257WM_CDL-SF
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2009
- Messages
- 379
I am thinking of buying a Redhawk I am thinking the 5.5 barrel My question will it lose a lot of performance and make it flip up alot worse.Id appreciate any advice
Redhawk 44 mag barrel length
- Thread starter 257WM_CDL-SF
- Start date
- Status
257WM_CDL-SF
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2009
- Messages
- 379
thank you bigviking thats what I was wondering.Is it accurate also
257WM_CDL-SF
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2009
- Messages
- 379
thank you bigviking thats what I was wondering.Is it accurate also
I also have a 5.5".
Accuracy is plenty good.
Balance is excellent (unlike the longer barreled Redhawks which to me are muzzle heavy).
Muzzle flip is mild (for a .44 magnum). You know you are shooting a real gun, but it is very manageable.
I actually prefer the Super Redhawk (wish they made it with a 5" barrel), but I have to say my Redhawk is one sweet shooting gun.
Accuracy is plenty good.
Balance is excellent (unlike the longer barreled Redhawks which to me are muzzle heavy).
Muzzle flip is mild (for a .44 magnum). You know you are shooting a real gun, but it is very manageable.
I actually prefer the Super Redhawk (wish they made it with a 5" barrel), but I have to say my Redhawk is one sweet shooting gun.
257WM_CDL-SF
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2009
- Messages
- 379
thank you Surefire sounds good
Magnumite
Member
I like the balance of my 5.5" Redhawk over the 7.5". That's why I sold the longer one.
Performance referenced, I get from 1275 - 1300 fps (12 feet from the muzzle) from factory 240 grain magnum grade ammo. That's a good velocity since most are rated about 1180 fps from a 4" vented barrel. It is very shootable, especially with midrange and lower powered ammo.
I have one target at 50 yards, Speer bullet handload that is right around an inch (off bags. The other groups went around 1 3/4" to 3" when I didn't have any called fliers). It shoots very well.
Performance referenced, I get from 1275 - 1300 fps (12 feet from the muzzle) from factory 240 grain magnum grade ammo. That's a good velocity since most are rated about 1180 fps from a 4" vented barrel. It is very shootable, especially with midrange and lower powered ammo.
I have one target at 50 yards, Speer bullet handload that is right around an inch (off bags. The other groups went around 1 3/4" to 3" when I didn't have any called fliers). It shoots very well.
I like 5.5" Redhawks quite a bit. Very well balanced to me.
257WM_CDL-SF
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2009
- Messages
- 379
thank you all
Confederate
Member
The 5.5- inch would be my choice as the Redhawk is already a bit of a horse pistol. The 6-inch 629 is even nicer, but with not nearly the strength.
Either gun would serve you well, but the shorter barrels are nice. After 6 inches, get a rifle!
Either gun would serve you well, but the shorter barrels are nice. After 6 inches, get a rifle!
SwampWolf
Member
I have the 7.5 length and I'm glad I have it. Of course, it was a Father's Day gift...
This may or may not help your decision: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html
Between 5" and 7" we saw about 100fps difference, depending on the specific ammo.
Jim D.
Between 5" and 7" we saw about 100fps difference, depending on the specific ammo.
Jim D.
Mr.Revolverguy
Member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2007
- Messages
- 1,882
I looked at the 5.5 inch and it is surely a nice ruger especially when you look at walkalong collection. But I am very happy and satisfied with my 4inch redhawk. In my review I mention the flip/recoil. The more time I spend with it at the range the more I love it. I really need to write an updated review for it.
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=71
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=71
257WM_CDL-SF
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2009
- Messages
- 379
Thank you all I am leaning 5.5 but i was wondering also about the muzzle flip.
22-rimfire
Member
It's a 44 mag, of course you're going to have some "muzzle flip", but nothing like the feel of say a Glock in 40 S&W which is kind of snappy and "flips". Anyway, if you are not terribly recoil sensitive, you should like the gun. I have a 5.5" in 41 mag and like it just fine.
Magnumite
Member
As mentioned, it is a 44 Magnum and the muzzle will more in a 5.5" as opposed to a 7.5". The extra length acts as a barrel weight.
When I had both the 5.5 and 7.5" Redhawks at the same time, I found the muzzle flip wasn't much greater with the 5.5". It's a non issue to me. This is because most of the Redhawk's mass is in the frame, cylinder and first 3.5" of barrel. The handling of the 5.5" for me is so much better, I ended up selling the longer tube gun. FWIW, I have cleared tables of 5 pins in as little as 3.36 seconds with the 5.5" Redhawk and full bore loads. I was a little faster with 1100 fps loads, as would be expected. That should put the muzzle flip question in perspective.
When I had both the 5.5 and 7.5" Redhawks at the same time, I found the muzzle flip wasn't much greater with the 5.5". It's a non issue to me. This is because most of the Redhawk's mass is in the frame, cylinder and first 3.5" of barrel. The handling of the 5.5" for me is so much better, I ended up selling the longer tube gun. FWIW, I have cleared tables of 5 pins in as little as 3.36 seconds with the 5.5" Redhawk and full bore loads. I was a little faster with 1100 fps loads, as would be expected. That should put the muzzle flip question in perspective.
MachIVshooter
Member
5-1/2 or 6" isn't a bad length for a .44. If you are specifically hunting with it, the added stability and velocity of a 7.5 or longer barrel is beneficial. But for something you're packing in the woods that is NOT going to be a primary game getter, the shorter barrel is much less cumbersome.
- Status
