Ruger Redhawk(updated)

[338reddog]

I have wanted a Redhawk 5.5 " since the early 90's. I watched a elk hunting video where a guy killed a nice bull with one. Well a 629 came my way and my need was filled but not my desire. Well I ordered one and hope it to be a great gun.

My question is about the Redhawk stamp on the frame. Is it still stamped or laser engraved? One of the pics on Rugers website appears to be laser engraved. I tink that will look cheap. If you have bought a Redhawk lately please fill me in.(quality as of late?)

 

[tinman]

I got one on the new 4.2 inch convertibles. Don't really know if it is laser or stamped but I think it looks nice.
It appears very crisp and feels as if it is in relief. The stamping on my BH is not nearly as smooth looking or feeling.
Might I suggest that you give a visit to your local LGS and put one in your hand? That way you can see for yourself if you like the effect.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I own several RedHawks,Super RedHawks, GP 100's and SP 101's .
They have all been laser engraved for several years. It is nicer looking marking
IMHO.

 

[jstanfield103]

Mine also look nice laser engraved or not on all three.

 

[338reddog]

I got one on the new 4.2 inch convertibles. Don't really know if it is laser or stamped but I think it looks nice.
It appears very crisp and feels as if it is in relief. The stamping on my BH is not nearly as smooth looking or feeling.
Might I suggest that you give a visit to your local LGS and put one in your hand? That way you can see for yourself if you like the effect.

I wish I could visit a in stock one, but none of the local shops have one. It doesn't make that much difference I guess, but with so many years of a certain vision change is sometimes difficult to swallow.
Thanks to all who took the time to answer.

Jeff

 

[tacotime]

As a side note recall that the stamping on barrels sometimes caused a choke in the bore... I had an early Redhawk and the pin gauge in the bore would hang up under the stamping on the barrel. Laser etching might not be a bad idea after all.

 

[338reddog]

Ok, so I am ok with how it looks. It showed it up today, but seems like a lot of play in the cylinder. How much wobble is acceptable? I haven't looked at my GP in a while but I don't think I can wobble the cyl. Some side play and end play but this seems to wobble.


Jeff

 

[jstanfield103]

well my 1985 Redhawk locks up tighter than a drum, but my 45 and 44 both have just a hair play.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

How much is SOME? How much is TOO much? These are difficult bits of information to imagine without having the gun in hand. How does it shoot? Does it spit from the BC gap?
I have a couple SRH and RH revolvers that are set up so tight from the factory that they will bind up with just a tiny fleck of dirt under the ejector star. When they are clean they operate as smooth as glass. If I were in a survival situation with critters that bite and scratch present, I would rather have a gun that is a little more loose/ free like yours sounds like. Super tight is fine for a target only gun like mine are used.

 

[338reddog]

I picked up the Redhawk today. I think the cylinder play is ok, but it is difficult to close the cylinder. The finish is ok some machine marks but over all it looks good and the laser engraving is nice for me to be happy. Now to go shoot it.

 

[98Redline]

Anything under .008" for B/C gap is good to go. At least that is Ruger's spec
.004 is about perfect. Less than that and it becomes too easy to have carbon and lead buildup on the face of the cylinder bind the gun.

In reality, out of a 5 1/2" gun I doubt you could tell the difference between .008 and .004 with respect to accuracy or lost velocity.