Anyone know the break down between the two? Is the red hawk worth the extra cash besides for collectibility? And if looking for a large frame ruger 357 Is it better just to go new and go the GP100 route? Any insights and ideas would be great.
redhawk 357 vs security six 357
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The GP100 is excellent. The Redhawk in 357 is collectable. The Redhawk uses a single leaf spring for the hammer and trigger, supposedly for a better trigger feel. Its the only Ruger DA revolver like this. I have no first hand knowledge of this revolver to offer you any advice. The Security Six series has been replaced by the GP100. The GP is heavier, and more robust. The GP was designed with the intent of UNLIMITED firing of magnum loads. It will literally last forever. The SIX series is slightly lighter, not quite as heavy duty, but still excellent, and very long lasting. I dont think you could do wrong with any of these models, but if it was my choice, It would be the GP100 because of the grip design. Its the only one of the three you mention that doesnt have a full backstrap in the grip area. This allows for rubber to be between your hand and the guns grip, and helps to tame the recoil of heavy magnum loads.
My 4" GP100...
My 4" GP100...
Deaf Smith
Member
single leaf spring?
There are no leaf springs I know of in any Ruger Redhawk, Security Six, Speed Six, GP-100, or SRH. Coil springs only in these.
Deaf
There are no leaf springs I know of in any Ruger Redhawk, Security Six, Speed Six, GP-100, or SRH. Coil springs only in these.
Deaf
Blue Brick
Member
Redhawk is rare in .357. My Redhawk is larger than my GP-100. Springs in both, but diff
set up. Can replace GP-100 much easier and like grip better.
set up. Can replace GP-100 much easier and like grip better.
The Redhawk is a pretty beefy revolver even in .44 Magnum. Really the only reason to get a .357 Redhawk is if you happen across one at a reasonable price, and mainly because they're not nearly as common as the .44 Mag. Granted you'll likely never wear one out as long as you maintain it, but they are large revolvers to be sure, and pretty hefty to boot.
The GP100 seems to be a better fit for the .357 Magnum, it's not nearly as big as the Redhawk, and is still strong enough to eat a lifetime of magnums, and then some. Security Sixes are just as strong if you happen to bump into one, and can usually be had at a reasonable price.
The GP100 seems to be a better fit for the .357 Magnum, it's not nearly as big as the Redhawk, and is still strong enough to eat a lifetime of magnums, and then some. Security Sixes are just as strong if you happen to bump into one, and can usually be had at a reasonable price.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The Redhawk is way too much beef for the .357 cartridge. I don't know why it was produced and other than collectability, I don't know why anybody would buy one. The Security Six is much better suited to the chambering and is a great sixgun. They were only discontinued in favor of the GP-100 because it's easier and cheaper to build.
Except for the Security Six, Speed Six and Service Six that the Redhawk is based on.
IMO the Redhawk is way too large for .357 and the Six series guns leave a lot to be desired in the trigger department.
The GP100 is juuuust right. The mono grip really tames recoil and the trigger on my new GP100 is very smooth in DA and crisper in SA than any other Ruger I've owned.
The Six series guns all seem to have a heavy hump in the middle of the DA trigger pull.
The GP100 is juuuust right. The mono grip really tames recoil and the trigger on my new GP100 is very smooth in DA and crisper in SA than any other Ruger I've owned.
The Six series guns all seem to have a heavy hump in the middle of the DA trigger pull.
I like the Redhawk .357 because it is unique and collectible-and, never to be made again. Also, because it looks like a Security Six on steroids. Thr 7.5" barrel length was too nose heavy for me-thus, I sold it. But, the 5.5" barrel feels much better balanced and the weight is not nearly as noticeable. Here is a picture of my NIB Redhawk .357:
The Redhawk might be neat as a collectible, but I agree that it is way bigger and heavier than needed for the .357. The trigger reach is also excessively long unless you have very big hands.
I love the Security Six. It's trigger is, to me, far superior to the GP-100, in both single and double action. Handier too.
I love the Security Six. It's trigger is, to me, far superior to the GP-100, in both single and double action. Handier too.
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Ruger modernized their double action design with the Redhawk. The cylinder lockup is in the yoke/crane instead of bearing against a center pin that is inside the ejector rod. The lockwork has also been changed. It's a good gun, but I wouldn't trade up from a Security Six just for a newer design. I'd save the money for boolits.
If it were up to me, money invested in a Security-Six is money well spent. Not insanely expensive, built to last, and put together like a precision instrument.
I bought my first revolver last week. A Ruger Service Six in Stainless. I'm told it's the forerunner of the GP100. I fired it today for the first time. It feels like a tank and shoots as accurately as my friend's S&W 686, which I am very fond of. All in all, for my first foray into wheel guns, I think it was a great choice. At $325, I think I got a bargain.
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