Interesting, