Need help with next purchase!!!

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idtex

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I have the opportunity to purchase a new revolver. I can't decide between these two Ruger Alaskan or the Redhawk 4 inch. I will be using it for backpacking and back up in bear country. I am just concerned with the accuracy with the snubnose of the alaskan. Any thoughts on this?
 
I have never been in country where bears, particularly BIG bears are a threat. I have had a couple of friends go on canoe trips in Alaska and their outfitters both told them that they believed a pistol gripped 12 gauge pump slung over the shoulder is the way to go. They were told to load it with 00 or 000 buck alternating with slugs.

So far as the choices you gave, I would think that the 4' Redhawk would make the more versatile and effective revolver. The "Alaskan" chambers .454 but with the very short barrel, I doubt it would give you much more velocity than a hot .45 Colt load. I would think that on a big bear, the ability to penetrate heavy bone and muscle would be critical. It seems logical that the 4" would give more velocity and perhaps with less muzzle blast and so PRACTICAL accuracy would be better. I would probably go with a Glock 20 with a magazine full of hot and heavy 10mm..My .02..Good Luck with that...
 
Redhawk vs. Super Redhawk

For defence against large critters at point blank I'd opt for the Alaskan. .454 is pretty impressive with proper bullets on bears.
You can certainly make a case for the 4" Redhawk, but can't get the same kind of power in .45 Colt or .44 Magnum. I would prefer the 4" Redhawk because it seems to be more of a go anywhere/do anything kind of companion piece.
 
That is the one I was leaning towards. I found one for $620 and an Alaskan for $650.
 
I own a 4" Redhawk...

They are great guns. I would recommend buying the 4" Redhawk. The Redhawk's grips are very short, but they are comfortable. I think that the Redhawk would be ideal for what you're looking for. Load it up with Buffalo Bore 340 hardcast +p+ ammo and you aren't that far off of factory .454 ammo.
 
I have a 4 inch Redhawk and it is one of my most favorite revolvers. I would not hesitate to buy another one.
 
Just looked at the thread after mine. I might just get a nylon first.
 
If you are really serious about purchasing a back up gun for bear then the Alaskan is the odds on choice. Check out the ballistics on the Alaskan and you will find that, even with the short barrel, the 454 will give you about 40% more power than a "comparable" load in a 44 magnum (even out of the 4" barrel). You can always shoot some of the heavier 454 loads and make an even stronger case for that caliber.

If 44 magnum becomes the choice then I suggest that you opt for the 4" Redhawk but, once again, if back up for bear is the goal then carry a hot load (Hammerhead) by Garrett. Bears are tough customers (I know from experience) and power and quick deployment to the first shot are of the essence. FWIW.

As I own both guns my personal choice has been the Alaskan with heavy, heavy 454 loads. No fun at all to shoot but they will do the job.
 
The snubby isn't going to be less accurate, but the odds are that you won't be able to shoot it well--if you're recoil sensitive or do not build up a tolerance to it.

Personally, I know my limits, and a .44 magnum/heavy .45 Colt is about it. No point in shooting anything that I can't hit with.
 
Well I have decided, I am getting the 4" redhawk in 44 mag tomorrow morning. I hope I can sleep tonight. No feeling like getting a new gun.
 
Ditto on the 4" Redhawk, not the SRH Alaskan.

Better ballistics, same weight. The Alaskan doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
 
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