Ruger Redhawk Conversion?

[ugaarguy]

I was curious if anyone knows how hard and how expensive it would be to convert a Ruger Redhawk from 44 Mag to 45 LC. The Rugers are incredibly strong, attractively priced, and don't have those durn S&W locks on them. Or am I just better off getting a S&W M25 or 625 if I want a DA revolver in 45 LC?

 

[TheGrouch]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=51587909

Get a Redhawk in 454 casul and can use 45 LC.

 

[BlkHawk73]

The Redhawk was made for a while chambered in 45Colt. Available in both the 5 1/2" and 7 1/2" modles I believe. Shouldn't be too awfully hard to find one. Cheaper than haveing a conversion done.
The 454 models are Super Redhawks.

 

[Jim Watson]

I am sure that Bowen, Clements, or Gallagher could to it, but it would take the "attractively priced" part very far out of your equation.

Or you could haunt the sales sites and gun shows until a .45 Redhawk turns up. They did make some but not many.

What will a .45 do for you that a .44 won't? If you are remotely considering a S&W, you must not be planning on extra heavy loads.

 

[ugaarguy]

JW,
I was looking compatability with newly aquired Win 94AE in 45 LC. I've always liked the S&W Mountain Guns, but the Ruger price, lack of internal lock, and brute strength you mention make me lean that way.

Ideally I'd like to get one in the 5&1/2 Bbl. Of course a pre-05 large frame Vaquero or a Blackhawk are good options if I go SA.

 

[jdmb03]

David Clements does great work.

 

[stevekl]

Er wait, am I missing something? Why not just get a .454? Can it not chamber .45LC?

 

[ugaarguy]

Er wait, am I missing something? Why not just get a .454? Can it not chamber .45LC?

The 454 chambered guns are Super Redhawks which are larger than I'd like to go. A S&W 25 or 625 would be nice, but the standard Redhawks are strong enough to handle hot 45 LC while still not being SRH huge.

Another option I'd like you folks opinions on is this; a local shop has a very nice pre-05 Vaquero in 45 LC. It's polished stainless and when I checked it out its very tight with a bore that looks factory new. It appears to be fired very little if at all; and is complete with box and all paperwork including the blank original warranty card. Asking price is $350. I'd prefer DA, but is this too good of deal to pass up?

On the SA note I have one further option I'm looking at. The Blackhawk in 45 LC with the extra cylinder in 45 ACP is appealing for both its strength and its utility. Thoughts?

I guess I should retitle this thread "Help me pick a 45 LC Revolver to go with my Win 94 Carbine in 45 LC."

Thanks for all the help thus far. I look forward to hearing your opinions on the other options out there.

 

[BlkHawk73]

On the SA note I have one further option I'm looking at. The Blackhawk in 45 LC with the extra cylinder in 45 ACP is appealing for both its strength and its utility. Thoughts?

Since a Ruger SA isn't out of the question, and you mention the convertable model, there is to be another run of the Acusport Bisley .45 cal convertable sometime later this year. Get your order in now if interested.

 

[instigator]

here's my converted 45 redhawk

 

[usp_fan]

Those .45 colt redhawks are out there to be had. I just found one in a shop looking not very used at all. I may have to try and find the $ to pick it up. I've always wanted to make a mountain gun out of one--barrel to 4 or 4.5", round butt the frame, and lanyard loop.

--usp_fan

 

[41 Redhawk]

instigator, yours looks like it has a new cylinder. Did you get a five shoot conversion?

 

[instigator]

you could say its a new cyl. its from a 454 SRH, i swapped out the cyls and loe and behold my bastardized creation. not really my bastard child (it got the 45 redhawk cyl). but yeah it fits and shoots like a dream, not as brutal as you might think.

 

[instigator]

oh i'm sorry for the first post, i shoulda said here's my converted 454 redhawk. i can see how ya got mixed up with the cyl, thinking it was just for the hot 45s.

 

[bigmike45]

ugaarguy,

I wouls simply suggest keeping your existing 44mag and buying another Redhawk in the caliber you want. JMHO

 

[41 Redhawk]

Are yo the guy that was posting on Sixgunner about putting the SRH cylinder in a Redhawk? If no, someone else did it too.

 

[instigator]

that was me

 

[13.45]

i have a Clements RH .45LC conversion, and it is superb. if you go that route, i think you'll be very pleased with the result

 

[depcon3]

That's interesting. I was thinking of converting a .44 Mag Redhawk to .45 Colt as a DA companion to my Win 94 rifle also. I still haven't reached a conclusion yet, but I had a Ruger Vaquero with the convertible cylinder. That was a great handgun: it shot point of aim with either .45 cylinder and had a slick action. It now belongs to a friend and he won't let it go. :banghead:

I think the convertible Blackhawk would be a great choice as an alternative to a Redhawk if you don't mind going single action. Low price, durable, and adjustable sights are just some of the things I like about the Blackhawk. I may go that route myself if I give up on trying to talk my friend out of the Vaquero. In the meantime, I do have a Uberti to carry with my M94 but I would like to have a revolver that would handle hotter .45 Colt loads.