Ruger Super Redhawk in 454

07 February 2002, 18:05

<reverenddan>

Friends,

I am considering purchasing a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull. My friend John Taffin says to only spend money on a Freedom Arms but the price makes it completely out of my reach. So my question for those of you who own this revolver "Do you like it, and in your opinion is it durable?"

Also, do you have any favorite loads?

Thanks

07 February 2002, 22:53

BER007

reverenddan,

I'm surprised that your friend John Taffin, doesn't advice you to purchase a .45 Colt custom revolver. I have his book Big Bore Sixguns, and he loves a .45 Colt custom.

The SRH in .454 Casull is great, durable and accurate. I have 3 revolvers in .454 Casull one SRH, one Raging Bull and one FA. For the money the Ruger SRH is the best choice. Go with the Ruger 9 1/2" barrel in target grey color.IMHO.

:
Friends,

Also, do you have any favorite loads?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

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BER007
Keep the faith in any circumstances
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BBER007@HOTMAIL.COM

08 February 2002, 03:31

<reverenddan>

BER007,

John has suggested a custom .45 revolver. But again the cost is prohibitive, unless you have some suggestions. I have looked into several custom smiths online but haven't found anything for less than 1,100.00

Thanks for your input, I am considering the 7.5" bbl for hunting purposes. I am sure the 9.5" would be more accurate but I do need to be able to cart the gun around!

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God bless you more than you can stand it!

08 February 2002, 04:21

Bill M

I could be mistaken, but I think that you get one more cartridge in the SRH vs. the FA (6 vs. 5)?

I've never owned or shot a 454, but have a 7 1/2" RH in 44 and it is one tough revolver!

Good shooting,

Bill

08 February 2002, 04:34

BER007

reverenddan,

Try this link

http://www.magnaport.com/conv.html

Ask for the conversion's price on a Ruger into .45 Colt (heavy loads). But don't if this conversion exists.

An other link

I've found custom revolvers in .45 Colt (heavy loads) for less than 1000 $.

http://www.reedercustomguns.com/revolvers/index.htm

Hope these can help you.

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BER007
Keep the faith in any circumstances
------------------------
BBER007@HOTMAIL.COM

08 February 2002, 04:38

wheelgun101

Reverenddan,I agree with ber007.I have an SRH 454 with 9 1/2" tube and it is one of my favorites.I really enjoy shooting it and accurate if I do my part.

08 February 2002, 06:54

Paul H

While I respect Mr. Taffins' opinions, I get the impression that he and his gang can be a bit snobbish about anything that isn't a single action revolver.

Through my shooting buddies I've been able to shoot many Freedom Arms and custom Rugers in 45, 454, 475 and 500, as well as SRH's in 454 and 480.

I am most familiar with my 480 SRH, and will without hesitation state that it is as accurate as, or more accurate then the customs and FA's. With worked up loads, every cast bullet I've made has been capable of 5 shot 1" groups at 50 yds. This from a bench and with a scope. About the best I can shoot with irons is 2" at 50 yds. There has been absolutely no work done to the gun to improve accuracy, just developing loads and practice. I have done some work to the trigger.

So, if you want a SRH 454, go get one, they are solid accurate guns, and Ruger has very good customer support if something is wrong with it.

I can relate to the funds, I have longed for a custom 500 Linebaugh, but it just isn't in the cards. I have been utterly pleased witht the 480, and have found that it is at my recoil limits, the 500 is really too much for me.

08 February 2002, 06:56

TheeBadOne

I too have a SRH .454 that I love. I have the 7 1/2" barrel. Is the SRH tough? As pointed out above it's a 6 shot! Tough enuff for ya? Mine shoots far better than some "experts" have told me that a "Ruger" can shoot. As you can read in this thread, that's the norm.

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Even the strongest oak must bend to the winds of fate.

08 February 2002, 08:58

Tombo21

I have a 454 SRH w/ 7 1/2" barrel that I love. I use it for hunting piggies. No problems and accurate.

13 February 2002, 14:09

<Dr. John>

I have the SRH454 topped with a Nikon 2x scope. shooting handloaded 360gr hardcast Cast Performance bullets. Last time at the range I got 2-3"groups at 50yrds. I am satisfied. VERY solid gun, good trigger. I am very happy with it. I would have loved the Freedom arms but I can't justify the price. this will be my close range hunting firearm and it more than performs to my expectations. the freedom arms may allow you 3"groups at 100yds but I will never use the handgun for that long a shot....I will use my rifle. Only problem with the SRH is that you can shoot 45 colt out of it also. works great but If you decide to use 454 ammo the cylinder needs to be cleaned out very well because the 454 cases will be very dificult to eject. but...If you stick with the colt loads this handgun is definitly a sweetheart of a shooter. for the money it can't be beat.

