Thoughts on the Ruger Redhawk (KRH-445)?

[glca1]

Interested in your thoughts on the Ruger Redhawk (model KRH-445).

http://www.ruger.com/products/redhaw...eets/5004.html

I will be primarily carrying it during archery because there are some bear and mountain lions in the area.

Anyone have one? How do you like it? Would you choose something else instead?

I've seen used prices as low as $400 for the blued steel or $450 for the stainless. I figure stainless would be better for my situation, but would it really matter much?

Thanks!

[Steve_NEPhila]

The Redhawk is a fine revolver, yet a bit heavy for your intended purpose. You may be better served by a .357 Mag then a .44 Mag. The .357 is a better choice against the two legged predators, which are far more dangerous then the four legged kind.

The Redhawk shoots well yet is not as refined as a Smith and Wesson. Sure, the Ruger is cheaper and you usually get what you pay for.

[glca1]

I don't want to side track my original post, but you are saying that a 357 would be more effective than a 44? Secondly, particular brand and model in mind?

[Steve_NEPhila]

Any 686 or 586 from Smith and Wesson in good condition with a 4 inch barrel will suit you fine. Even better if you find the "plus" model with the seven shot cylinder. These can be found for about 500 USD.

[Nullifidian]

A good gun for protection from bear or mountain lions is Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. IIRC it comes in either 44 magnum (and 44 special) or 454 Casull (and 45 long colt).

It's a short barreled revolver meant for animal defense.

It was made precisely for what you want a gun. Also, Rugers are about as rugged as they get. You can use a Ruger to hammer nails and it will still be a tack driver afterwards. As for the comment about "getting what you pay for", with S&W you get a smoother trigger, and a nicer look that's not as rugged as a Ruger. I'd trust a Ruger over a S&W in terms of reliability. S&W make fantastic competition guns. They make good hunting revolvers too. But for a gun that's going to be carried around on a trail and likely to take a beating, I'd rather have a Ruger.

That's just my opinion though.

[RocketFoot]

I have a 6 inch Redhawk and it is a joy to shoot! It's also built like a tank.

[Xringshooter]

I have a .44 Mag Redhawk (SS 7 1/2" bbl) and I would stack it against a S&W any time. It is simply more rugged than the Smith and in stainless will take just about anything mother nature will dish out. With a little bit of work you can make it compare to a S&W trigger for smoothness. Oh, and yes, I have owned S&W Model 29's in the past.

For the OP's case I would go with the 4" or 5.5" (or the Alaskan) in a shoulder holster (to keep it from interfering with the archery equipment).

Rugers may be less expensive than a Smith but they are most definitely not cheap. Just because they cost less doesn't mean that are not built well. Check some reloading manuals, they have sections with hotter handgun loads that say "To be used ONLY in Rugers or Contenders" (or wording to that effect). This tells me they are pretty strong.

[Nullifidian]

I have a .44 Mag Redhawk (SS 7 1/2" bbl) and I would stack it against a S&W any time. It is simply more rugged than the Smith and in stainless will take just about anything mother nature will dish out. With a little bit of work you can make it compare to a S&W trigger for smoothness. Oh, and yes, I have owned S&W Model 29's in the past.

For the OP's case I would go with the 4" or 5.5" (or the Alaskan) in a shoulder holster (to keep it from interfering with the archery equipment).

Rugers may be less expensive than a Smith but they are most definitely not cheap. Just because they cost less doesn't mean that are not built well. Check some reloading manuals, they have sections with hotter handgun loads that say "To be used ONLY in Rugers or Contenders" (or wording to that effect). This tells me they are pretty strong.

THIS^^^^

It cannot be said enough how sturdy Ruger revolvers are.

[bigandy1966]

Personally I Have a Super Black hawk hunter in .44 Mag . Check the sig pic. It has to be the strongest pistol I have ever seen. I bought it from a guy at work (messy divorce) for $350, it is a beautiful pistol, smooth and accurate, beautiful clean trigger, no creep. Transfer bar safety so it can be loaded with 6 rounds, and did I say accurate?

[Hokkmike]

Ruger Redhawk is a well built, reliable, and accurate revolver. You can buy and use it with confidence. It does not have the "sex appeal" of some sleeker handguns but it has everything else you need.