[inutero1212]

Hi all, I am looking at our local gun store and see two pistols i would like. A Ruger Alaskan, and a Super Redhawk. Both are in .454 and my question is this. The .454 Casull, how bad is it really? The Alaskan would probably recieve .45 colts for training and the big boys for defense, but I was wondering if someone could compare the recoil against say a pistol grip shotgun running 3" mags or slugs. I just need a ball park. I don't want to spend 760 bucks and not like the thing. Also would it be might i give up on the alaskan and just be happier with the Redhawk? Any input is great.

[General Geoff]

The Alaskan is a Super Redhawk, just with a shorter barrel.

I can't say I've ever fired one with full house .454 loads, but I'd imagine the recoil is rather stout.

[inutero1212]

well i know the two models are the same, i was simply stating different names for the sake of differentiating

[glock_17_4U]

I haven't fired either, but have witnessed them being fired and you would be better served by the 1 with the longer barrel, if we are talking a range,hd toy. I have friends that hike and prefer the alskan as a bada55 backpack gun, but unless you plan on carrying it, i would always advocate the longer barrel with the bigger cartridges. The muzzle flash and noise from the alaskan is enough to scare a bear(no facts to support this mind you). I think you should get what you want though, try to shoot both, goto you tube and watch the videos of .454 being fired, especially at night, and decide for yourself.BTW I really like that u can shoot 2 calibres from 1 guy, so that is why I think .454 isa good idea, I hear if you reload you can get the .45lc to .44 mag power, but thats another post entriely. goof shooting and good luck decideing.

[Valkman]

I had the SRH and with "light loads" of only 30 grains of powder I had to use a glove. I've sold it because it could not compare to the trigger on the S&W 629 but the new owner shoots huge loads out of it. If you're not recoil shy you may like it but it's not for the faint of heart, that's for sure.

[Crowman]

I have both a Ruger Alaskan and a Super Redhawk in .454 Casull. The Super Redhawk is strickly for hunting and the Alaskan is my woods carry gun.

I carry the Alaskan in a Galco DAO cross draw holster on a Hunter cartridge belt with a mix of +P Colts and the heavy stuff. Also, HKS 25-5 speed loaders will handle both Colts and Casulls and fit the Rugers just fine. The .454 Casull turns the Alaskan into a stout and fearsome brute; however, for defence against anything less than brown bears, the Buffalo Bore or Corbon .45 Colt +P loads are almost pussycats in the heavy thing and are a joy to shoot.

It is versatile in that you can fire .45 Schofield (a.k.a. .45 S&W), .45 Colt, .45 Colt +P, CCI shotshells, and .454 Casulls in it. I contacted Hogue and got a lanyard screw like the ones on the big S&W X frame revolvers to replace the factory screw so I can put a leash on it.

The Super Redhawk is too impractical for easy hip carry and is really more of a hunting tool because of the long barrel. Mine has a 2X-20 scope attached and I pack it in a shoulder holster when I use it as my main hunting firearm; however, the Alaskan packs easily in a crossdraw holster and does not interfere with operating a vehicle, sitting, or slinging a rifle on your shoulder. In a proper fitting holster and gunbelt, the weight is not that noticeable. I walk for miles up and down mountains with mine and do not find it objectionable.

You only need the big boys in limited circumstances and it is good to know you have the backup should the circumstances call for it. I normally pack the heavy Buffalo Bore or Corbon +P Colt loads in it but keep some Casulls in a HKS speed loader handy.

[Redhawk1]

Have them both and I shoot full 454 Casull loads all the time. Yes the recoil is stout, but manageable.

I do not notice much if any difference from the shorter barrel to the longer.

Actually the Super Redhawk in 454 Casull seems tame compared to my BFR in 500 Mag.

[inutero1212]

Cool, this is some good info. As i mentioned before i plan on using .45 lc's mostly and only having .454's should a situation warrant their possible need.