Super redhawk question

[nekvermont]

Hi folks, nice place you have here - thanks for having me. I've been an avid rifle and bow deer hunter most of my 55 years and have it in my head that i would like to start handgun hunting. I hunt both from a treestand and on foot. I Have my mind set on a SRH .44 mag. but have some questions. I think I would like to use some sort of optics but would like the option of removing the optics in order to use the open sights. That being said, I am leaning toward a 9 1/2 " barrel - am I crazy for wanting a 9 1/2" over the 7 1/2". Also I read a lot of neg. comments about Rugers QC - I'll probably have to order what I want and am concerned about getting one thats "just not right" and have to deal with getting it fixed. Is this a valid concern? Thanks for your time.

 

[yankee7809]

Welcome to the forum! I own a 7 1/2" version and love the gun. But I don't hunt. I just liked the platform and wanted one to use for load development and target work etc. I really believe that most of the problems you notice could be characterized as being the tip of the iceberg of all owners. The guns are very well made as a rule. They are also very heavy. My gun took some sessions at the range to get used to. I would call the Super Redhawk a "bank vault". It must be the most over built .44 Magnum on the planet. I have many handguns mostly big bores. And mostly .44s though a few of those "weird" .45s live with me too. The .44 Super Redhawk is the most accurate of my bunch. Hope you enjoy yours!

 

[powder smoke]

Hi and welcome! The SRH is a fine revolver and is definetly suited for hunting. That said most hunting situation with a handgun in an ideal world is a one shot kill. For that reason and others I like the Super Blackhawk Hunter, it's lighter than the SRH but still heafty enough come with intergrated scpe mount and rings. Available in 41mag 44mag and 45colt the 44mag is the most comon. Here's a link where you can see one. ps

http://ruger.com/products/newModelSuperBlackhawkHunter/models.html

 

[John Fox]

I've hunted wild boar with one and loved it. It has integral rings for a Leopold scope which I didn't use on my hunt because of close shooting in the woods.

 

[batmann]

Depending on your loads, I would go with a SRH. They are bank vault solid and will shoot just about any sane load. I like the 7.5" better, but that is a personal choice.
Take all that you read on the internet with a grain of salt as ONE person starts a thread on 3 or 4 forums and it is suddenly cast (pun here) in stone about (pick one) quality control. All I can give you is my own personal experience and it is all good regarding Rugers. They are not FA, but they are half the price.
Get your SHR in whatever barrel length you want and enjoy it and don't worry about internet rumors. If you have any doubts about getting one, ask a real live person that has one. I have a SRH Alaskan in .44M and my friend 7.5" SRH also in .44M /scope and his is a tack driver.

 

[Anonymous]

Actually if you are a bow hunter, you know how to get within 60 feet or so of a deer to take your shot.

If you are going to continue in that type of concealment or from a tree stand, you can probably kill all the deer you would care to clean, with a 38 Special.

I have done that very thing. A guy I know (bow hunter) killed a deer with a hand thrown spear!

Using optics, the length of the barrel is not very important. Using the iron, the length of the barrel is only marginally more important, so assuming that you would probably limit your shots to 50 yds or so (using the iron sights) the 7-1/2" barrel is plenty long enough.

Certainly the 44 Mg is powerful enough and you will have fun doing it. Please post pictures of your success. 8)

 

[3-screw-357]

I hope this comes out
two photos same gun the first has a rail and a red dot
The 2ne has a red dot UltraDot no rail needed
1st one with shot good for 10 20 rounds would not could not keep it on the paper .
this UltraDot has seen some 100 rounds +. 3 rd photo is 6 rounds in 5 holes
that gun can shoot you can do that at 50 yards YES THAT ON SAND BAGS
5-11 160 LB AND A BAD BACK the gun is not to big
Stay away from rails
hope this helps

 

[Tommy F]

I have the 9.5 SRH and love it. I shoot alot of revolver and this is my favorite big gun. It handles all the heavy loads SA and DA!

 

[nekvermont]

Thanks for the replies. I like to hear the words "Tack Driver". Good shooting 3-screw-357. Why don't you like the rails? Do the rings that come with the SRH mount up solid? Thanks again for everyones input.

 

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

I just received a 9.5" .44 Mag SRH last week. Like yourself, I am an avid hunter and wanted a good hunting handgun to add to the stable. I certainly have confidence that this is the right tool for the job.

I shot it several times with open sights and man did that thing put a smile on my face! It is extremely well built and is far more accurate than any handgun that I've had.

The scope rings that come with the gun are 1" which are kind of small. I ordered the 30mm rings from Ruger so that I could install an Aimpoint 9000 SC on it. I'm with the poster above about not liking the rail mounts. I can't wait to get to the range now that I have the red dot installed.

 

[smokehouse]

I have a 7 1/2" .44 SRh and find it to be a superb firearm. It is build like a tank and damn accurate as well. I have ran some punishing rounds through mine and it doesn't even flinch. Although I consider it to be rather ugly...I bough it because the build quality was so far above most other .44 full size revolvers on the market.

Right out of the box mine came with a smooth trigger...not gunsmith smooth but far better than any other NIB revolver I've ever had...including my Sp101...

 

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

Although I consider it to be rather ugly...I bough it because the build quality was so far above most other .44 full size revolvers on the market.

I've seen several people make that comment about not liking the looks of the SRH..... Why is that? :?

Personally, I love the looks of the gun as far as revolvers go.... That was what first drew me to that gun. It looks big, bad and beefy! Like it could eat whatever you fed it (which it likely can). Then again, I like Jeeps that are lifted and the sound of big block V8s! :lol:

 

[no5shooter]

I also have a 9.5" SRH, with a scope. Mine is mounted using the Ruger rings, directly to the frame. I'm responding to the issue of rails or no rails, and I have to say I never even considered adding a rail when the factory was nice enough to put those cuts in the frame and give me some rings to go with them! My initial thought is, "Why would you want to add another piece to the structure, with more screws to loosen, more tolerances to hope are in spec, etc.?" I just figure the fewer parts involved in attaching anything to anything else, the less there is to go wrong. If Ruger and Leupold ever get married and produce a big-bore revolver with an integral scope, I'm all over that! OK, extreme, but you get my point.

 

[nekvermont]

You guys are getting me all excited (about buying a SRH). This is a big investment for me and I just want to get it right. I only own 2 other rugers, ones a .22 semi auto pistol that I bought when they were $47 new and the other is a 10-22. Would never part with either one.

 

[smokehouse]

Although I consider it to be rather ugly...I bough it because the build quality was so far above most other .44 full size revolvers on the market.

I've seen several people make that comment about not liking the looks of the SRH..... Why is that? :?

Personally, I love the looks of the gun as far as revolvers go.... That was what first drew me to that gun. It looks big, bad and beefy! Like it could eat whatever you fed it (which it likely can). Then again, I like Jeeps that are lifted and the sound of big block V8s! :lol:

I think it's the neck/barrel joint that turns me off to it. I have no issue with the rear of the revolver...or the thick, all business bull barrel...the joint between the rectangle neck...then abrupt change into a round barrel is a bit stark. I love the Alaskan on the other hand...I think it is tough looking.

I know the SRH came out WAY before the Alaskan but when I look at mine, all I see is an Alaskan with a post sticking out the end of it.

However, when it comes to me an firearms...I'm 100% function over form. The SRH is so well built, I was easily able to overlook the design.

You guys are getting me all excited (about buying a SRH). This is a big investment for me and I just want to get it right. I only own 2 other rugers, ones a .22 semi auto pistol that I bought when they were $47 new and the other is a 10-22. Would never part with either one.

Big revolvers are expensive anymore. I know first hand what you're talking about. When I started my .44 mag search I had it narrowed down to three brands. Taurus, Ruger and S&W. Playing with a Raging Bull...I passed. Comparing the Ruger and S&W...I went with the Ruger. Although the finish wasn't as finely tuned as the S&W, the Ruger is built tougher (note I didn't say "fit and finish"...the Ruger is just as well put together as the S&W). The price was also better.

I say buy with confidence...it really is a nice (be it heavy) revolver. You'll love it.

 

[scorvers]

The SRH is built like a tank and weighs alsmost as much as one. I'd definately go with the 7 1/2" or the 9 1/2". That LLLLOOOONNNGGGG barrel makes for a front heavy piece.
And don't rule out the SBH, it's built like a tank and weighs considerably less.

 

[White Falcon]

I love my 9 1/2"

 

[White Falcon]

In my shoulder rig.

 

[powder smoke]

I like these IMHO this is the way to go. Less wieght than the SRH and no loss on accuracy. ps

 

[3-screw-357]

In my shoulder rig.

omg white falcon would you please post photos of your your shoulder rig and ware you got it I have been looking for some time
Thank You Jesse

 

[Snookkatcher]

I would also give ' two thumbs up ' on the Super Redhawk. I have the 7 1/2" Bbl. .44 Mag. version and totally love it. It's a heavy beast to carry, but if it's used as a primary weapon, especially in a good shoulder rig setup, no problem. The previous statements RE: " Bank-vault lockup" and " Built like a tank" are absolutely correct. The Cyl. on mine shuts with an ominous, precision bank-vault 'clunk', and with absolutely zero play in the lockup. The 'tank-built' Ruger will stand up to ANY ( SAFE ) load you can put in it....check out the Garrett Cartridge website and you'll see the MAX cannon-fodder is specifically for the Super Redhawk. I doubt if you could EVER wear one out. The scope rings are SOLID, with no separate bases/rails needed. 30 mm's are available too. Personally, I've only used mine with irons, so far. ( Splurge for the Gold-bead or fiber-optic front/shallow 'express' 'V' rear option...WELL worth it if you intend much more iron-sight use. ) Ranges are short in the heavy woods and swamps I hunt, but a scope or red-dot does make it more precise, short or long range. I also had a .44 Mag. Super Blackhawk 7 1/2" for a long time...loved it too ( sold when money needed..). The new Super Blackhawk Hunter SS models are great too. My personnal pick would be the Bisley model...love that grip and lower hammer. For a secondary/ backup-for-rifle handgun in hog/bear areas, I carry a 5 1/2 " Blackhawk .45 Colt. Lighter, and carried on belt to free shoulders for rifle/shotgun mounting. Hope this helps! Lee

 

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

In my shoulder rig.

omg white falcon would you please post photos of your your shoulder rig and ware you got it I have been looking for some time
Thank You Jesse

x2!!!!

 

[Shoot44]

I also like SA's, and have the 44 Mag Super BH in 7.5" barrel. As to 'why no rails?', I'll give you the short version of my story. I wanted a red dot, and the one I bought would not fit between the rings mounted on the barrel 'cut-outs', so I put a "B-Square" rail on it. Two problems: first, it raised the sight too high and was not perfectly centered as to windage, and second - and more important - although the sight took the recoil fine, (a "PDP-3"), the rail furniture DID NOT! Aluminum parts that just got eaten up and would not stay tight. So the rail is in the drawer, the RD sight is on my MKIII, and the Blackhawk now wears a 2x Weaver classic. I still prefer a RD sight for hunting, but until yesterday, couldn't find one that was both able to handle hot 44 Mag reloads, AND fit between the cutouts on the barrel. I now have a line on one that fits, and seller tells me it WILL handle the recoil . . . . We'll see.

IMO, a red dot is THE way to handgun hunt. Fast, both eyes open, no magnification, but none really needed, etc. But don't buy a cheap one; my son did, and promptly destroyed it with his max-loads in a Smith 629. (And it wasn't really all THAT cheap at that!)

Edited to add pix; with RD, and with scope.

 

[White Falcon]

Well I could not find this rig for a 9 1/2 barrel, so I made a paper pattern and made it. Hard part was trying to fit the conture of the belt. Momma, keep pleating the puckers, and I would tape them up and re cut the paper till I got the fit I liked. It hangs good, either way, I like cross draw. The weight is even, and can be taken out very easy. I also added the bullet holder, so I had easy access.

 

[nekvermont]

White Falcon: That's very nice - good job. Thanks for all the pics.

