Ruger Redhawk 4" or5.5" Bbl

I don't own either, my Redhawk is a 7.5", but when looking at them in the gunstore the 5.5 seems to point better for me. Also, I like the extra barrel to use the cartridge better. Short 44s have a LOT of flash.

5.5 or 7.5. I had a 5.5 and I wished it was longer. The 6.5 on my S&W 629 is just right I think.

Anything under 5" in a 44 Mag is a no go for me personally.

With a heavy big bore revolver like the Redhawk I prefer longer barrels. I find the balance suits me better and the extra barrel length helps with recoil. But I have a buddy who prefers a 4 inch barrel with more of the weight in his hand. Usual advice: buy what suits you.

Jeff

I purchased a Ruger Redhawk for defense in forests. So, that dictated the 5.5" barrel for me since large animals could be around. In that gun, I can select ammo performance from standard to bottom-end .454 Casul levels.

It does balance well. Changed the grips to beefier Eaglegrips rosewood grips to reduce slipping during recoil.

Had it for over a decade and very pleased with it.

harrygunner said:

I purchased a Ruger Redhawk for defense in forests. So, that dictated the 5.5" barrel for me since large animals could be around. In that gun, I can select ammo performance from standard to bottom-end .454 Casul levels.

It does balance well. Changed the grips to beefier Eaglegrips rosewood grips to reduce slipping during recoil.

Had it for over a decade and very pleased with it.

View attachment 835845

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May one ask the maker name of that holster?

May one ask the maker name of that holster?

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It's an 'Idaho Leather' 41D-1 shoulder holster. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, after sixty years of making leather products, the company stopped a few years ago.

Edit -
Here's an article about the company: http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/territory/article_446cbe94-809f-11df-a547-001cc4c002e0.html

If SA is an option, I really like my Ruger Bisley Blackhawk .45 Colt for anti-armor (Ruger Only) loads. They 5.5" bbl is just right; they gun rolls with authority, and a 4.6" bbl would probably be unpleasantly snappy.

harrygunner said:

It's an 'Idaho Leather' 41D-1 shoulder holster. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, after sixty years of making leather products, the company stopped a few years ago.

Edit -
Here's an article about the company: http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/territory/article_446cbe94-809f-11df-a547-001cc4c002e0.html

Click to expand...

Well that sucks that holster looks awesome and looks like it really supports tbe weight of the gun.

My brother had a Redhawk in .44 Magnum with a 5.5" barrel when he lived in Alaska. I had the gun for awhile before he went there and then again after he got back and I really liked the balance and the way it handled with that length barrel. I have had a couple of Super Blackhawks with a 7.5" barrel and a S&W Model 629 with a 6" barrel and I much prefer the slightly shorter barrel of the Redhawk.

I don't have a Redhawk (yet) but I would go 5.5.

I have a 6 inch S&W 20 and passed on a 4 inch version. I've come to realize magnum revolvers need the corresponding longer barrel to realize their full potential. I have 3 short barrel 357's and although they are aesthetically pleasing I am sure they are in no way reaching their ballistic potential.

There’s no significant difference in the external ballistic performance between the 4.2” and the 5.5”. The opportunity for round butt vs. square in the 4.2” is really more substantial than the barrel length. The balance is slightly different, but with the same grip frame, unless you’re holding them side by side, the Average Joe would never be able to tell the difference in a blindfolded test - “pick this ONE up and tell me which length it is.”

For me, for a Redhawk playing the role of belt gun, I prefer the 4.2” Redhawk. For hunting or field shooting, I want 7.5”. The 5.5” kind of falls into a no man’s land for me.

I have a 1989 blued 5.5 44 mag. Best big bore I own. Will last many lifetimes. Perfect for the forest, mountains. Great for big game 100yrd in.

5.5 barrel. That's my vote. Can't go wrong with a Redhawk.