Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot 4 Inch Review

How much armament a mod defensive handgun tin can (or should) hold is one of those topics that but keeps circling back around for more give-and-take. Double-activeness revolvers are often dismissed by semi-automatic fans since they tend to offer five- or six-round capacities instead of the more typical x to 18 rounds found in today's pistols. Merely there take been times when revolver makers accept worked to heave involvement in their products past drilling more holes in the cylinder.

The offset time I recall seeing a new production seven-shot center-fire revolver was old during the 1990s. In 1996, I found myself holding a brand new curt barrel Smith & Wesson 686P .357 Magazine. with the same external dimensions as the classic six-shot despite the actress chamber. The marketing commentary in support of this revolver went something along the lines of why settle for ten rounds of pip-squeak nine mm when yous can pack seven rounds of .357-Mag.?

During the side by side decade, the enthusiasm for semi-automatic pistols flourished, resulting in the mid-size duty and defensive revolvers, including the 6+ models, taking a back seat.

A few years ago, Ruger got serious nearly changing up the cylinder capacities of the company's unmarried-action and double-activeness revolvers. A few factors seemed to be at piece of work, both political and commercial. At the end of 2012, semi-automatic magazine limits and bans were back in play on state and federal levels. While federal bans have flopped so far, some states did enact new regulations. The New York SAFE Act (2013) limits the number of cartridges in a magazine to seven rounds, even if information technology can hold 10. These number games led to a nationwide revolver revival for the same reason every bit the AWB from 20 years earlier, including medium- and even large-frame defensive revolvers.

On the commercial side of things, changing calibers and capacities is a reliable manner to drum up renewed interest in long-established platforms. We've seen the 64-year-old Single Six evolve into the Single Seven and Single 10. The 32-year-old GP-100 was briefly manufactured as a seven-shot .327 Fed. Mag. and is currently bachelor in 10-shot .22 LR. and a five-shot .44 Spl. configuration.

The nigh recent improver to Ruger's half-dozen+ Wheelgun Club is a trimmed down eight-shot .357 Mag. version of the Redhawk revolver. In production since 1979, the Redhawk has been bachelor in several different calibers and configurations but has remained a six shooter until this yr. This new eight-shot is an exceptionally well-balanced pick that may have flown in under some readers' radar.

The all-stainless steel Redhawk double-action revolver ushered in several features that would carry over into the GP100 and SP101 revolver lines including a single spring to wheel both the hammer and the trigger, a strong monolithic frame, off-set cylinder notches, a triple-locking cylinder and adjustable target sights. A transfer-bar safety prevents the revolver from firing if dropped.

Only unlike the later models, which have safety wrapped posts forming the grip, the Redhawk has a more traditional grip frame fitted with two-slice grip panels. Other standard features include polish hardwood grips, an adjustable rear sight and replaceable front sight. The company has politely moved the "Read the Manual" argument to the barrel's under lug instead of cluttering up the side of it.

In 2014, Ruger offered a compact six-shot .44 Mag. version of the Redhawk as a Talo distributor exclusive with a roundbutt grip frame and a 2.75" butt. I recall thinking at the fourth dimension that it offered the utility of the Ruger Alaskan (which is based on the Super Redhawk) in a more than elegant parcel. The Talo .44 was soon followed by a Davidson's exclusive with the same features simply chambered in the .41 Rem. Mag cartridge. This twelvemonth's 8-shot .357 Magazine. compact's almost notable cosmetic difference is an unfluted cylinder.

I requested this version of the Redhawk for review because it looked to be both reliable and enjoyable to shoot. I was proved right on both counts. The controls all functioned properly and smoothly. Ruger's double-action revolvers have a history of practiced triggers but lately they take been getting fifty-fifty meliorate. The double-action trigger on this item gun was 11 lbs. viii oz. with the unmarried-action trigger breaking cleanly with 8 lbs. 8 oz. of pressure.

The push-button cylinder release is one of my favorites because it'southward much more intuitive than the push button-forward or pull-back releases used past other companies. Swinging the cylinder open reveals a cut out that allows for the use of full moon clips, 3 of which are shipped with the gun. Moon clips provide a quick and piece of cake way to reload all eight chambers, much like a speed loader but less expensive.

What I like so much about this particular version of the Redhawk is how well-balanced information technology is in several respects. The bulky .44 Mag. frame soaks upwards recoil and volition comfortably endure a full-time diet of .357 Mag. loads. It's exceptionally tame with .38 Spl. rounds. The shorter butt eliminates the muzzle heft of a longer gun and allows the gun to swing nicely. The compact smooth wood grip panels allow for a high and comfortable grip that will fit a multifariousness of hand sizes.

Formal accurateness testing with .357 Mag. ammunition was conducted from a benchrest past firing five, five-shot groups with targets prepare at 25 yards. The hard-striking Buffalo Bore Heavy Magnum 125-gr. jacketed hollow points produced a best single group of 3.thirteen" with a v-group boilerplate of 3.34". Inceptor Armament's softer shooting 86-gr. poly-copper ARX yielded a best group of 3.27" with an average of three.46". Winchester'due south defense force-form PDX1 Defender 125-gr. bonded jacketed hollow points printed the tightest groups with a best group of 2.98" and an average of 3.25".

Some readers may see the 2.75" barrel, eight-shot Ruger Redhawk .357 Magazine. as something of an odd duck. It's too big for practical daily concealed comport (Ruger' SP101 and LCRs being much meliorate suited for that job), the barrel is on the curt side for some types of handgun hunting and the .357 Mag. doesn't offering equally much performance every bit a .44 Mag. That being said, this revolver fills other niches quite finer.

It offers the reduced cost and flexibility of being able to fire ammunition ranging from pulverization puff .38 Spl. target loads all the way upwardly to total power Magnum rounds. This is an platonic torso, cabin or trail gun for protection against dangerous game. While the .357 Magazine. is on the lighter end of the cartridge spectrum, rounds topped with heavy penetrator bullets will get the job done. It'southward built like a tank and an ideal trail gun for protection against dangerous game. The caliber and eight-round chapters are suitable for home defense. And, to top it off, it'southward a comfortable, enjoyable revolver to shoot.

If y'all are looking for manageable recoil in a larger caliber, take a look at the Ruger Redhawk .45 ACP/.45 Filly.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Redhawk (#5033)
Action: Double-Action Revolver
Caliber: .357 Mag./.38 Spl.
Finish: Satin Stainless Steel
Grips: Laminated Hardwood
Front Sight: Interchangeable Black Blade with Orangish Insert
Rear Sight: Fully Adjustable White Outline Blade, Foursquare Notch
Butt Length: two.75"
Overall Length: eight.25"
Height: 6.00"
Cylinder Width: one.78"
Weight: 44 oz.
Capacity: 8 Rounds
Twist: 1:18.75" RH
Burglarize Grooves: 6
Accessories: 2 Total-Moon Clips, Difficult Case, Lock, Owner's Manual
MSRP: $1,079

8-circular Moon Clips 3-Packs (90634): $14.95 at shopruger.com

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Source: https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/tested-ruger-redhawk-8-shot-357-mag-revolver/

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