I am considering purchasing a 44 mag Ruger Redhawk for grizzly protection. I was wondering if anyone has shot the 5 1/2" and the 7 1/2" barrel? Is there a difference in felt recoil? Is the longer barrel easier to get back on target for a second shot? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I used to own a Redhawk 5.5", it was easy to shoot. I sold it when I bought the Redhawk 41 Mag and had Hamilton Bowen convert it to his Alpine Model. This package makes a GREAT pack gun for hunting.
You may consider the Ruger GP-100 in .357 Mag I know a fella who has one. He has dropped charging grizzlies with his .357 on numerous occasions, as is often required in the Great Canadian North. Polar bears are also no match if found lurking around the igloo, trying to snatch dogs or young children. Keep in mind however, he has sustained injuries in the past when it came to hand to hand combat with a few unruly Kodiaks; injuries that would kill a normal man. Nevertheless, as you know, he is not a normal man. Unlike yourself, few know well this "Wolf of the woods" of whom I speak. For those not comfortably proficient in close, hand to paw combat tactics with regards to grizzly bears, a Ruger Redhawk, in .44 Mag would be an excellent choice....
Posts: 98 | Location: British Columbia, Canada | Registered: 08 March 2002
A friend of mine is an EX Navy Seal. His handgun of choice for working up on the polar ice had a 4-1/2" barrel,no front sights and no triger guard. That way it didn't hert so bad as it was shoved up his a!*. Fuzz
. I was wondering if anyone has shot the 5 1/2" and the 7 1/2" barrel?
I own a RSB, my barrel was customized by Mag na Port. Came back and it's a very nice "packing" gun. Barrel is 5.25" with action job and ported barrel. My bear loads for here in Alaska are 330gr bullets over 20.5grs of H110.
I also own a Ruger Super Redhawk 454. A buddy of mine gave me a free porting certificate from MNP. While the barrel is there I'm having them cut it down to about 6", action job and porting. I also considering a Freedom Arms front sight base and use their express sights on it. I'm thinking it will be a really nice packing gun.
Posts: 183 | Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado | Registered: 21 December 2000
Deeker Dan, the RMK kid, how goes it? Hey who is this Woodrow dick anyway? He must be fom Tswassan (spelling), sounds like he gets to much salt air. You know my preference is the 7.5 inch barrel, fits perfect in an Uncle Mikes shoulder holster and has less muzzle blast and barrel leap and you gain a bit of velocity. When are you coming down for a weekend of sledding?
Do you reload? The reason I ask is that I have a both a Ruger SRH 7.5" in .44 Mag and a Ruger Blackhawk Bisley 5.5" in .45 Colt. If you handload, the .45 Colt can be loaded to the same or higher levels than the .44 Mag with lower pressures. My Pet load pushes a 300 gr. LBT Cast Bullet at 1300FPS. This is sufficient for anything on this continent. In my opinion the .45 Colt dominates the .44 Mag if handloaded. Also, the Ruger Blackhawk Bisley is so comfortable to shoot and is not as bulky as the SRH. Suggest you read the plethora of information available on sixgunner.com about the two cartridges.
------------------ "The Constitution of the United States shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." - Samuel Adams
Posts: 487 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 07 December 2001
I think you are probably right on every single point you bring up. The one remaining point that I would make is that not only is the .44 Mag nearly the equal of the .45 Colt, but it is very easy to buy factory ammo, including Federal 300gr loads.
Otherwise, I think it hinges on small personal details, like which gun feels best, whether or not you are already big into one cartridge or the other, and the like.
Posts: 2272 | Location: PDR of Massachusetts | Registered: 23 January 2001
I think you are probably right on every single point you bring up. The one remaining point that I would make is that not only is the .44 Mag nearly the equal of the .45 Colt, but it is very easy to buy factory ammo, including Federal 300gr loads.
Otherwise, I think it hinges on small personal details, like which gun feels best, whether or not you are already big into one cartridge or the other, and the like.
Absolutely agree Recono. That is why I asked about the handloading. I personally do not buy any factory ammo and handload everything I shoot. I have been more impressed by the capabilities of the .45 Colt versus the .44 Mag. However if you don't reload, the .44 Mag offers more factory ammo options. Although now that we have Mfgs. like Buffalo Bore, there are high powered .45 Colt hunting loads available as well. Good shooting!
Posts: 487 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 07 December 2001
I you are going to be carrying a pack also I like my 5.5 in redhawk. the 7.5 give you abit more vel but are harder to carry. If you carry more then you shoot the 5.5 is the way to go.
Posts: 19736 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001
This "Woodrow dick" isn't getting too much "salt air". On the contrary, I think this "Peter" fellow is expelling too much "hot air". Must be from living in the Kamloops desert...
CDW
Posts: 98 | Location: British Columbia, Canada | Registered: 08 March 2002
Woodrow, you dawg! Did you get your chopper off the hill? I was bad mouthin ya because I figured you'd be in the bush for a while longer. Are your stiches out from the last go around you and your 357 had with Brer Bear?
Yep, chopper is off the hill. Also, got back my S&W model 617, .22LR that I sold to Earl about 11 years ago. Just got home yesterday, and had her at the range this morning. Shoots like the beauty she is. PS: Glad to hear you survived Jaimie's visit. He did too I take it? CDW
Posts: 98 | Location: British Columbia, Canada | Registered: 08 March 2002
Yep. Survived is the truth of it. Glad to hear your old 22 didn't take your abandonment to heart and still shoots for you. Are you up for some spring bear hunting?
ROB: We could tell ya, but then that would take the secret part out of it, eh? Truth is, this website doesn't have a "Canucks only" handgun users message board yet, so until then here we are. PETE: Give me a shout regarding the bear hunting. I should be home, for the most part until July now. Winnipeg once or twice in between that though. CDW
Posts: 98 | Location: British Columbia, Canada | Registered: 08 March 2002
