Ruger Forum

robertbank · April 13th, 2011, 12:15 PM

I may be interested in buying one of these. Anyone got any experience with the Redhawk with a 4" barrel or the 5.5 version"? I was cnsidering a 45Colt but with a 44 mag rifle it probably makes ore sense to keep the calibres the same.

Take Care

Bob

mavracer · April 13th, 2011, 12:53 PM

I tried to find a 4" 44 a while back. They were scarce I ended up cutting my 7.5" down.
I love it itd be my choice to carry it the big critter woods

evandailey · April 13th, 2011, 12:59 PM

I just recently acquired a 5.5" 44 Redhawk and am extremely happy with it. I can't imagine that the 4" gains that much in portability and the extra 1.5" barrel helps with sighting and recoil.

krunchnik · April 13th, 2011, 05:18 PM

I have the 5.5 inch barrel in .41 mag,I really like shooting the darn thing,its a bit contagious.So much so I had to take up reloading just to supply myself with affordable ammo.I have no experience with the 4 inch barrels although.The Redhawks frame are large enough to soak up a lot of recoil thats for sure.

McD · April 14th, 2011, 12:16 PM

Sure like the 5.5" Redhawk. Don't feel much difference on the hip or the draw. So the question for me was about the energy lost with the shorter barrel. In the end it seems not as much energy is lost in 1.5" (or 1.25") to rule the choice.
I think the grip and the availability of a Tamer style Hogue grip with the 4" version means more to me now. I have the 5.5" and like it. If I did it again I might be deliberate about the 4"...

Gun Clinger · April 14th, 2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McD

I think the grip and the availability of a Tamer style Hogue grip with the 4" version means more to me now....

A Tamer style grip? Is this the factory Hogue grip you're talking about? The metal backstrap is exposed on the 4", just like my 5.5".
I have a Tamer on one of my GP100's, the rear part has a gel filled cushion and is really soft. If there is a Tamer available for the Redhawk, I'd like to try it.

Maximumbob54 · April 14th, 2011, 01:24 PM

It's still an open back model but it isn't such a long reach to the trigger like the Bantam model. I don't like saying Bantam. It makes me think of small chickens.

bwfelton · April 16th, 2011, 07:26 AM

If you may be traveling to or through Canada, I would suggest a barrel longer than 4 inches. My GP100, for example, has a 4.2 inch barrel because Canada firearm regulations require the barrel be longer than 4 inches. That is why Ruger made the original 4 inch barrel slightly longer

Bert

robertbank · April 16th, 2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwfelton

If you may be traveling to or through Canada, I would suggest a barrel longer than 4 inches. My GP100, for example, has a 4.2 inch barrel because Canada firearm regulations require the barrel be longer than 4 inches. That is why Ruger made the original 4 inch barrel slightly longer

Bert

Handguns with barrel lengths of 105mm or 4" or less cannot be brought into Canada under any circumstances by civilians. To enter Canada with a firearm you must be either on your way to a firearm competition or going hunting. You want to review the regulations and the forms required for the temporary importation of firearms into Canada.

The regulations are similar to those imposed by the US on Canadians travelling to the US with firearms for the two above stated purposes.

Please note I live up here in the Great White North.

Take Care

Bob

steve8261948 · April 21st, 2011, 09:02 PM

If you would get a 4" .45 Colt you could then convert it to .454 Casull by simply changing out the cylinder with one from a Super Redhawk. I've read about this sonversion and it looks like the perfect carrying handgun. Powerful, light, deadly on most big game.
Steve

robertbank · April 22nd, 2011, 06:04 AM

I find the .44mag fully loaded to be enough of a handful. I tried the .500 S&W and it was brutal. Sorry but having a gun that I can't shoot or don't want to due to the fierce recoil would be of not much interest.

Take Care

Bob

ECVMatt · April 22nd, 2011, 06:12 AM

I have a four inch and it it nice. I kind of wish I went with the 5.5 though. It shoot just a tad better for me.

Tedak · April 22nd, 2011, 07:32 AM

My .44RH has a 4" barrel and I installed Pachmayr "Grippers" too. I carry it in surprising comfort IWB with a Simply Rugged pancake holster.

That info about the Canada regs and 4"+ barrels is interesting.

firescout · April 26th, 2011, 11:23 PM

I haven't shot a 4" Redhawk .44 Mag, but because of the good experiences shooting my buddy's blued 5 1/2" RH, I bought myself a 5 1/2 incher in stainless. I recently installed a Hogue Bantam grip on it, and sanded down the front finger grooves to fit my hand better.

I also have a Marlin 1894 .44 Mag carbine, so that helped with the caliber decision. Well, that and the fact that I have all the dies and cases to load .44 Mag/Spl...

Fan45acp · July 5th, 2011, 05:29 AM

First I had a 5 1/2" 44mag Redhawk. I don't remember why I traded it . I bought a new 4.2" 45 Colt a week or so ago. I'm not sure of the grips,they do handle recoil well. I loaded some 255 grain LSWC with @ 10.5 grains of Unique >1100 fps and the grips worked very good. I personably like the 4.2" barrel. The cylinder is the same size as the cylinder on a 454 Super Redhawk. This will allow you to load some loong heavy 300-340 grain bullets. By the way a 4.2" barrel does not make this Redhawk to small at @ 45 oz.