Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan

[smirnoff]

Who here owns or had any experience with one of these?

Super Redhawk Alaskan

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5301&return=Y

I've been looking at one of these in 454 for the past year or two as a last ditch bear defence weapon while hiking and camping (I live in Alaska). I've read some reviews every now and then and handled them in stores, but there was always some other gun I had to buy before this one. Lately I shopped around in some local stores and found the price for the new ones in 454 casul hovers around $800 more or less. But yesterday, while stopping at wal-mart to grab some ammo, I saw one for $720.

I know 454 casul might sound oximoron in 2 1/2" barrel, but I own other guns that are not as suitable for the cartrages they are chambered for and it does not bother me. Another thing that attacts me to this caliber is ability to practice with 45 long colt. Also, I think this is the burliest looking short revolver out there.

Wahts your opinion on these?

[bac1023]

I have the 454 version. Its a very strong revolver and handles the round very well. Its a pleasure with 45 Colt ammo.

[sebecman]

Purely my opinion,

For a bear defense gun,

I would get something with a longer barrel. I would much rather have the accuracy advantage if I needed to take that charging bear down at a greater distance.
I know their are those who will say they can hit 2" groups at 50 yards with a snubbie, but I ain't one of em and if my life was on the line I would rather have an extra 4 to 6 inches....Hell what guy wouldn't?



Seriously, I would look at this Ruger
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5505&return=Y

Or, my personal favorite, Magnum research BFR in .454 or similar.
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=BFR454C6

[2kBlackSleeper]

I also have the 454 and I like it alot. It was not as bad as everyone said that it would be. I did not mind shooting it at all. In fact i never even tried to shool 45 lc but thats ok. It was pretty accurate as far as a gun like that goes.

John

[filthy infidel]

A cat at a local range pulled one out- the 2.5" bbl. I got to the side of him, expecting to avoid being hit by the thing flying over his right shoulder, but it was like watching someone shoot a six inch .44 Magnum revolver. He offered to let my try a cylinder full, and I took him up on it.

It is a good strong recoil, but not an elbow flipper, more of a heavy wrist pushback/flip. I actually enjoyed it, and would buy one for the right price. He supplied .454 Casull handloads.

[smirnoff]

Thanks for the opinions. I'd consider the full size revolver but like the idea of a compact package - when camping or hiking I don't like caryoing a hand-cannon. Is $720 a fair price for it?

[bestseller92]

I consider both the Smith and Ruger .44s, .454, .500s, etc. with 2" barrels to be asinine in concept. A four inch barrel would be no harder to pack, would be more accurate, have less muzzle blast and more velocity.

[DonD]

I'd be very skeptical of someone who said they could shoot a 2" group offhand at 50 yds with an Alaskan with such a short sight radius. The fish that got away?

The Alaskan is a very compact revolver, particularly considering its power. Don

[armorplated]

Good night! Would somebody just answer the poor guy's question? He's not looking for opinions as to optimum barrel length. He wants to know if it's a fair price! Sheesh!

This gun site:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=Super%20Alaskan

..........indicates that $720 is a fair, but not spectacular price. I see some for sale for less than $700.

BTW, I want one, too.

[smirnoff]

Good night! Would somebody just answer the poor guy's question? He's not looking for opinions as to optimum barrel length. He wants to know if it's a fair price! Sheesh!

This gun site:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=Super%20Alaskan

..........indicates that $720 is a fair, but not spectacular price. I see some for sale for less than $700.

BTW, I want one, too.

Thanks, sounds like Wal-Mart is a decent price, and its in stock at the store without any additional fees

[alwayshear]

Who here owns or had any experience with one of these?

Super Redhawk Alaskan

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5301&return=Y



Wahts your opinion on these?

I own a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan and it's an awesome gun. The concussion from the round tends to knock dust off the walls at the range where I shoot. There are several different loads from which to chose. The 440 gr. Corbon load is punishing but manageable. I have shot 45LC cowboy loads that were pretty mild comparatively. It's a handful for sure but I enjoy it.

[nick__45]

walmart is selling ruger redhawk alaskan; aka a big ass revolver????

[JackDRipper]

I like mine, go for it.
JR

[AK_Stick]

walmart is selling ruger redhawk alaskan; aka a big ass revolver????


Our wal-marts are not as stupid as the ones in the lower 48, they stock all the supplies, a nation state needs.

[jerrwhy]

I've got one in .44 magnum and I love it. I paid 700.00 for mine at Gander Mountain of all places. While that's not a super low price it's decent enough and I have no regrets.

The Hogue grip really helps a lot with soaking up the recoil. It's not sniper accurate, but it really isn't a gun designed for hunting, its' meant to be a back up. Given that it's in a smaller package (it's not really small) it's meant to be carried. I've come to the conclusion that if it's big, bulky, and cumbersom then I probably will leave it at home.

There's a resonable amount of aftermarket stuff for it and it's fairly easy to work on yourself. SO you have some options as far as personalization.

I have no experience with 454 or 45lc. I went with .44 mag because I have a lever gun in 44 mag and I wanted a revolver in matching caliber.

Peace
Jerry

[hogship]

I think that both the Smith and Ruger .44s, .454, .500s, etc. with 2" barrels to be asinine in concept. A four inch barrel would be no harder to pack, would be more accurate, have less muzzle blast and more velocity.

This is a valid point, bestseller is making.

At one time, I was considering an Alaskan, but decided against it. Sure they are really cool.....the ultimate snubby, if you ask me......but, what purpose? A snub barrel is intended for ccw, period. A 4" would be a MUCH better choice, but it doesn't have that cool factor. The 4" will pack just as easily as a snub, and will get more of what you want out of your cartridge.

Someday, I still may get a Ruger Alaskan......but, I'm seeing a little reality here.......it's nothing more than a very very cool, but ill-conceived revolver.

Don't get me wrong.....get one, but know there are other big bore revolvers that will suit the purpose better.

hog

[bestseller92]

Reading my quote within your post showed me how badly I worded it. Then I went back and edited it.

[GTFord1]

walmart is selling ruger redhawk alaskan; aka a big ass revolver????

Alaskan Wal Marts sell handguns.

[TheBadGuy]

I REALLY wanted one in 44 mag, but their 44 comes with a fluted cylinder and I want one with an unfluted cylinder:crying:

[bac1023]

Since nobody has posted theirs, I'll be the first.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0470.jpg

[Zombie Steve]

Since nobody has posted theirs, I'll be the first.



Well it's about damn time. :supergrin:

[armorplated]

A snub barrel is intended for ccw, period.

Not necessarily. Even with the "snub" barrel, that's still a massive revolver.

The only way it's really suitable for CCW would be in a horizontal shoulder rig.

It's definately the "cool" factor.

[bac1023]

Well it's about damn time. :supergrin:

Yeah, they aren't the best looking, IMO, but built like a brick ****house.

They do look solid though.