" easily. But since you didn't specify WHAT kind of bear loads,, I'm assuming you mean some factory offerings.
I load my own,, using a .45 Colt, with a MP molds cast 280 grn bullet,, running a tad under 1200 fps. I carry that bear hunting here in WNC,, where a 500 lb bear is not uncommon.
Yes......and just FYI: If you touch a flame long enough it hurts....same if you do it again and bears do poop in the woods.
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Thanks for all the info. I guess it just boils down to shooting the .45 Colt in either SA or DA. I am going to guess that under the pressure of a dangerous animal attack a DA might make more sense. Both pistols look really good and the final decision will be made in a gun shop comparing feel and weight.
vlavalle
Blackhawk
First of all, it is not a pistol. It is a revolver, which is a very different 'beast'. Secondly, it is a very popular sought after hand gun, and not available with most guns sales outfits online. I am looking for this very same Ruger revolver. Third, I can find this gun with a 4.2" barrel only, which is a bit short for me. I would like it in a 5 or 5.5" or even a 6 " barrel.
vlavalle
Blackhawk
This version has a standard type of hand grip, and is a lot easier to replace with another.
Ok, you are correct in it being a revolver. I have found that particular model on several websites. I prefer to actually hold the weapon in my hands and see how it ferls as it will be carried almost every day. I hate buying a weapon on line and then looking to sell it a few months later.
vlavalle
Blackhawk
I agree with you To hold on To it, so I WOULD SUGGEST GUN SHOWS BUT THIS GUN IS PRETTY RARE
Timbo23
Plinker and accumulator
You need to decide if you need a to shoot both .45 Colt or/and the .45 Auto or just the .45 Colt. Plus whether the revolver needs to be single or double action and if 'bear' loads are the ultimate idea.
A Redhawk 5050 has the cylinder face cut to chamber both the rimmed Colt and the rimless ACP round which need to be held in place with a moon clip of some sort. The chambers are reamed deep for the Colt round so ACP brass will seat too deep to work without this clip. So there is that complication.
That is why the single action Blackhawk has two cylinders; one reamed for for Colt round and the other reamed with a step so the ACP round will seat properly with no clip needed.
If your plans don't include shooting ACP rounds then check for one of the earlier Redhawks in .45 Colt only with a 5 1/2 inch or a 7 1/2 inch barrel. I have read on this forum that some have reported acceptable accuracy with this model using the Colt round but lesser accuracy shooting the ACP round. You may be better served with one in .45 Colt only.
Also the 'convertible' single action Blackhawk has been made on the large frame with the protective hump around the rear sight and the on the medium frame 'flattop' frame. If you are going to shoot heavy 'bear' loads I would go for the large frame model. But that's just me. I would check with Buffalo Bore ammo to see if they recommend their ammo for the medium frame guns. The large frame Blackhawks have serial numbers beginning with TWO serial numbers, a dash, and five serial numbers. The mid frame Blackhawks have THREE serial number, a dash, and five serial numbers. Both of these Blackhawks come in .45 Colt only and can be had with Bisley grip which some people prefer for heavy recoiling loads.
And to further complicate you choice is the double action Super Redhawk Alaskan in 454 Casul which you my wish to consider. That revolver will not only shoot the .45 Casul but the shorter Colt .45 as well.
A Redhawk 5050 has the cylinder face cut to chamber both the rimmed Colt and the rimless ACP round which need to be held in place with a moon clip of some sort. The chambers are reamed deep for the Colt round so ACP brass will seat too deep to work without this clip. So there is that complication.
That is why the single action Blackhawk has two cylinders; one reamed for for Colt round and the other reamed with a step so the ACP round will seat properly with no clip needed.
If your plans don't include shooting ACP rounds then check for one of the earlier Redhawks in .45 Colt only with a 5 1/2 inch or a 7 1/2 inch barrel. I have read on this forum that some have reported acceptable accuracy with this model using the Colt round but lesser accuracy shooting the ACP round. You may be better served with one in .45 Colt only.
