RedHawk 44 mag 2.75” Bbl

[arcticruger]

RedHawk 44 mag 2.75" Bbl Kodiak Backpacker model 5028

I'm looking for information on this RedHawk. RENE came up dry, probably too new. Production numbers, and how long it was in production would be a great start. Also did this start as a TALO distributor only model, or was it also a regular production model at anytime? Any other info or history on this model would be great. Thanks

 

[rugerguy]

Isn't that one of their 'Alaskans' ????.....ergo, a Super Redhawk??

 

[Cholo]

At the top right click Search. Type in Kodiak Backpacker. All sorts of threads will pop up going back to 2014.

 

[arcticruger]

I did that during the last month before I posted but didn't find affirmative answers to the questions above

 

[arcticruger]

Isn't that one of their 'Alaskans' ????.....ergo, a Super Redhawk??

No, the Alaskans are built on the SRH as you said, the Kodiak is built on the Redhawk model, I believe long after the Alaskans came out. Still trying to find more information on the Redhawk model 5028 or any other RedHawk 44 mag with the 2.75" bbl

 

[hittman]

Maybe PM Chet15

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ruger-redhawkr-kodiak-backpacker-2-75-44-mag-revolver-5028.html

 

[rugerguy]

sounds like a good one, I just have not ever seen one of the Redhawks....... heck I have not seen a Ruger catalog in years and both my Ruger dealers have passed away......

 

[pyth0n]

IIRC it was a Talo exclusive. Good luck finding one. It's on my list also.

 

[Conman]

Snub-noses 44 magnum sounds like an oxymoron to me!

 

[arcticruger]

Snub-noses 44 magnum sounds like an oxymoron to me!

Not to us 44 mag junkies

 

[gnappi]

Not to us 44 mag junkies

Same here,

My SRH I wear cross draw whilst fishing.

The only drawback is that to remove the cylinder on the SRH the ejector rod housing must be removed. I got mine from the PO who who couldn't figure out this issue

 

[Air-cooled]

I apologize for posting this pic again of the two .44 mag Redhawks I own. When they came out, I just had to have them. I like the 4.2" barrel a little better. It was a Lipseys offering with fantastic micarta grips). One might think that the grip is too small, but it handles quite well with the .44's recoil. Don't expect to be too accurate with the shorty. And you're right, they don't seem to be available anywhere.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

The most notable thing about the Backpacker is it's got a round grip. I had one when they first came out. To me the grip was too small.

 

[cee_Kamp]

I acquired this one three/four years ago here on this forum in a trade only deal.
They are a very nice revolver!
When I received it, it was equipped with the slip-on one piece Hogue rubber grip.
The factory round butt wood two piece grips also came with the revolver, just not installed.
The factory wood grips are made by Altamont, and still available.

I started seeing some evidence of corrosion beginning in the stainless steel under the top edges of the Hogue rubber slip-on rubber grip.
Even soaking the slip-on rubber grip in hot soapy water, I was unable to remove them without tearing the rubber.
In my experience, the Hogue slip-on one piece rubber grip is a one trip install. Removing them destroys them/torn rubber.

A forum member contacted me and said he had several pairs of the Hogue slip-on one piece rubber grip, and also several different
versions of the Pachmayr "clam shell" type utilizing a screw for grips attachment. The Pachmayr screw attached type rubber grips are intended for the Redhawk models with the square butt grip frame. However, they also fit the round butt Redhawk models as they use the same factory plastic grip locator button. That forum member shipped me two of the Hogue slip-on one piece grip, and two of the Pachmayr "clamshell" grips at no cost.
IIRC, the members username is "fuzzy edge" and he certainly is a stand up guy!

I like the size/shape of the Hogue slip-on style the most, but I will likely never use them as you cannot easily remove them from the grip frame to wipe off the stainless steel grip frame after sweating on the revolver during the summer heat. (oily rag/silicone cloth)

I carry the Ruger Backpacker frequently at my recreational property during berry season. (black bears present)

It even becomes a nice carry revolver using that beautiful Milt Sparks holster during the colder weather when you are using heavier cover garments.
I use the Hornady flex-tip .44 Special ammo when using the Redhawk Backpacker as a concealed carry firearm.

I can't tell you anything about the production history of the Redhawk Backpacker, other than the production numbers are likely quite low.
If you happen to locate one on the used market, snatch it immediately!

The .44 variant was a Distributor exclusive model, while the .357 variant became a standard model.

IMG_20240127_190502103_HDR by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

IMG_20240127_190540830_HDR by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

IMG_20220825_130605243_HDR by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

IMG_20220825_130945072_HDR by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

IMG_20220825_130516968_HDR by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr