why the extra weight on the redhawk 45lc

[silverback]

just wandering why Ruger doesn't make a lighter 45 lc da/sa. the redhawk 4.2 inch is 46 oz and the Blackhawk convertible 4.62 barrel 39 oz. Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the Blackhawk handle all the same loads as the redhawk. Why the extra weight.

 

[ADP3]

The 39 oz. weight of the Blackhawk is due to the aluminum grip frame. If it was steel it would weigh around 44 oz. which gets it close to the Redhawk's weight. The barrel rib on the Redhawk also adds weight over the Blackhawk.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[WESHOOT2]

The Redhawk may handle 'hotter' ammo.

 

[5of7]

I have one of each and the Redhawk is the one I use for hotter loads.

Once you start shooting bullets of 275 to 300 grs. at velocities of from 1100 to 1250 fps, the extra weight is nice. The Blackhawk will handle loads like that too, but it is not as nice to shoot with the hotter loads.....absent, of course, a good tight leather glove, which I don't always wear in warm weather. 8)

 

[silverback]

makes sense now thanks guys

 

[Short Barrel]

The Redhawk is a stronger gun.If you are shooting standard pressure factory loads,you could get by with a lot less weight but if you ever use the heavier,Ruger Only loads,that weight will be appreciated.There are lighter .45 double actions though I doubt there are stronger.You just have to choose the one that suits you.

 

[Rclark]

If you are shooting standard pressure factory loads,you could get by with a lot less weigh

I like the Lisey's flattop .45 convertible on the medium frame. It will not handle the ROL, but will handle loads that easily handle pesky black bears . Unless you are going after Cape Buffalo, or Grizz.... the smaller gun will work fine too. I have both the standard BH and the flattop BH and prefer the flattop. The Redhawks are just to big and bulky for my needs. Sold mine and never looked back.

 

[silverback]

I like the idea of a da/sa. would be nice if they came out with one medium frame

 

[Jimbo357mag]

If they made one about the size and weight of a GP-100 somebody would find a way to blow it up. :mrgreen:

 

[Rclark]

Jimbo, you could say the same with the flattops.... There 'might' be some 'idiot' that only 'thinks' it's a Ruger, so it can handle .45 Colt Ruger Only loads.... There are enough people in the world that it 'could' happen . Speaking for myself though, I research data on my revolvers and find out what they can handle before putting any non-SAAMI load through them! Just like the above OP above is trying to do . A good thing!

Silverback ... think how often you would 'really' use the DA mode for anything. In my case, the percentage has been and would be almost zero. We all have our reasons though . Only DA/SA revolver I own is my little .44 Spec CA Bulldog for CC..... And only because of it's size (this is a DA revolver I would like to see Ruger make).

 

[WESHOOT2]

Unless chronographing, I shoot my once-five now-two Redhawks double-action.

 

[CraigC]

An all-steel .45 Blackhawk would be something more like 42oz, or 1oz lighter than a comparable .44Mag.

Blackhawk - 32,000psi
Redhawk - 50-55,000psi

Big difference.