Ruger Super Redhawk 44 mag

[gonoles_1980]

I'm looking at two models, the 5501

http://www.ruger.com/products/superRedhawkStandard/specSheets/5501.html

and the 5520

http://www.ruger.com/products/superRedhawkDE/specSheets/5520.html

The only difference I can see is that the second one is a distributor special and has a green sight.

It looks like I can get the 5520 for $20 cheaper, is there really any difference between these two guns? They both are six shooters, they both weight 53oz, both have 7.5" barrels, both have Hogue grips.

I assume I can shoot 44spl out of both along with 44 mag.

Any reason I should get one over the other?

 

[REB]

The only difference is the front sight. The front sight insert on the super redhawk is very easy to change. The Hiviz sight runs about $35 so if you prefer this sight and can get it for &20 more that's a little cheaper than replacing the standard sight later.

They can both handle 44 special.

 

[codefour]

The SRH is the John Deere tractors of .44 Mag. I have two standard RedHawks and a SRH in 454 Casull. You cannot go wrong with either you listed.

I bought a Super BlackHawk Hunter in .44 Mag. I was amazed how much more accurate it became with a 2X Leupold on it. I tried a Leupold 4X and sold it. I liked the 2X better. It's more like a 1.5X in reality. I plan to put an UltraDot on my SRH.

If you plan on optics, I would not worry about the front sight. Do not dismiss optics on a large magnum. It helps with range.

 

[TfflHndn]

If I were buying, I'd go with the green fiber optic sight for $20 cheaper. The SRH is a fantastic gun. I have one with Magna-porting and compared with a Taurus M44 (4" ported barrel) and a S&W 29-2 it handles recoil the best and is as accurate as the Smith. Not quite as good a trigger, but still very good. You can't go wrong with either one, just pick the sight you like best.

 

[Steve in PA]

I have a SRH and it is a great gun. Probably my most favorite handgun to shoot. I mounted a scope on mine and it's been there for over 20 years.

Like the other poster said, if you are going to mount an optic, the front sight is immaterial. If you are going to shoot irons, then handle each one and pick the one your eyes like best.

 

[hoghunting]

The only difference is the front sight. The front sight insert on the super redhawk is very easy to change

In July 2014 Ruger changed the front sight on the Super Redhawk so now the blade is not interchangeable, the front sight - base and ramp - is one solid piece. Ruger claims they are making the front sight with a red fiber optic insert, but I'm still waiting.

 

[REB]

I was not aware that they changed the design of the front sight but it looks like they did. It appears that now the entire front sight base is screw on and you change the whole assembly.

That's a shame because the old design it only took seconds to change the insert and the base was soldered in place.

I guess this was a cost reduction change.

 

[gonoles_1980]

Ordered the one with the Green Sight today. It was $20 cheaper, one day I'll get a scope for it. Having it shipped to my local gun range who is one of their dealers.