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Post by imnatree on Nov 11, 2012 11:22:29 GMT -5
This past summer, I shot a friends .44 ruger redhawk. Absolutely loved how it shot. It had a 5.5" barrel on it. I'm getting really serious about getting one for deer hunting and those closer shots(50yds or less). For further shots, I'll have my 50 cal. muzzleloader. Just looking for something less expensive to shoot(ammo wise). My son is shooting the k77/44. So it only makes sense. What barrel length would u suggest or is there something better out there that I'm not aware of caliber wise that I should check out 1st? It will b strictly a hunting pistol. I've owned a .35 rem contender w/ 14" barrel. It was ported and I didn't care for it much. Thanks for the insight in advance.
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Post by Decatur on Nov 11, 2012 12:15:42 GMT -5
Don't forget, you can practice with .44 Special ammo/loads to make practice even cheaper!
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Post by steve46511 on Nov 11, 2012 23:26:19 GMT -5
Revolvers are tons of fun! I always thought they are the almost as exciting as bowhunting.
Ive take several with a Model 29 Smith & Wesson and to this day wish I had kept it with all these doe tags. Id buy another..or will maybe when I can. Funds are tight but hot dang are they fun!!
The first year we could hunt with handguns I shot a very decent 9 point with that revolver within the first hour we could legally hunt with them. I mostly bowhunted all my life but it added a lot of spice to gun season for me then.
Besides........I used to take it out as my ONLY gun. LOTS easier to carry on long walks in that holster!!! LOL!
I'm positive you will love it!
God Bless
steve
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Post by imnatree on Nov 12, 2012 2:25:46 GMT -5
Any suggestions on barrel length? 5.5", 7.5", or 9.5"? Is there much advantage by going longer in terms of accuracy and velocity? I'm not gonna put a scope on it, just open sights. The redhawk I shot was 5.5". Will a longer barrel create or lessen the recoil? The 5.5" was very managable.
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Post by baldguy637 on Nov 12, 2012 4:45:27 GMT -5
I own the the 9.5" version in .44 mag and 7.5" in .480 Ruger. My 44 has a b-square rail with a red dot scope, open sights on the 480. I've taken deer with both, and honestly I couldn't tell you which I like more. Off hand shooting is much easier with the 7.5", but using the top rail of my climber I've stretched the 44 out to 70 yards.
Accuracy wise, I'm better with the 44 from a rest and 480 offhand. Probably because everything added to the 44 marks it seem like it weighs 10 pounds. For what its worth, I also have a 6.5" S&W 629 powerport and I can't get it to group near as well as the rugers.
As far as recoil goes, 9.5" has the lightest, followed by the 629 (ported) and the 7.5" 480.
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Post by jajwrigh on Nov 12, 2012 7:09:09 GMT -5
I love handgun hunting and have carried 4 1/2" all of the way up to 15" guns and I strongly prefer the 4" to 5 1/2" size myself. Ease of carry and weight are the two main reasons, but to each their own. The next hunting revolver that I am looking at is the 4" redhawks (.44 or .45) or the 5.5" redhawk that you mentioned and I would definately switch out the grip for a Hogue. Good luck.
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Post by steve46511 on Nov 12, 2012 9:41:42 GMT -5
Mine was an 8 3/8 "no dash" version. Shot better than I did but the only other revolver I used was a Python hunter (with scope) but loved open sights and close range. I shot others and other lengths but like a bit longer ones.
I always thought 6 inches or so would be optimum but the longer barrels do seem to hold down the barrel lift JUST a little. I thought.
Some dont like the extra length but if I bought another, it would be 6 inch min for my use.
Dont think there is really any difference performance wise, to speak of. Its more in what the shooter personally likes, IMO.
God Bless
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Post by dbd870 on Nov 12, 2012 11:55:38 GMT -5
For a hunting revolver I'd go with a 7.5" SRH.
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Post by davepowers on Nov 12, 2012 13:27:25 GMT -5
If you look at Ruger's website there hunting models are all 7.5 inch. That is not saying you can not hunt with any other length.
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Post by hornharvester on Nov 12, 2012 16:44:59 GMT -5
I shoot a 454 Casull Super Redhawk with 7.5 barrel and Hogue Tamer grips. I downloaded the ammo to around 1200 fps but recently I upped it to around 1500 fps using 250 grain bullets. I like the faster load as it shoots better. The gun has a 2x Nikon scope and Im good to go at 100 yards or less. h.h.
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Post by schoolmaster on Nov 12, 2012 20:40:54 GMT -5
The 44 mag is more effective on deer then the ballistic numbers indicate. I have the 5.5 inch 44 mag Redhawk and it is a good handling gun for me. I have had it in the field and have not had any opportunities to shoot a deer with it. I have had some kind of 44 mag handgun for over 40 years and find them to be quite adequate . What people don't seem to mention is the 44 mag can be exceptionly accurate. I have used the mild loads to the big boomers and have taken numerous small game animals, pests, and varmits up to coyote size. I find the 5.5 inch easier to carry than the longer barrels.
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Post by imnatree on Nov 12, 2012 22:53:51 GMT -5
PULLED the TRIGGER, lol. The redhawks or super redhawks are extremely hard to find!!!! Located all 3 at cabela's in hammond and dundee, MI (158mi and 109mi away). I talk to Ed Hirschy on Sunday to see what he had in stock. He said they just received a shipment from ruger that was ordered back in April! Nothing had been documented yet and to call him Monday at noon to see if they got any in the shipment. Call made at 11:56am he said they only got 1 @ 9.5" super redhawk with scope mount/rings for $60 less than cabela's quoted me. Drawing it from a shoulder holster, the lenghth isn't bothersome. It felt really good and stable when gripped with both hands(obviously not gonna shoot with one hand) maybe ever so slightly muzzle heavy on balance to me. And on 1st vision, smaller than expected. Maybe just me but the 9.5" blackhawk appeared bigger and more muzzle heavier when I was at Big R in Wabash on Sunday. The double action probably helps with the weight balance. Sold!! Attachments:
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Post by imnatree on Nov 12, 2012 22:55:50 GMT -5
Finding ammo was surprisingly difficult. Most places were sold out or had minimal choices. But was able to pick up a few after the 5th store. Can't wait to find out which she likes the best. Here's what I have to try: Attachments:
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Post by imnatree on Nov 12, 2012 22:57:35 GMT -5
And Attachments:
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Post by imnatree on Nov 12, 2012 23:04:44 GMT -5
Any other suggestions r most welcome. My son has excellent grouping with the 180 gr PMC JHP out of a ruger K77/44 rifle. I know my velosity won't be as fast, but I'm not gonna be shooting as far as he can as of yet  I'll report back my findings Attachments:
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Post by coyote6974 on Nov 14, 2012 20:26:51 GMT -5
Of what I see, I'd go with the Hornady Leverevolution, or the 240 grain cast semi wad cutters for deer.
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Post by imnatree on Nov 14, 2012 23:40:24 GMT -5
I didn't have time to try all of them, so I shot the one I thought would be best.... 225 gr leverevolution round. At 25 yds using factory open sights, both shots hit dead center 1" & 5/8" high. Went 3 shots at 50 yds, dead on bullseye 1" group. I figured I'd stop there, good enough. I'll do some more experimentation early next yr Eventually, I would like to lighten the trigger a little, but that's just me... Love hair triggers  |
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I'll report back my findings
