RedHawk , changes being made

[Chuck 100 yd]

Some changes are being made to the RedHawks.
I picked up a new RH 4" mod. 05026 this morning and was delighted to see the front sight is no longer the pinned in type but it has the quick change sight as used on the rest of the RedHawk`s and the GP100`s
Also mine has the solid rear sight pin. This is being changed to a roll pin as reported by DPris in the `.45 Colt and ACP ` thread.
Mine has a test fire date of Mar. 2015.

P.S. , the Ruger web site photo for this gun is still showing the front sight as pinned in.

 

[Hondo44]

I don't know why Ruger didn't use the quick change sight on the 4.2" barrel in the first place. Two weeks after I shortened my RH to 4.5" and went thru all the trouble of relocating the quick change site, I wasn't regretful when I saw the then new 4.2" with pinned in sight.

Blade removed to show hidden attachment screws; two titanium 2-56 caphead torx screws:

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

That IS a nice job. I was wondering how you attached it until I scrolled down to reveal the answer. I am glad Ruger decided to do it at the factory.

 

[Hondo44]

Thx Chuck,

Enjoy that new one!

 

[22/45 Fan]

The "quick change" front sight on the GP is one of the gun's best features. Not only does it allow you to pick a front sight format you like but it provides a very solid mounting point for the Weigand "no drill and tap" scope mounting rail.

 

[Rainy Day Shooter]

Beautiful work!

 

[David Bradshaw]

Chuck 100 yd.... good news.

Hondo 44.... yours looks to be an excellent installation.
David Bradshaw

 

[Hondo44]

Thank you both.

It was a fun project for my dad. At least he got to enjoy it for a couple of years before passing away.

 

[Varminterror]

I sure wish that the SRH's were still using the quick change sights. No idea why they gave up on it for the SRH's when they're still using them for the other models.

Since the title of the thread is "Redhawk, Changes being made" I suppose it's fair to mention, although I'm sure it's common knowledge, the way that Ruger is updating the firing pin retention set up for their DA revolvers to a rear entry assembly. I'm a big fan of the new system, it sure makes things easy for replacing firing pins with Bowen extended pins.

I put these pics together for a buddy a while back that was asking about the difference, glad I have another chance to use them, instead of just wasting my photobucket space (of course, these are SRH's, but the RH's are the same):

 

[Hondo44]

Can't see that well, does the rear entry use a threaded retainer and split screwdriver blade for removal?

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

The rear entry FP retainer is screwed in and uses a special spanner wrench to install/ remove. It has two tiny holes for the spanner to engage. A better system IMHO.
I just bought two RH 4 incher's for my collection, the .45/ACP and a .44 mag.

 

[Varminterror]

Yup, call it a split screw driver or a spanner wrench, it's a threaded retainer bushing, and a much better system.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

varminterror , I just looked at my new 4" .44 mag. And the firing pin bushing has a tiny hole in the face on either side of the firing pin. A split screwdriver like the one used for the SA base pin latch won't work. This will require a special tool to remove/install, a spanner wrench is the proper word. I sure don't know why they didn't use a screwdriver slot though. Possibly they don't want Bubba messing with it? In a few months from now you probably be able to buy one from Brownells.

I think I am going to need a Toklat in my collection too. Only one .454 and it needs company. Mine won't associate with the .44's or .45's.

 

[Varminterror]

Either way - the point is made for how it works: two holes in a threaded retainer.

When I got my first SRH that had this set up, I made a "wrench" by splitting the tip of a wide tipped screwdriver so I could drop in a bowen pin. The hardness wasn't there to survive as a long term tool, so I've since made a spanner tip for a 1/4" drive with another retainer bushing and a few hanks of drill bits, and a threaded hex shaft, all silver soldered together. Both work.

 

[Varminterror]

I think I am going to need a Toklat in my collection too. Only one .454 and it needs company. Mine won't associate with the .44's or .45's.

Not that it should stop you from buying one, but I have two Toklats, neither of them have the new FP retainer bushing set up, nor does the Toklat owned by a buddy of mine. Maybe they're still making Toklat's which would have the new updated system, but the runs that ours came from don't have it.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Thanks for the update on the Toklat FP bushing friend. The old system has been working for so many years that I think the new system is probably more a money saving change rather than a strength/durability improvement. I doubt I will ever shoot one enough to cause wear to that area.

 

[gramps]

I, like others, would have loved for my Redhawk to have had the easy change front sight. Not that I have wanted to change it, I like easy options-just in case. I did change the rear sight to one of sixshot's peep sights for fast acquisition of a target at close ranges! 8)
gramps

 

[Varminterror]

Thanks for the update on the Toklat FP bushing friend. The old system has been working for so many years that I think the new system is probably more a money saving change rather than a strength/durability improvement. I doubt I will ever shoot one enough to cause wear to that area.

Yeah, I'm sure it's a cost savings thing on Ruger's side. But as an owner, the new bushing set up makes it a lot easier to replace the firing pin. I like the Bowen extended pins, but putting one in used to mean holding your tongue just right to get the recoil plate back in the same way and the retaining pin dressed properly. Now, it's a simple spin in and out, and it's done.

Not really an issue for the 44mags, but it's nice to have a bit more pin on the 454's.