 

[Ozark rkg]

Hi folks, nice place you have here - thanks for having me. I've been an avid rifle and bow deer hunter most of my 55 years and have it in my head that i would like to start handgun hunting. I hunt both from a treestand and on foot. I Have my mind set on a SRH .44 mag. but have some questions. I think I would like to use some sort of optics but would like the option of removing the optics in order to use the open sights. That being said, I am leaning toward a 9 1/2 " barrel - am I crazy for wanting a 9 1/2" over the 7 1/2". Also I read a lot of neg. comments about Rugers QC - I'll probably have to order what I want and am concerned about getting one thats "just not right" and have to deal with getting it fixed. Is this a valid concern? Thanks for your time.

Nekvermont,

Can only speak from my experience, but the Super Redhawk with the 7 1/2" barrel is by far the best .44 handgun I have ever shot. Ugly? Not to me.....Not when it performs the way it does. Tough, very accurate, and dependable. Will handle any load you wish, with ease.

What's not to love?

 

[CraigC]

I've always pretty much agreed with the folks who say the SRH is ugly but the introduction of the .480 cartridge made me g et one anyway. It is ugly but I like it anyway. However, while it is certainly a large sixgun, it is by no means unwieldy nor is it overly heavy. You guys need to actually look at some weights because the SRH is only an ounce heavier than the Super Blackhawk Hunter model (53oz vs 52oz) and an ounce lighter than the Bisley version of same which is 54oz. My .480 version is a full 2oz lighter than the .44Mag Bisley Hunter.

I definitely agree that the 7½" barrel is plenty.

Mine will eventually get a fixed 2x as the big 2-7x is way too much glass but I already had it sitting there....waiting.

 

[Lost Sheep]

For hunting, the longest barrel you can get is better, b ut 9.5 vs 7.5 is only marginally better. Three factors enter in.

Weight distribution/balance. This is highly personal and only you can tell.

Sight radius (distance rear to front sights) Longer is better, within reason.

Location of the scope (can you easily access the hammer for single action cocking?)

I suggest, for your described purposes, hunting, the Super Blackhawk Hunter with scope ring cutouts on the barrel top rib. They position the scope forward far enough that you can cock the hammer with your thumb. The Super Redhawk's scope position does not allow that with any scope I have seen.

The Super Redhawk is reputed to be stronger than the Blackhawk, so you have to make your own decision on that factor. But the clearance over the hammer would make my decision for me.

But here's the main reason for my posting. I have heard that the Ruger scope rings reinstall to the same point of impact reliably. That would be important to me. Being able to switch back to the scope after carrying with only iron sights would be nice to be able to rely on.

Lost Sheep

 

[Tommy Kelly]

I am a single action nut and own 3 super blackhawk's and 1 redhawk one of the early ones without the mount dovetails in it. I am also crazy about shorter barrels on revolvers. I shoot a 4 5/8" revolver better than a 7.5. I have a super redhawk alaskan that is a great shooting pistol in the 454 I can pretty concistently hit a 6" spot at 60 yds with. I would suggest you find someone with a long bbl revolver and try it before buying one. I hunt with my 4 5/8" revolvers and feel confident with them at my ranges that I can shoot and see. I hunt in the woods in heavy cover and my longest shot would be within 50 yds at the most. I am a old hunter and have killed my share of deer. I don't mind passing up a shot if it's not a perfect killing shot. I have never lost a deer and don't want to start now. My last 5 rifle shot deer were all head shots. The handgun is a lot more challenging and fun. My last handgun deer was a 50 yd perfect placed shot with my 500 S&W 4". The deer ran about 50 yds and dropped dead. Not what I was expecting at all. The shot took out heart lungs and the off shoulder but didn't anchor the deer on the spot. I passed up a head shot on one last year at about 15 yds. It was just too hot and I didn't want to fool with it then

 

[3-screw-357]

Well I could not find this rig for a 9 1/2 barrel, so I made a paper pattern and made it. Hard part was trying to fit the conture of the belt. Momma, keep pleating the puckers, and I would tape them up and re cut the paper till I got the fit I liked. It hangs good, either way, I like cross draw. The weight is even, and can be taken out very easy. I also added the bullet holder, so I had easy access.

white falcon you do very nice work
Thank You
Jesse