Review of the Ruger Super Redhawk 357 Mag 8 Shot Revolver

In a contempo commodity I took a look at the massive and powerful Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .454 Casull, just I got some response that the big wheel gun wasn't for everyone. For this article I decided to review another heavy-hitter from Ruger, this time the Redhawk chambered in the more popular and widely available .357 Mag.

This is a gun that's merely slightly smaller than the big .454 Alaskan, but it varies in a number of of import ways. The primary response I received about the .454 was that it wasn't something people even consider owning down here in the lower 48, though I ever seem to encounter them sell at every gun store I frequent.

The Ruger Redhawk is a well-established double-activeness stainless steel design that boasts a thick frame and rugged immovability. The model I received features a 2.75" barrel, a triple-locking un-fluted cylinder, and an eight-shot chapters with moonclip capability. And if you thought the Redhawk would be an easier acquit than the Super Redhawk, I hate do disappoint yous, but this revolver weights in at the aforementioned bulky 44 oz. as the big Alaskan.

Unlike the Super Redhawk's ultra-powerful .454 chambering, .357 Magnum is a widely available mainstay and enjoys a large and devoted following. It can be loaded to reach incredible performance levels while offering (reasonably) low recoil. I tested several great .357 loads in this revolver for both accuracy and velocity.

Testing was washed at 85 degrees Fahrenheit over my Oehler 35P chronograph, which had been placed v feet from the cage. Accuracy is the average of iii, five-shot groups at 25 yards from the bench.

HSM Cowboy 158gr Semi Wadcutter ——————————————————-1123fps, three.5"
HSM Pro Hunter 158gr JHP——————————————————————1073fps, 2.75"
Hornady 158gr XTP—————————————————————————-1215fps, ii.v"
Hornady 135gr Critical Duty——————————————————————–1233fps, 2"
Black Hills 125gr JHP—————————————————————————1344fps, ii"

By now people know what to expect from .357 ammunition, but I was surprised at how lilliputian felt recoil in that location was with any of the loads I tested. Maybe I shouldn't accept been given the Redhawk's 44 oz. solid steel frame. My favorite was the HSM Cowboy load, as information technology delivers a large 158gr lead bullet with recoil low enough to easily railroad train with.

The Redhawk's curved rosewood grips are very attractive. Merely that means in that location'due south no rubber — as on the Alaskan — to absorb recoil. Still, I found shooting the big wheel gun wasn't unpleasant. I was able to make quick follow-up shots, transition betwixt targets, and point-shoot with relative ease. The nicest part was that I was able to very quickly reload…but in that location are some pointers to be aware of with that.

The moon clip capability (the Redhawk ships with 3) is probably the nigh advantageous function of this revolver. But clips have their ain set of problems that can exist exacerbated by the length and close fit of the viii.357 cartridges. If a total clip has a slight bend or isn't aligned just correct, it tin can exist hard to get the rounds inserted tightly enough to shut the cylinder.

Ejection of empties isn't every bit shine with clips, either. Of class, you can always employ a speed loader or reload with loose rounds. While some find moon clips difficult to work with, I feel that they have a not bad deal of utility. The best acquit method I have plant for this gun involves 8 loose rounds in the gun and a reload with moon clips.

Like the Super Redhawk, this is a big beefy gun that works best carried in a pack or chest rig. I carried the Redhawk in the same Hill People Gear Heavy Recon Kit Handbag that I used in my previous .454 review. This is a dandy piece of gear and information technology really takes the sweat out of carrying a gun as compact and heavy equally this i. I like it for annihilation over 40oz, including some full size 1911 pistols.

My overall impressions of this revolver are very positive. It has the same capacity as most conduct pistols and 1911s, simply is chambered for the powerful .357 Mag. Recoil with .38 Special is negligible and nevertheless very manageable with full-house. 357 loads. The trigger is splendid, the sights are neat, and it handles nicely.

The Redhawk probably won't your everyday bear gun. Information technology's bigger and heavier than most people will be willing to bargain with on a daily basis. This will most probable be a special use gun for almost people, a powerful, reliable backwoods gun that can handle just nearly any threat yous're likely to find yourself facing.

Specifications: Ruger Redhawk

Quotient: .357
Capacity: 8 Rounds
Overall Length: viii.25 inches
Weight: 44 oz.
Sights: Adjustable rear, ramp front with red insert
Barrel Length: two.75 inches
MSRP: $1079

Ratings (out of five stars)

Aesthetics * * * * *
Stainless steel and rosewood grips? This big, archetype revolver has it where it counts.

Reliability * * * * *
The thing likes to shoot with and without moon clips. Novices and experts alike can benefit from them, but they tin be problematic. Simply that's your choice to make. This is an uncommonly reliable gun that will go bank when yous really need it to.

Accuracy * * * *
While non equally accurate as some target guns I've used, this is a plenty authentic, powerful revolver for its size and intended use.

Handling * * * *
This gun handles well and feels good in the hand. The rosewood grips are a fleck polish for wet and dirty environments, only that depends on how dirty you plan on getting.

Carry * * *
While not quite as large every bit the .454, this is still a massive revolver that will require some special accommodations for about people to carry. Stowed in your gear,  it volition exercise simply fine. Wearing this big 44 oz animal on your chugalug volition be harder, just information technology can be washed.

Overall * * * * one/2
For those looking for a big, (relatively) high capacity revolver that has rugged features and is capable of protecting you anywhere in the lower 48, this is a smashing do-it-all option. In that location aren't many situations that eight rounds of .357 won't handle.

Armament for this article tin can exist found at www.hsmammunition.com, www.hornady.com, world wide web.blackhills.com while gear and the knife tin can be located at www.hillpeoplegear.com and www.eseeknives.com.

stoltefounds.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-ruger-redhawk-double-action-revolver/