Staging differences in Redhawks, 44mag/45Colt

LeMat · 02-08-2010, 10:26 PM

I've noticed that there is a difference in lockup between a 45 Colt Redhawk and 44mag Redhawk.

By that I mean that the cylinder stop seems to pop into the cylinder stop notches sooner on the 45 than on the 44.

I'm wondering if there is a difference in mass between the two cylinders. If the cylinder of the 45 weights more than the 44, I figured more mass would cause the cylinder to spin "quicker", hence the quicker lockup.

I haven't measured and thought someone might know already.

I always figured the cylinders were the same size, just that the 45 had bigger holes.

It is very easy to "stage" the cylinder on the 45, but more difficult to do so on the 44. On the 44, If I give the trigger a brisk, short stroke it'll lock up quickly like the 45, but there isn't much trigger travel left, not as much as on the 45.

I'm not concerned about the timing at all as everything works as it should. I'm just curious to know why there is a difference.

Anyone else experience this?

45longcolt · 02-09-2010, 05:12 AM

I did notice on my new Redhawk that is locks up way before my 686 does. If you compare a S&W and a Redhawk you will see the notch in the center between the flutes and the notch on a Redhawk is closer to the flutes. I like the early lock up myself compared to the S&W's. More better accuracy me thinks....

Iowegan · 02-09-2010, 09:37 AM

LeMat, The differences from gun-to-gun have to do with "manufacturing tolerances". In your case, it has nothing to do with the caliber (both cylinders have the same OD), in fact you can experience the same type of difference in the same caliber just one serial number apart. A few thousandths difference in ratchet size or the pawl makes a significant difference in cylinder lock-up.

02-08-2010, 10:26 PM	#1
LeMat Joined: Dec 2008 From: NW Montana Posts: 136	Staging differences in Redhawks, 44mag/45Colt I've noticed that there is a difference in lockup between a 45 Colt Redhawk and 44mag Redhawk. By that I mean that the cylinder stop seems to pop into the cylinder stop notches sooner on the 45 than on the 44. I'm wondering if there is a difference in mass between the two cylinders. If the cylinder of the 45 weights more than the 44, I figured more mass would cause the cylinder to spin "quicker", hence the quicker lockup. I haven't measured and thought someone might know already. I always figured the cylinders were the same size, just that the 45 had bigger holes. It is very easy to "stage" the cylinder on the 45, but more difficult to do so on the 44. On the 44, If I give the trigger a brisk, short stroke it'll lock up quickly like the 45, but there isn't much trigger travel left, not as much as on the 45. I'm not concerned about the timing at all as everything works as it should. I'm just curious to know why there is a difference. Anyone else experience this?

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02-09-2010, 05:12 AM	#2
45longcolt Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 79	I did notice on my new Redhawk that is locks up way before my 686 does. If you compare a S&W and a Redhawk you will see the notch in the center between the flutes and the notch on a Redhawk is closer to the flutes. I like the early lock up myself compared to the S&W's. More better accuracy me thinks....

02-09-2010, 09:37 AM	#3
Iowegan Retired Gunsmith Joined: Aug 2006 From: Blair, NE Posts: 4,255	LeMat, The differences from gun-to-gun have to do with "manufacturing tolerances". In your case, it has nothing to do with the caliber (both cylinders have the same OD), in fact you can experience the same type of difference in the same caliber just one serial number apart. A few thousandths difference in ratchet size or the pawl makes a significant difference in cylinder lock-up.