Opinions on Super Redhawk

[66GTO]

I am going to look at a Ruger Super Redhawk, 7 1/2", stainless, this weekend. I intend to carry this while hog hunting as a backup to my Marlin 1894, .44 Magnum. I have a Security Six that I bought when I still had hair (a looong time ago!) and it has been very reliable. Other than not liking the sight picture, I have been happy with it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Redhawk is based on the Security Six action and frame and the Super Redhawk is based off of the SP101.

Based on my experience with my Security Six and Ruger's reputation, I trust that the revolver will meet my needs and I will be happy with it. I know the .44 Magnum will get the job done on a feral hog.

I know a lot you guys are partial to single action Rugers, but having carried and trained with double action revolvers and semi-auto pistols, I feel more comfortable with a double action revolver if I have to fall back on muscle memory and training in a "Oh Shoot!!" moment. Don't want to be facing an angry boar and pulling the trigger on an S/A expecting it to go bang and wondering why it didn't.

Anyone with experience with the SRH have any advice for me before I look at the revolver? I know to check the lock up, timing, and look for cutting into the top strap.

He is asking $525 for the SRH with a holster. Don't have a picture of either to post.

[wecsoger]

Can't speak to the price.

The Redhawk series are *huge* revolvers. Make you you actually handle and look one over if you're not familiar. They're not quite into crew served weapons, but almost.

Look at replacement grips. I'm very partial to Hogue.

You may shoot it a lot more single than double action.

Different sights are easily found.

As with all the Ruger's, mine has been rock solid.

[AJMD429]

The Redhawks are all I've ever used, and seem more streamlined than the Super Redhawks, but plenty strong for .44 Magnum. You might want to compare Redhawk to Super Redhawk before your final decision.

[6pt-sika]

I've had four SRH's 2 in 44 and 2 in 480 . And they were ALL heavy of course I always had a Leupold 2x mounted on top .

They carried pretty well in a shoulder holster however . And all four shot well with handloads .

[Idiot]

I own and have owned nearly a dozen Six series Rugers, a few less Ruger Single-Actions, a bunch of GP100s, 3 Redhawks, and have shot the Super Redhawk and SP101's quite a bit. All of them are high quality handguns that can be relied upon without question. The Redhawk is more akin to the GP series than the Six series and the Super Redhawk shows some relation to the Redhawk, but is of its own design. I do not consider the Super Redhawk a handgun that was designed to carry as a back-up, the Alaskan excepted. It was designed to used as a primary gun, with perhaps with a smaller handgun backing it up.

If it were me in your situation, I'd stoke the Security-Six with 180 grain hardcast bullets from Buffalo Bore or 158 grain soft-points from Remington or Winchester and leave it at that. If you're hell bent on carrying a big back-up handgun, I'd find a Smith and Wesson 4 or 6 inch 44 Magnum or the 4" Redhawk and fill it with 250 Keith semi-wadcutters or the like and go that way. Heck, for $525 you've got some options (the two mentioned will go new for just a 100 more bones). Unless you plan on hunting with the SRH, I'd pass on it.

Why don't I own a Super Redhawk (besides the fact that it is UGLY) and SP101? Because both are too big for what I carry a handgun for. I don't hunt really big stuff (bigger than elk) with a handgun, so I don't need the power I can get with a SRH (454 C, 480 R, etc.). And the SP101 is too darn heavy to carry around town all day, but has too short a barrel and too small a capacity (5 instead of 6) to carry around in the desert - besides if I want a gun that heavy, I'll carry a 4" Security-Six with 6 shots and a longer more balanced barrel. BTW, I hunt with a Redhawk, S&W M29, or SBH, all in 44 Magnum.

[piller]

I have a Super Redhawk 7 1/2 in .480 Ruger. It would be all you would ever need for Hog hunting if you keep the shots within 50 yards. If you practice a little, 100 yards would be a reasonable limit. I got my Puma 92 after getting the SRH. I would not feel undergunned for anything short of elephant or cape buffalo with the Puma 92 in hand and the SRH on my hip. I would recommend 400 grains or more in the bullet weight.

[Pete44ru]

I had a 7-1/2" SRH in .454 Casull that I used as a primary hunting gun - since IMHO they're WAAAAY too heavy to be carried as a backup to carrying a rifle, too.

I had a Red Dot sight on mine, that was good to 100yds - my personal handgun/limit on game animals.

