Original Redhawk 357 (1985)

[357smallbore]

I have a chance to buy a like new 1985 Ruger Redhawk SS 357 in 5.5-barrel configuration.
$1200.00 for the gun. This beast is a true hand cannon. I'd think it'd take a stick of dynamite to blow it up. I've always wanted one. Stupid me let one pass in 2004 that I could have had for $650
Any thoughts on these. Anyone ever own or shoot one?

 

[dekibg]

If money is no issue go for it !

 

[JCooperfan1911]

You’d be a fool to pass it up.

That is my dream gun and I’ve been searching for one for years. If you decide not to buy it, please tell where it’s for sale!

 

[ECVMatt]

Another vote for YES!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I have the 7.5" and it was one of my grail guns as well-

I paid an even grand a couple years ago. Its not really very accurate, with either .357s or .38s- though I suppose its possible I simply haven't found a load it likes yet. I honestly think they had problems drilling the relatively small charge holes perfectly straight back then. Perhaps mine was just built on a Friday afternoon.......

The SA trigger is kinda rough and creepy. The DA trigger is decent, but not up to the level of my M28 or DW15. Everyone who has shot mine groups better in DA.

If you want a .357 Redhawk because they are beautiful, impressive, well-built guns and you dont want to keep .44 Magnum in stock, I say go for it. If you want a velvet-smooth tack driver, well.......not so much.

YMMV of course.

 

[Pat Riot]

I would love to own one and I fear prices like that may now be the norm.

 

[Riomouse911]

Enablers Unanimous looks like they’re in agreement, we wouldn’t pass it up.

Stay safe.

 

[Obturation]

I don't know.
Here's the real question, do you believe you'll ever load 357 magnum cartridges too hot for a gp100? If the answer is "yes", I'd suggest a freedom arms 353 casull.

I don't see the need for the extra steel but I sure do love ruger revolvers - especially redhawk & super redhawk. So I can't say I wouldn't buy a 357 redhawk but I don't know about the price and actual utility you'll get from so dang much steel unless you're planning to go full nuclear with your loads, in which case I'd be cautious .

I'm the last guy on this site that'll shame folks for loads beyond saami specs, if that's your intention let us know how it goes . if you're going to keep to published load data, I think the redhawk is overkill.

Oh heck, you deserve it- go get that thing anyway!

 

[twarr1]

It has been my experience over (too many) decades that good condition, meaning not abused, Ruger revolvers, both SA and DA, hold their value very well. When I add another one to my collection I don’t consider it ‘spending’ money but just putting it in a different form. There’s that. Plus, they’re just fun.
If you’re not spending the grocery money, I say buy it already. You already answered your own question; You said “Stupid me let one pass in 2004 that I could have had for $650” - In 15 years do you want to say ““Stupid me let one pass in 2022 that I could have had for $1200” ?

 

[Targa]

Add me to the buy it bandwagon. I think of the new production S&W L and N frames and Colt King Cobra Target that are going to run you in the neighborhood of a $1000 and the new Pythons that will run you $1500. That Redhawk in my opinion is in a class of its own and I would be all over it at $1200 if it were in like new condition as described.

 

[LaneP]

The Redhawk's are tanks and I got a 5.5" in .44 Magnum back in the day (1986) but saw a .357 in the display case at the time and wish I could have bought both.

 

[Pat Riot]

I still kick myself for not buying one of the newer 8 shot .357 Redhawks when standing in front of the sales counter at Cabela’s and they had every barrel length available right there in front of me. Dopey me! I decided to wait a while…

That was 4 years ago…

 

[Targa]

Yes sir, been there done that with a couple of what are now on my bucket list firearms…

 

[Walkalong]

I have never shot one, passed on one for $850 probably 10 years ago, would like to have one because I lover Redhawks, but just don't need it, and they are pricey these days.

But if you want it, and have the cash...............

 

[Jonny2guns]

I have one in 44mag and love it. My LGS has a matching one in 44mag, good price and really really trying to tell myself I don't want a second one.... It's not working, but I'm out of gun funds at the moment.

 

[jeff-10]

I am not really sure of their collector status but $1,200 seems steep for a used Redhawk. It is a phenomenal revolver but the newer ones are likely made at least as well as the 40 year old ones. I am pretty sure the new ones in 357 are 8 shot but I still think I would go with that. Not for nothing though, in the scheme of things if you pay a few extra hundred, it is probably meaningless if it brings you joy.

 

[lightman]

I say if you regret passing on one in the past and really want this one, go for it. I doubt they will get any cheaper.
Accuracy with a Ruger seems to be hit or mis. My Super Redhawk is pretty accurate. A regular Blackhawk I once had in 45 would not keep a cylinder full on an official 25 yard bullseye target.

 

[highlander 5]

I've one 7.5" barrel bought it used at least 40 years ago now that you mention it I'll have to drag it out and shoot it. I've run some pretty stout loads the revolver,one guy thought I was firing a 44 mag.

 

[Crosshair]

They're not making any more of them. I own one, though I forget which barrel length. Shoots stupid hot loads with no problem. Though as said elsewhere, accuracy was average.

 

[shoebox1.1]

Please buy it

 

[Electricmo]

A awful lot of gun for being a .357

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

A awful lot of gun for being a .357

Thats the point....they make no logical sense whatsoever!

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

I see all that space in betwixt the cylinder chamber holes, and what runs through my mind is " ...will it chamber a 360DW?"

Dangerous thoughts, I'm sure...

 

[Bayou52]

OP -

If you even think you might want that RH, buy it while you still can.

I bought my 7.5" 1984 vintage 357 RH in 2016 off of GunBroker for a "buy now" price of $800.00. My only issue was that the factory Ruger grips were too small for my hand, so I replaced them with target sized grips.

This beast has zero end shake, cylinder lock is tight as a drum and when that massive cylinder closes, it is reminiscent of a bank vault door closing.

I routinely bang steel 10" X 12" plates @ 100 yards off hand. It's just a pleasure to shoot with my handloads.

Pics:





Bayou52

 

[Rock185]

FWIW, Sometimes limited or out of production guns came along that I wanted and could afford, but I dithered and missed out. Most always regretted it later.

I think those 5.5" .357 Redhawks are pretty neat. Makes my N-frame .357 look petit.