New OWB Holster for my 4" Redhawk

[bigmike45]

I have talked to quite a few custom holster makers about an OWB for my 4" Redhawk and none had a mold to work from. A couple have offered to try to make a holster for the 5.5" and then try to shorten it, but before I decided to commit to that, I was talking to a a buddy that carries a 4" S&W 29 in a DeSantis Belt Scabbard, which has a strap across the hammer, like I was looking for. My 4" Redhawk fit perfectly so I ordered one and DeSantis had one in stock. I also ordered one of their HKS speedloader pouches that straddles the belt instead of IWB or OWB carry. This holder works great and adds very little width which of course makes it a perfect carry option. This is my first DeSantis holster so I hope it will hold up in the field.

 

[.45&TKD]

Did you have the RH shortened to 4 inches, or has Ruger come out with a 4 inch model?

 

[usp_fan]

Ruger has a 4" .44 coming out in '07 according to Taffin and others. I'm hoping for a .45 Colt as a special run.

--usp_fan

 

[Nightcrawler]

I've been tempted by a Redhawk since I got into big bore guns. How much bigger than a 629 are they?

 

[bigmike45]

Since my Redhawk is in 41 magnum, and I figured that Ruger would not release one of the new 4 inchers in that caliber, I shortened one of my 5.5". It is a great carry gun for field carry and that is what I plan to use it for.

As far as the size/weight difference of a comperable 629, I bought a holster for the 4" 629 and the Redhawk fits like a glove. I know the heavy barrel of the Redhawk will add a few ounces, but that would be about the only difference in my opinion.

 

[22-rimfire]

Very nice and thanks for the info. I have a blue 41 mag 5.5" Redhawk. It is essentially brand new and I have not shot it yet.

 

[DC3-CVN-72]

That's a grate looking gun!

 

[bigmike45]

Thank you gentlemen,

I am very proud of the result of my labor.

This all started with a magazine article, written by Denis Prisbrey in Handgunner where he sent his 5.5" Blued Redhawk to Bowen Custom Firearms to have it modified to 4" and other things as well. He had it beautifully engraved and a set of larger grips built for it.

I also ran across a Stainless model, in another forum, shortened to 4" from 7.5" that the guy bought used at a gunshow. He made custom grips and even a custom holster for it.

I have a strong machine shop and metalworking background so I felt confident in my quest. There were a few times though I became a little concerned with what I had to do.

tex

 

[USBP 1969]

Big Mike. Could you pass along some info on that front sight. Looks great!

Kent