It carried very well, indeed, in a Bianchi H.U.S.H. 4100 Bandolier Chest holster, that could be swung around to the back when stalking with the gun in hand (where it should be, IMHO)

I wouldn't bother with the size & weight of a SRH for a .44 Mag - the RedHawk would be a better choice, IMO.

.

[Ji in Hawaii]

I know the SRH is stronger but I find them butt-ugly so I much prefer the lines (and lighter weight) of the regular Redhawk.
That being said I own a Taurus model 44. After shooting my buddy's 454 Raging Bull which was very impressive both in quality as well as felt recoil (much less than expected) I bought a SS Taurus 44. This was when I still lived on Maui, and I hav e been VERY happy with it ever since, more than enough power for my needs, a pu$$Ycat to shoot due to great grip design combined with factory porting, light enough for hip carry, and the quality is excellent.

[6pt-sika]

I know the SRH is stronger but I find them butt-ugly so I much prefer the lines (and lighter weight) of the regular Redhawk.

Having owned 4 of the SRH's and one of the RH's I "prefer" a S&W 629

[Hobie]

Mike's Super Redhawk was pretty darn accurate. I didn't buy it when he offered it because I was suffering from flat-pocket syndrome at the time. I think they are too big to carry as a backup. Just my personal opinion.

[sore shoulder]

They are too big, thats why I had Linebaugh cut my .480 down to 4 1/2". Next step was de-horning it to lighten it up and smooth it out a bit, but I sold it to a guy in Alaska. I lost 25 fps going from 7 1/2" to 4 1/2" using a 405gr bullet at a final velocity of 1150fps. It was plenty handy and quick to use in that length. I'll prob buy an Alaskan in .44 mag to replace it. Ugly is as ugly does. I loved that ugly gun.

[madman4570]

Stainless 5.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk.
A gun that actually carries well/shoot any loads/and reliable.(did I say again "it carries well")
The SRH carries like my 454 Raging Bull did(too darn big/heavy)get so you will leave it home.?

[66GTO]

Well you guys have about talked me out of buying it. I'll still look at it, but I might just carry my 2 1/2" Security Six with some Buffalo Bore 180 gr. hard cast.

[soon 2 retire]

My personal opinion is that the SRH is an ugly gun; I much prefer the redhawk. Gary Reeder has based his "Mastadon" on the Redhawk; it's a 5 shot and comes in .454 Casull, .475 Linebaugh, and others. In the 'Gallery' section of Hamilton Bowen's website he has a stunning 5 shot Redhawk in .500 Linebaugh.

Bob in Friday Harbor

[vancelw]

I have a Redhawk in. 45 Colt and a SRH in. 44 mag. I carry them while walking miles every hunting season. When I post dead deer pics you can see it on my hip. The are more alike than different and I usually shoot double action. Ugly, but useful.
that's a good price. Don't let them talk you out of it.

[shooter]

I much prefer the Redhawk over the Super Redhawk. I like a lighter pistol for carrying (if you can consider either "light"). My Redhawk is the 5 1/2" model, and is about as big as I like to carry. I'd love to get one of the 4" models.

[Idiot]

Well you guys have about talked me out of buying it. I'll still look at it, but I might just carry my 2 1/2" Security Six with some Buffalo Bore 180 gr. hard cast.

Wise decision. Have fun on the hunt.

[damienph]

Well you guys have about talked me out of buying it. I'll still look at it, but I might just carry my 2 1/2" Security Six with some Buffalo Bore 180 gr. hard cast.

Wise decision. Have fun on the hunt.

I disagree with that. Yes, they are big and they are heavy but they are alao very accurate and can easily handle any load that you are brave (?) enough to pull the trigger on. I think that it would make a great hog gun, especially with a 2x scope or red dot.

[Blaine]

No doubt a very strong DA Revolver. I like my customized 4 5/8" SBH because it's smaller, lighter and fits me mo betta.

[madman4570]

No doubt a very strong DA Revolver. I like my customized 4 5/8" SBH because it's smaller, lighter and fits me mo betta.

+1


Also it takes very little use to have it second nature to "just pull the hammer back"
Actually that "extra time" for most users that don't shoot much is a benefit.
When shooting a big guns/big recoil often just pulling the trigger fast results in (missing/shooting at the clouds)
Not to mention how much better the trigger pull when shooting SA mode.

What you have Blaine is about perfect!

[Blaine]

No doubt a very strong DA Revolver. I like my customized 4 5/8" SBH because it's smaller, lighter and fits me mo betta.