16 February 2002, 01:42

ScottB

I would say that if you are going to go for custom or near-custom stuff, and you feel comfy with the Ruger grips or know af an aftermarket grip for it that you like, just get the ruger and have it ported. In fact, I see these occasionally.

I can't stand the 19th century design of the FA. I have no doubt is a fine piece of work, but not having a swing out cylinder, being double-action, porting not standard, and the cowboy-ish grip design is not something I care for.

I got the taurus because I really like the grip, and it comes ported, and is a modern style double-action. For the money, it fit what I wanted as well as my budget. A little bigger budget and I would have considered that ugly ol SRH with some custom work and new grips.

21 February 2002, 14:05

<robsguns>

I have the 9.5" bbl. .454 SRH, and I'd say go with that length, muzzle flip is probably more pronounced with the 7.5" bbl. and its already a pretty good flip with the 9.5" and heavy loads. I wish it was easier to tote around, but you gotta have priorities. If you dont port it, stick with the longer bbl.

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SSGT Ryan E. Roberts USMC

01 March 2002, 09:37

<Matt77>

I have one...
First: Freedom Arms pistols are nice
Second: They hold 5 and for that price?
Third: My Ruger will drop anything accurately withing pistol range.. why should I dump that kinda cash on a pistol that'll do the same thing, hold less, and is a single action (more for the I can't stand the loading method in a single all the time).
Sorry, but the freedom arms pistol can be bought by who it is made for; the rich
I'd imagine you could buy a ruger, and get it somewhat tweaked by a gunsmith and not touch the price of a freedom.
Yes, I just bashed freedom arms

02 March 2002, 11:38

<Constance>

I don't see a reason for a 454 Super Redhawk. The 454's niche is puting then most power possible in the smallest lightest gun practial.

The SRH is big and heavy. If I had one it would be chambered in the 480 Ruger. It's nearly as effective as the 454, cheaper to shoot, easier on the gun, easier on the shooter's ears and wrist, and the larger diameter of the 480 partly justifies the extra weight and size of the gun.

02 March 2002, 14:10

Paul H

quote:
Originally posted by Constance:
(sic)
The SRH is big and heavy. If I had one it would be chambered in the 480 Ruger. It's nearly as effective as the 454, cheaper to shoot, easier on the gun, easier on the shooter's ears and wrist, and the larger diameter of the 480 partly justifies the extra weight and size of the gun.

Have you weighed one? My 7 1/2" 480 is identicle in weight to a 5 1/2" FA 454. I imagine the 7 1/2" SRH would be equal in weight to a 7 1/2" FA.

The SRH is less then 1/2 the price of the FA, and in my experience, as accurate, and potentially more accurate.

Many folks simply cannot afford a FA or a custom bisley. The SRH is a good alternative. It isn't the best looking gun, by far, but it isn't as heavy as it looks, and it is strong enough and accurate enough for a hunting revolver. For $100 or less, a competent gunsmith can cut the barrel back to 5", the gun becomes a packer, and the hunter is still $'s ahead of the FA owner. I'll also add that the SRH is easier to shoot accurately for many folks.

03 March 2002, 14:57

<Constance>

quote:
Originally posted by Paul H:
Have you weighed one? My 7 1/2" 480 is identicle in weight to a 5 1/2" FA 454. I imagine the 7 1/2" SRH would be equal in weight to a 7 1/2" FA.
The SRH is less then 1/2 the price of the FA, and in my experience, as accurate, and potentially more accurate.

The 480 SRH is lighter than the 454 SRH, simply because more metal is removed from the cylinder and barrel in chambering the larger rounds. The 454 SRH is heavier than the FA of equivelent barrel. The SRH is also more nose heavy. That's why it shoots so well off the bench. Most guys with SRH's can match my accuracy off the bench, but off hand I can shoot less than half the group size that they can with the SRH. The SRH grip is comfy, but the FA grip helps prevent tearing of the ligaments in the wrist with heavy practice. Ever shoot 300+ rounds of full power in a morning?

Even with some custom work on the SRH I doubt it will ever equal the FA. My Bowen Custom 454 (Redhawk based)is the only DA that I have ever fired that comes close to the accuracy of my FA guns.

[This message has been edited by Constance (edited 03-03-2002).]

10 March 2002, 09:18

<duck223>

I shoot the 480 with an Ultr-dot4 mounted on it.At the range I have no problems with the 100yd gongs.I also wear shooting gloves,it helps with the recoil.I load mine up to about 1450f.p.s.

12 March 2002, 15:35

<x51>

I love my SRH 9.5 454! It is topped with a Simmons 1.25-4x28mm and the best group I've shot at 50 yds. was just over 1" with 38gr of h110 under a 240gr hornady xtpmag. The recoil took some getting used to. I would suggest the SRH 454 to anyone interested in serious handgun power.