Redhawk for XD9SC

[IlikeSA]

As I mentioned a few days ago, I was considering trading my XD9SC with some ammo and some cash for a Redhawk 5.5 44 magnum with some ammo. I am still debating, but wanted some opinions. I cannot afford to get the Redhawk straight out, but would have to trade for it. I am unwilling to trade any of my other guns or sell any of them off.

I love to bike, and plan to bike when I move to Colorado. I also love hiking as well. I wanted the 44 mag for my hiking gun (letting my wife carry the 357 mag). My EDC is a 1911. My XD has fulfilled it's role faithfully as a backup weapon when I was a police officer and is my bike gun and occasional backup gun when I really want to conceal. I understand Denver is a CC only city, but hope that I will love close enough to bike to grad school. Is concealing a 1911 possible on a bike? Assuming I am capable of handling the 44 mag (I had trouble with my friends old model vaquero, but will get a chance to shoot it a few times to make sure I can handle it) should I make the trade?

 

[gunnutery]

I've worn something like this (mine's a little smaller) while biking and carry my SP101 in it. It's easy to get to and doesn't look too silly (the one pictured has a silly color scheme though). I've also carried my CCW in the front handle bar bag as well, but I prefer the other method so that it's on you at all times.

P.S. I remember seeing your other thread and I suggested going for the trade, but ultimately it's your decision.

 

[hardluk1]

If you have no interest in the xd9sc ,yes trade for the 44. I Can tell you that most that have no time behind a heavy hitting single action will try to hold it like they would ther DA revolvers or pistols. You need to let a SA roll up in recoil and roll back down with out try'n to strangle it. Just relaxe. A redhawk will be more like your 357 mag, with most likely much less snap but with more push back . The wieght of a redhawk could be a problem for many to carry comfortible for extended times on the hip. If your 1011 is a all steel pistol the ruger may have ten oz's on it. Just try to find what works. For hikeing maybe the easy access bag or even a should rig or cross chest. That works weel for me. If you hunt the 44 would make a choice. Besure the redhawk has a soft rubber grip. They come on some factory models and hogue's soft rubber finger grip is great at helping with any control issues. Don't let your wife shoot it or she may want it over the 357 in the woods. Really

 

[IlikeSA]

Any other thoughts?

 

[CaliCoastie]

one of the things mentioned was hunting with the redhawk, make sure the game laws allow it. north carolina has a min barrell length of 6in.

 

[Quoheleth]

Well, if it were me, I would not do the trade. If you're looking for a gun to carry for backpacking or mountain biking, an 11" 47oz gun is a LOT of iron to be packing. I think you would be better off with the XD9c that you know and are familiar with. While you don't have the oomph of the .44 Magnum, you have a lot of firepower in a very portable package. If you want a heavier-hitting gun, what about a Ruger SP101 with hot-snot Cor-Bon or Buffalo Bore .357 Magnums? It's only 25-27oz and 7-8" long (depends on the 2" or 3" barrel). What you lose in power you gain in portability.

Unless you are looking for a dedicated hunting gun, I would not make the trade. It's not a disrespect of the gun or the cartridge - to me, the Redhawk's size and mass does not meet your need.

Q

 

[huntsman]

Any other thoughts?

can you afford the upcharge in the cost of ammo? I found the 44mag too costly to shoot with just buying factory ammo.

 

[IBEWBULL]

I must agree with the previous statement on not doing the trade.
You said you have a 1911 I would use it and wait on a different deal.
Are bears a concern? If so get some pepper spray as an option.
I traded my Redhawk for a Winchester Classic 300 mag a while ago. No regrets here I still have my 629 six inch and 28 S&W.
I think the two legged threats are more a concern than four. Wear a bell in bear country I hear it helps.
Good luck in your choices.
Merry Christmas.
Bull

 

[NMGonzo]

shop around a little more

I had a redhawk with that barrel and as much as I liked it it was a bear to carry around concealed.

4 inch is as big as I would want to go

even better if it would be a 3 inch

 

[NMGonzo]

Is concealing a 1911 possible on a bike?

Depends.

I carry a bersa thunder while on the bicycle ... much easier.

I have carried a 1911 but it was a loose shirt and not "cyclist apparel" of any kind.

A 5 shot snubbie 357 is the IDEAL for me to carry on the bike. Wish I never sold it.