I am pretty much sold on the 44 magnum Ruger Redhawk with the 5.5 incha barrel for what I want it for. I am also considering the Dan Wesson -Alaska guide gun in 44 magnum. I know they are both very stong guns but I would like to get some options on these 2 guns. I want to go order one of these tommorow. If I get the Ruger I plan to have a trigger job done to it and change the grips. I live in Maryland so my time is running out before that mechanical lock laws goes into effect on Jan 1, 2003. Thanks
44 magnum, Ruger Redhawk or Dan Wesson - Alaska guide gun
- Thread starter Bill357
- Start date
Both are more than strong enough for whatever loads you'll want to use, and are very accurate. The 5.5" Redhawk weighs the same as the 4" Dan Wesson if you were thinking of getting the 6" Dan Wesson it's going to weigh more which could be a factor when carrying it all day in the brush. There are more grip options for the Dan Wesson since they use a grip stud instead of a grip frame, but if you like the Redhawk grip that's not a problem.
I think you'd be happy with either gun, since you're already leaning towards the Redhawk get it and don't look back.
I think you'd be happy with either gun, since you're already leaning towards the Redhawk get it and don't look back.
A completely biased opinion here since I've had one for 17yrs, but I'd go for the Dan Wesson. You might decide later you'd like to do different stuff with a .44 and, instead of having to buy a new gun, all you'd need is a new barrel assembly. Say a 4" for totin' in the woods and an 8" scoped bbl(which will keep it's zero on or off)for hunting. I'd consider the 460 Rowland model too, as you can shoot .45acp thru it. Of course the Ruger is a great gun too, but I'd give the edge in accuracy to the DW and it's much more versatile with all the different accessories.
Swamp Yankee
New member
I'd go with the Dan Wesson, but that's no surprise.
Would also suggest a DW std. large frame in .44 mag. Finding a Model 44/744 is probably going to be easier. They're lighter in weight, will handle any .44 Mag ammo available. Compensated barrels can be found in all lengths. They run a few $ less as well. Really want to save bucks find one used and order a compensated barrel for it.
If you really want the Supermag frame the Alaska Guide Model is an eye catcher for sure. The Supermag frames are large. Pictures usually don't do them justice.
One last comment on the DW. If your not familar with the Dan Wesson DA pull it will take some getting used to. It is shorter than the traditional S&W or Colt action. This gives it a heavy feel even though the DA pull measured on a scale is the same as other revolver brands. This is from the rapid loading of the spring as opposed to the more gradual and even feel of the S&W or Colt. It's not bad, just takes a little getting used to.
No worries if you should decide on the Ruger, you'll be getting a fine piece of hardware as well.
Take Care
Would also suggest a DW std. large frame in .44 mag. Finding a Model 44/744 is probably going to be easier. They're lighter in weight, will handle any .44 Mag ammo available. Compensated barrels can be found in all lengths. They run a few $ less as well. Really want to save bucks find one used and order a compensated barrel for it.
If you really want the Supermag frame the Alaska Guide Model is an eye catcher for sure. The Supermag frames are large. Pictures usually don't do them justice.
One last comment on the DW. If your not familar with the Dan Wesson DA pull it will take some getting used to. It is shorter than the traditional S&W or Colt action. This gives it a heavy feel even though the DA pull measured on a scale is the same as other revolver brands. This is from the rapid loading of the spring as opposed to the more gradual and even feel of the S&W or Colt. It's not bad, just takes a little getting used to.
No worries if you should decide on the Ruger, you'll be getting a fine piece of hardware as well.
Take Care
dairycreek
New member
Just to keep the discussing going....
I am a real fan of the 5.5" bbl. Redhawk. Super strong, prettly accurate, and a comforable carry gun in the woods - with the right holster. If you reload there is no comparison! The RH is strong enough for the hottest hunting loads such as Garrett! Good shooting
I am a real fan of the 5.5" bbl. Redhawk. Super strong, prettly accurate, and a comforable carry gun in the woods - with the right holster. If you reload there is no comparison! The RH is strong enough for the hottest hunting loads such as Garrett! Good shooting
5.5" Redhawk
I have had three of these over the years, most recent one is a 5.5" blue- and it's a keeper. I shoot loads ranging from Garrett-level 300s to 200-grain small game loads at 800 fps, and I haven't moved the rear sight to accomodate either. How? Take the tallest front sight you can find and sight in with your heaviest-bullet load. Take another front sight and 'file it on' for your light-bullet load. This will take a lot of patience, and you may have to file a little off one side of the second sight to regulate the windage (they are not all exactly alike for thickness, etc.) but when you're finished you can hunt anything from chipmunks to moose without changing anything except the rounds in the cylinder, and the front sight.
I haven't had a Dan Wesson in years, but the .357 I had back 25 years ago didn't impress me much- other than the finish. It was a beautiful gun.
If you go with the Redhawk, try a set of Butler Creek rubber grips for this model. Softest-shooting grips I have found in 20 years of handgunning with these fine revolvers.
Good luck-
Sarge
I have had three of these over the years, most recent one is a 5.5" blue- and it's a keeper. I shoot loads ranging from Garrett-level 300s to 200-grain small game loads at 800 fps, and I haven't moved the rear sight to accomodate either. How? Take the tallest front sight you can find and sight in with your heaviest-bullet load. Take another front sight and 'file it on' for your light-bullet load. This will take a lot of patience, and you may have to file a little off one side of the second sight to regulate the windage (they are not all exactly alike for thickness, etc.) but when you're finished you can hunt anything from chipmunks to moose without changing anything except the rounds in the cylinder, and the front sight.
I haven't had a Dan Wesson in years, but the .357 I had back 25 years ago didn't impress me much- other than the finish. It was a beautiful gun.
If you go with the Redhawk, try a set of Butler Creek rubber grips for this model. Softest-shooting grips I have found in 20 years of handgunning with these fine revolvers.
Good luck-
Sarge
.44 MAG
I like the Redhawk a lot--good piece!! HOWEVER, I recently opted for a new S&W 629 Classic with the 5 " bbl. After shooting quite a few rounds thru it I am not disappointed. (May not have been disappointed with the Redhawk either but I have several S&W handguns and I knew what quality I would be getting.)
I like the Redhawk a lot--good piece!! HOWEVER, I recently opted for a new S&W 629 Classic with the 5 " bbl. After shooting quite a few rounds thru it I am not disappointed. (May not have been disappointed with the Redhawk either but I have several S&W handguns and I knew what quality I would be getting.)
kahr Carrier
New member
My vote Redhawk built like a Tank.