[Kestrel]

Due to the size of the Super Redhawk, if I were to get on with 7.5" barrel, should I skip the .44 and go straight to the .454/.45?

I know, I know... "What are you planning to use it for?"

I don't know, yet. Maybe target shooting. Maybe safety on a camping trip. Maybe just for fun.

One one hand, .44 is a lot cheaper and easier to find. .454 is expensive and I'm not a reloader. Hmmm...

Thanks for any help,
Steve

[C.R.Sam]

.44 is not a waste in any form.

Let your personal druthers determine.

Sam

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

The 7.5" redhawk is capable of using the potential of the .44 magnum. It is a hoot. It can also be a whole bunch to handle. It is also mighty persuasive.

There are numerous factory loadings and .44 specials if you want to warm up. The redhawk will handle ALL major hot loads, but can you?

[bquinlan]

My favorite revolver is the Taurus Raging Bull in .44 Magnum. The RB was originally designed for the .454. Having a massive gun that was designed to tame the .454 makes it a real pleasure to shoot in .44! I suspect the same would apply to the SRH.

--Bob Q

[Tom C.]

My .44 SR started with a 9 1/2" barrel. I had it cut to 6". Even that is muzzle heavy enough to do a nice job of taming recoil from full power .44 mag loads. The weight and grips make it very comfortable to shoot.
I also have Redhawks in .44 and .45 with 5 1/2" barrels. I tend to shoot the .45 Redhawk most. All are quite accurate.

[maytom]

My old Ruger Super BlackHawk 7 1/2" was just about perfect recoil wise for me!! I had no problem firing off 200+ rounds at a range setting. But that .454 with it's "double the .44 recoil", doesn't sound like any fun to me at all!! I guess they make them for us Non-macho men!!:neener:

[444]

I personally think the Ruger Super Redhawk is an awfully big platform for the .44 Mag cartridge. There are smaller and more ergonomic packages for the .44 Mag. I think this is what you are asking. If I was looking for a .44 Mag, it wouldn't be the super redhawk. If I was dead set on the super redhawk platform for some reason, I would definitely go for the .454. The .454 is a very versitile chambering and it is also much more suited to the very large platform.

[einnor1040]

It's just my opinion, but I think a SRH is ugly. The plain Redhawk or the Taurus guns look much better.

[YodaVader]

You don't reload so the answer is very easy - go with the 44. You can pick up ammo practically anywhere. Plus the cost will be considerable less than 454 ammo. The SR is a BIG 44 mag but so what? The large size makes the gun very mild (for a 44) to shoot. My first 44 handgun was a 7.5" SR and it was a blast - literally! Shoot something like a 4 5/8"" Super Blackhawk 44 or a 4" Smith 29 with full loads and the size of the SR is most appreciated! If the Super Redhawk is suppose to be too heavy then stay away from the standard Redhawk as well - according to the Ruger catalog:

7.5" Redhawk - 54oz
7.5" Super RH - 53oz

[Old Fuff]

Regarding your camping trips. You didn't say where. If BIG bears were a possibility I'd opt for the .454 - which even so is a bit light for the biggest critters. If a bear encounter isn't likely the .44 Magnum should handle anything you might meet. As a personal choice I'm thinking of modifying a Ruger/Bisely Blackhawk to a fluted cylinder/4 5/8 inch barreled gun that would be very easy to pack around. I have an old Flat-top .44 Blackhawk with a 4 5/8 inch barrel and don't find the recoil to be bothersome. I believe Ruger still offers the Super Blackhawk with a smaller handle and 5 1/2 inch barrel out of regular inventory.

[Steve in PA]

Super Redhawk........there is no equal.........

everything else is an.........also ran :neener:

The SRH will outlast any other handgun......period.

I have a 9 1/2" SRH .44mag.......probably my most favorite gun to shoot.

[Cal4D4]

My M29s feel like scalpels compared to the Super Redhawk feeling like a machete. My Smiths are getting out of timing from thousands of midrange loads. The SRH is just smoothing up after thousands of anything I've put thru it. The 5 1/2" fluted SBH needs a Base Mountain cylinder pin or latch spring; I think the old one lost it's temper from heat. Not alot of holster choice if you want to carry the SRH, but it can be stoked up with the hottest loads and stay tight. I get all the recoil I need from hot .44s.

[YodaVader]

The SRH will outlast any other handgun......period.

Maybe any other 44 double action revolver - but any other handgun? Period? Never heard of any 44s being shot at 100,000 rounds plus , but have heard of old target 22s that have.

[Nightcrawler]

From what I understand, if you want to put a LOT of heavy loads, like Buffalo Bore, Cor-Bon, and Garrett hunting loads, you're much better off with a Ruger than a Smith.

I'll admit, a 4" M29 is prettier and easier to pack than a SRH, but I wouldn't want to put some Garrett Hammerheads through it, either.