I recently bought a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 and LOVE IT! I came across it a year ago at a local gun show and instantly loved how it felt in my hand and especially like the heft of it. I don't like shooting heavy calibers in scandium/lightweight revolvers -- this is not a particularly enjoyable activity -- so the Ruger was a better choice for me. The fact that the frame is extended forward a bit from the grip makes it easier to draw from a holster, too.
I haven't taken it backpacking yet into the deep woods, so I don't know what the fatigue factor will be for carrying it, but the confidence I have shooting in will remind me that the weight trade-off was worth it. Plus, at 3 pounds, the Ruger can double as a hammer for driving in tent stakes. Just kidding, of course, but the Ruger is some serious metal.
I have read that the Ruger fit and finish is not up to S&W standards, but I haven't found any rough edges or metal shavings anywhere. I own another Ruger pistol (a Mark III) and a S&W Model 10, but I haven't found a huge difference in the quality between the two. Then again, maybe I am not looking hard enough...nevertheless, the Rugers shoot well and are reliable (the Mark III is a bit finicky on ammunition, though), so I'm quite happy with the Ruger brand.
Comments from experienced shooters of the Ruger Alaskan would be most appreciated. Thanks!
I haven't taken it backpacking yet into the deep woods, so I don't know what the fatigue factor will be for carrying it, but the confidence I have shooting in will remind me that the weight trade-off was worth it. Plus, at 3 pounds, the Ruger can double as a hammer for driving in tent stakes. Just kidding, of course, but the Ruger is some serious metal.
I have read that the Ruger fit and finish is not up to S&W standards, but I haven't found any rough edges or metal shavings anywhere. I own another Ruger pistol (a Mark III) and a S&W Model 10, but I haven't found a huge difference in the quality between the two. Then again, maybe I am not looking hard enough...nevertheless, the Rugers shoot well and are reliable (the Mark III is a bit finicky on ammunition, though), so I'm quite happy with the Ruger brand.
Comments from experienced shooters of the Ruger Alaskan would be most appreciated. Thanks!