Be careful not to confuse the Super Redhawk with either the
single action Super Blackhawk or the outdated, double action Redhawk.
The Super Redhawk is the successor to the Redhawk;
but, the Redhawk is still in production.
There's nothing outdated about the Redhawk and strength between the two is the same.
Do not make the mistake of purchasing a barrel length less than 5 inches.
For a magnum revolver, shorter barrel lengths have too much muzzle blast;
and, they do not allow the bullet to reach full velocity.
Myth. Velocity in handguns is vastly overrated, especially with cast bullets. Having shot 4 5/8", 6½" and 7½" Ruger .44's side by side, there is little discernible difference in blast. Perceived recoil is actually less in the shorter barrel as it has less leverage against the wrist.
The only way for the cartridge to reach its full velocity is in a rifle barrel.
For your first 44 magnum, avoid purchasing any single action revolver.
The 19th century, plow handle grip does not handle recoil nearly as well
as a full frame, double action revolver.
Interesting because many shooters (hesitate to use the word "most"
) prefer a single action for handling heavy recoil. The Ruger Bisley is a particular favorite for this reason. DA's transmit recoil more straight back into the palm and SA's transmit more of it upward in the form of muzzle rise. For every .475 or .500 custom Redhawk/Super Redhawk built by custom gunsmiths, there are probably at least 10-20 built on Ruger Bisleys. John Linebaugh won't do them any other way. There are very good reasons for this. Having owned Redhawks, Super Redhawks, Super Blackhawks, Blackhawks and Bisley models plus S&W 29's, 629's, Ruger's Bisley is the best of the bunch.
Also, the double action Super Redhawk will provide you with several
after market grip options. The Blackhawk and Redhawk grip options
are extremely limited !
Having thoroughly explored grip options for all of the above, those for the SRH are dismal. No one makes a full Roper style target grip due to the grip stud having to be glass bedded in place. What we're left with are cheesy wood or laminate GP-100 grips or squishy rubbers. The best of the SRH grips are the factory rubber grips with the interchangeable panels. All of which are atrocious compared to a custom gripped Bisley.
Also, the Super Redhawk, is much stronger than any Smith and Wesson.
It is made to handle a steady diet of 44 magnum without beating up
the gun or the shooter. The same CANNOT be said for the Smith and Wesson.
This much is true. Despite the forged versus cast argument, the Redhawk/Super Redhawk are significantly stronger than S&W's in both the pressure they can contain and they number of rounds for which they can contain it.
The full frame Super Redhawk will help you to make an informed decision
about whether you like shooting 44 magnum. It will help you develop
a good reference by which to compare future 44 magnum purchases.
The SRH is a great sixgun and an excellent option but far from the only one. Depends on the individual's wants and needs. For me, it is the best option for a hunting sixgun that will wear an optic as I don't care for the barrel mount of the Redhawk or Super Blackhawk Hunter models. Which is why I own a .480 and have another in .44Mag on the way.
The Super Redhawk also allows you to easily change the front sight to
one you prefer. Also, the Super Redhawk comes with scope rings in the box !
Scope mounts are integrated into the frame of the Super Redhawk.
Again, options are limited. IMHO, the Bowen ramp is the best available. Here's a shot of the Bowen sights on my .480, along with another failed grip option.
