Redhawk .357 5.5" barrel-the original

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slick6

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I found this Redhawk .357 NIB unfired and it was a worthy collectible...these were only produced in 1984-85 then were discontinued. For those who love to shoot maximum loads of .357 magnums this Redhawk was the gun to do this with as it is super strong! I looked for a long time but I felt that I was never going to find one of these Gems...then my lucky number popped up! There were only two barrel lengths for these original Redhawk .357's....a long 7.5" and this shorter 5.5". Following are some photos:

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Nice!

Too bad the .357 Maximum never graced the Redhawk/SRH line, that would have been a nice handgun.
 
The perfect candidate for some 353 casull experimentation.
There is a member of this forum that loads nuclear level .357 rounds in a .357 redhawk, far beyond what would be considered safe in any other gun, n frames included.
The only revolver I'm aware of that is comparably strong is a freedom arms 353 casull
 
Can't pack enough powder into a .357mag case to make good use of the Redhawk cylinder without committing to ridiculous pressures... But they're dandy as conversion donors. I can get the 180grn Hotcor, drawn, up over 2,000fps out of a 7.5" Redhawk.

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I can't believe how much cylinder wall surrounds those chambers. I have one in 44mag and will soon have the 8 round 357. I love those Redhawks.
 
The perfect candidate for some 353 casull experimentation.
There is a member of this forum that loads nuclear level .357 rounds in a .357 redhawk, far beyond what would be considered safe in any other gun, n frames included.
The only revolver I'm aware of that is comparably strong is a freedom arms 353 casull
Forget .353 Casull loads. What happens if you lose one and it winds up in someone else's .357? BOOM! Load the 180gr Hornady XTP to it's lower cannelure and use .360 Dan Wesson data. At 1.70", it won't fit in most other .357's. Other bullets include the #358156 and #358629 SWC's with their dual crimp grooves or Beartooth's 180gr, 200gr & 210gr +P (long nose) bullets that have a crimp groove in the proper location for a 1.73"-1.75" OAL.
 
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I've loved my 7.5" version for many years. It will safely handle any sane 357 load. Mine happens to be very accurate with 38 special WCs. Feels like you are shooting a popgun while building muscles lifting the behemouth.

Jeff
 
"I looked for a long time but I felt that I was never going to find one of these Gems...then my lucky number popped up!"

Years ago, I wanted one of these in the worst way. I went to gun shops and gun shows all the time and for years kept my eyes open for one. Then, within a matter of a month I found two of them. With two different barrel lengths.

I bought them both. :thumbup:
 
slick6

Love that incredibly solid looking cylinder! That kind of reminds me of how the cylinder of the Colt Trooper Mk.III appeared chambered for the .22LR! Lots and lots of steel around those six tiny looking holes!
 
slick6

Love that incredibly solid looking cylinder! That kind of reminds me of how the cylinder of the Colt Trooper Mk.III appeared chambered for the .22LR! Lots and lots of steel around those six tiny looking holes!

You are right about that and your comparison is an excellent example!
 
Welcome to the select club! There is a little load data out there that has a 250 grain lead bullet going at about 1200. I have replicated some data that has gotten a 158 LSWC up to 1550 but it appeared to be skidding down the barrel and was less than accurate. I second on the wadcutters, very accurate.
 
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