Redhawk as a hunting handgun

[absolute0]

I'd like to get me a dedicated deer huntin' handgun. Wellllll.....maybe a little pig or predator action on the side . I really like my Rugers, and thought a nice Redhawk or Super Redhawk would fit the bill nicely.

Question is this - .454 Casull/.45 Colt or a .44 Mag?

BTW - I don't reload, YET

 

[Ruger Redhawk]

I have both a Redhawk in 44 mag and a SRH in 454 Casull.I usually carry the Redhawk. The SRH is heavier especially since mine has the 9.5"bbl.I had my RH scoped but decided to go iron sights.The Casull has an old Redfield 2x handgun scope.I might suggest looking at the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter.They are available with a standard grip or the Bisley.I bought one some months ago with the standard grip.I have it topped with a Leupold M8-2x20mm EER.That was going to become my hunting handgun this year but I never got out to sight it in.It's still unfired.Any of these Ruger's you go with would make a great hunting gun.
The 454 Casull has plenty of power,along with the 44mag. I like being able to shoot the 45Colt through the SRH.On the other hand you can shoot the milder 44 spl in the 44 mag. It boils down to whatever you want to shoot through it.

Ruger Redhawk

 

[squirrelsniper]

I had to make the same decision just about a month ago. I finally ended up with a used 7.5" barrel SRH in 454, mostly because I got it for a pretty good price, and since I reload, I knew I could load it from mild to wild.

The 44mag has more than enough power for whitetail within revolver range, so I think the decision comes down to how much recoil you're willing to deal with. If you've haven't shot a 44mag very much, you'd probably be better off to stay with a 44mag. The 454's recoil isn't nearly as bad as I was lead to believe, but it most definitely is not for the timid. However, if you have quite a bit of experience shooting 44mags (like I did) then it wouldn't be all that bad.

 

[tc300mag1]

I have Both a SRH 44 and a SRH 454 that shoots the 45 Colts Either way ya relly need to reload there expensive to shoot 454 is really expensive if ya dont reload 26$ for 20 here.

 

[P95Carry]

Thumbs up for Redhawk. I too have SRH in both .44 mag and .454 ... the latter is my hunting choice. Mind you, the .44 mag will still be ''useful'' ... just not quite so much put-down power.

 

[Chuck Dye]

Try before you buy…

I have the KRH-44R Redhawk Hunter, the 7½" with the integral scope mounts cut into the barrel rib. I have mounted a Leupold M8-2x20mm Extended Eye Relief in the factory rings. I like it. I have also shot a Dan Wesson and a Smith&Wesson with the scope mounted on the frame. The Super Redhawk integral mounts appear to offer a scope position intermediate between the barrel mount and the standard frame mount. I have not shot one. The difference between frame and barrel mounting has a very marked effect on the balance and handling. If you can, try all three set ups before you buy, you may find the differences a determining factor.

BTW, jack rabbit hunting with a handgun is good fun and great practice, 'though a .44 magnum makes for poor dining until you get down the "head shot or clean miss" part.