Also the 'convertible' single action Blackhawk has been made on the large frame with the protective hump around the rear sight and the on the medium frame 'flattop' frame. If you are going to shoot heavy 'bear' loads I would go for the large frame model. But that's just me. I would check with Buffalo Bore ammo to see if they recommend their ammo for the medium frame guns. The large frame Blackhawks have serial numbers beginning with TWO serial numbers, a dash, and five serial numbers. The mid frame Blackhawks have THREE serial number, a dash, and five serial numbers. Both of these Blackhawks come in .45 Colt only and can be had with Bisley grip which some people prefer for heavy recoiling loads.
And to further complicate you choice is the double action Super Redhawk Alaskan in 454 Casul which you my wish to consider. That revolver will not only shoot the .45 Casul but the shorter Colt .45 as well.
NikA
Hunter
Why wouldn't holding any 4" Redhawk allow the OP the judge the gun's handling? The round butt isn't that different and there are grip to convert to traditional grip style if an issue...
NikA
Hunter
I can confirm this, I have one on mine. Front strap is same profile as a typical Redhawk.
Roger That
Bearcat
I've had mine for about three years and I really love it. I usually only carry it when I'm hiking or prospecting.
collectormzornes
Blackhawk
If it’s for personal protection as you have stated you may also try and find a Ruger Super RedHawk Alaskan in 454 you can shoot either 454 or 45LC out of it and it has a little bit shorter barrel for faster draw maybe.
Attachments
ChrisL
Single-Sixer
In addition, the cylinder has to be shaved back the thickness of moon clips to accomodate the 45ACP. This leaves that much of the 45 Colt case unsupported. I know, Ruger sez it's safe, and others point out that the typical 45 Colt case base exceeds that amount. Nevertheless, I would prefer better case support for a cartridge that might get loaded to 454 Cassul specs ...
fuzzyedge
Single-Sixer
if i knew they fixed the problems i had with my 5050 Redhawk, i really would like to get another one , but im doubtful. Based on my experience i would pass on the 5050. I have a 5044 and a 5045 i love though.. the ruger blackhawk bisley .45 cp/45 colt. is really nice, would love to have one of them
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needsmostuff
Blackhawk
I really dislike moon and half moon clips so I opted for the 45Colt only version.
I prefer the square butt and if the ACP level of performance is needed the Cowboy Special brass is out there.
Multi cartridge convertible guns usually drive me kind of nuts anyway. Too much fiddling with sights. I prefer to find a load I like , set the sights and stick with it.
I prefer the square butt and if the ACP level of performance is needed the Cowboy Special brass is out there.
Multi cartridge convertible guns usually drive me kind of nuts anyway. Too much fiddling with sights. I prefer to find a load I like , set the sights and stick with it.
vlavalle
Blackhawk
I DO NOT THINK THAT THERE IS A new RUger REDHAWK THAT SHOOT ONLY .45 COLT the cylinder has been modified to leve room for th moon cips that you ous us whn shooting .45 ACP if you nEver shoot .45 ACP.. THE CYINDER WORKS JUST FINE IF HOOTING ONLY .45 COLT AMMO. SO, THERE IS NO REASON TO GET A .45 ONLY REVOLVER, UNLESS IT IS VERY INEXPENSIVE.
contender
Ruger Guru
vlavalle is correct about the current production Ruger Redhawk in .45 cal. BUT,,,,,,,,,, Ruger has made .45 Colt only Redhawks in the past.
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If you are buying a Convertible Black hawk and intend to shoot Ruger only loads, make sure it is a large frame and not a midsize
If you don’t reload, you will find the .44 magnum guns are cheaper to feed, and more powerful without buying boutique ammo.
If you don’t reload, you will find the .44 magnum guns are cheaper to feed, and more powerful without buying boutique ammo.
