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Advice on Redhawk 45 Colt

3K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  at liberty 
#1 ·
I've got a Ruger SRH Alaskan in 454 Casull / 45 Colt. I like it a lot. It's mainly a 45 Colt revolver for me, and I like that it takes a steady diet of the heavy +P 45 Colts without getting damaged. I carry it with 255 gr. SWC @ 1000 ft/s, and I like that it exceeds 45 acp by a good margin.

I'm THINKING about getting the Redhawk 45 Colt with 4 inch barrel. If I do, the SRH Alaskan might have to go. Here's my dilemma: The Alaskan is, to my knowledge, the lightest double action revolver that will safely handle the +P 45 Colt on a regular basis. If I get the Redhawk 4 inch barrel, it will be a heavier gun (I've read it weighs 45 ounces, vs. the Alaskan's 43 ounces). For a daily carry gun in 45 Colt, is there any real advantage to the Redhawk over the Alaskan? (I know velocity will be higher with the 4 inch barrel, but I'm not that concerned with it).

I've noticed that my Alaskan seems to have big chamber throats and forcing cone (45 colt wadcutters slip in VERY easy, as do jacketed bullets). Is this a problem with the Alaskan design? Is there any difference with the Redhawk?

Keep the Alaskan, or get the Redhawk, for a 45 Colt carry gun?

Thanks.
 
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#4 ·
Thanks for the input.

It's a shame that there are not more double action revolver options for the 45 Colt +P loads. Underwood and Buffalo Bore make some formidable loads that rival and surpass mid-range 44 magnum factory loads.

Do the oversized throats / forcing cone on the Alaskan adversely affect the performance of 45 colt? I shoot mostly jacketed stuff, carry with 255 gr. SWC Keith style bullets.
 
#5 ·
"It's a shame that there are not more double action revolver options for the 45 Colt +P loads"

They are out of production but if you can find them there are the Colt Anaconda and Dan Wesson. There are very few 4" bbl. Anacondas from what I gather. Also, being a Colt they are a bit pricey.
 
#7 ·
OP you must love punishment if you have that short SRH 454! I had a 7.5" SRH in 454 and stout loads were not fun after a couple of cylinders. A 43 oz Alaskan must be insanely painful. I now own a RH 45 LC 4" and even with this gun I'm not going to get stupid with loads . Some mildly hot 300 grs will be tops for me.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I'll be honest and say I have not YET shot the 454 loads yet. The indoor range I go to won't allow 454, and I'll need to take a trip out to a range that allows it.

I bought the gun with the intention of a carry gun with hot and heavy 45 colts. I am not a stranger to recoil though. I have shot my SBH TALO 3.75 barrel with the 340 gr. +P+ and they were not nearly as severe as I had expected.

With the lett grips, the Alaskan was tame with 300 gr. 45 colts rated for 1300 ft/s. what I've found is that with heavy 45 colt, the noise and blast is not nearly the same as my 44 or 41 magnums.

To date, the most severe muzzle blast and report that I've had in a handgun was from a 4'' barrel .41 magnum with 210 gr. JSP Remingtons. Those are VICIOUS rounds.

Like I said, I'll shoot the 454 for the entertainment factor, but this is 45 colt gun for me.
 
#12 ·
I'd keep the Alaskan and also get the Redhawk. Take it from me the Alaskan is much easier to shoot than the Redhawk, unless you have a small hand. I like both but prefer the Alaskan, better balance in my hand.
 
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