+1


Also it takes very little use to have it second nature to "just pull the hammer back"
Actually that "extra time" for most users that don't shoot much is a benefit.
When shooting a big guns/big recoil often just pulling the trigger fast results in (missing/shooting at the clouds)
Not to mention how much better the trigger pull when shooting SA mode.

I've settled on loads with Blue Dot that no matter the bullet weight, I keep them about 1100 or so FPS.....I can't imagine needing more around here for black tail deer, cougar, or smallish black bear. They sure don't kick much at all.....(Heck, the full house loads are not that bad, either)

[sore shoulder]

Well you guys have about talked me out of buying it. I'll still look at it, but I might just carry my 2 1/2" Security Six with some Buffalo Bore 180 gr. hard cast.

I for one was not trying to talk you out of it per say. However if you're planning on shooting .44 mag I see no reason to get the SRH over the RH. Grizz' daughter shot a caribou with a scoped RH and I think it was a 5.5" barrel. That will probably be what I replace the .480 SRH with.

Blaine, I've noticed a LOT of various handgun rounds can be loaded with Blue Dot. I'm getting planning to use it for the 10mm and I already use it for the .38 and I think it will work for 9mm and .380 also.

[Old Savage]

I would consider getting one because they just look so cool in that flat grey.

[Rusty]

I have a 4" RH and I can't imagine having to carry anything any heavier than that. At the place where this one weighs in mine require that I add suspenders when I wear it on my belt. It shoots great and feels evenbetter now that I've replaced the rubber grips with some more traditional wood slabs.

[Blaine]

Well you guys have about talked me out of buying it. I'll still look at it, but I might just carry my 2 1/2" Security Six with some Buffalo Bore 180 gr. hard cast.

I for one was not trying to talk you out of it per say. However if you're planning on shooting .44 mag I see no reason to get the SRH over the RH. Grizz' daughter shot a caribou with a scoped RH and I think it was a 5.5" barrel. That will probably be what I replace the .480 SRH with.

Blaine, I've noticed a LOT of various handgun rounds can be loaded with Blue Dot. I'm getting planning to use it for the 10mm and I already use it for the .38 and I think it will work for 9mm and .380 also.

Yup....it's not for light loads, but it's pretty good for several things...It's about equal to 2400, so I'm taking a SWAG that in a pinch a fella could put together some 45-70 or .444 loads, too.....Maybe more.

[sore shoulder]

Blaine, I've noticed a LOT of various handgun rounds can be loaded with Blue Dot.

I'm taking a SWAG that in a pinch a fella could put together some 45-70

Blaine, you're my kinda stupid.

But seriously, color me interested brother.

[Blaine]

Blaine, I've noticed a LOT of various handgun rounds can be loaded with Blue Dot.

I'm taking a SWAG that in a pinch a fella could put together some 45-70

Blaine, you're my kinda stupid.

But seriously, color me interested brother.

IIRC (and I might not) my Lee Book has 2400 and BD loads published for 45-70....

[sore shoulder]

Blaine, I've noticed a LOT of various handgun rounds can be loaded with Blue Dot.

I'm taking a SWAG that in a pinch a fella could put together some 45-70

Blaine, you're my kinda stupid.

But seriously, color me interested brother.

IIRC (and I might not) my Lee Book has 2400 and BD loads published for 45-70....

Made me look, yep your right, listed right after 2400 for under 400gr trapdoor loads, thanks for the education brother and my apologies. Going to research this one a bit.

[wecsoger]

Not that we're trying to talk you out of it...

Remember too, the Super Redhawk is a beefed up version of the 'regular' Redhawk with the extended frame and cut-in scope ring mounts. Made that way because of the way some guys were shooting "religious loads" out of the Redhawk and shaking the scopes off. ("religious load", when you shoot one at the range and everyone on the line goes, "Oh My ****" or other words)

You can shook loads in the Redhawk and SuperHawk that feel a mite righteous, but will almost rip your hand off in a BlackHawk.

[tman]

Well you guys have about talked me out of buying it. I'll still look at it, but I might just carry my 2 1/2" Security Six with some Buffalo Bore 180 gr. hard cast.

Wise decision. Have fun on the hunt.

That"ll work

[Stan in SC]

I bought a 7-1/2" barreled,scoped Super Redhawk five years ago.I am extremely pleased with the sturdiness and accuracy of it.I do not shoot "hot" loads.It is not all that uncomfortable to carry hunting which I do quite often.I find it very adequate to my needs.All I have added to it is a Hogue grip.

Stan in SC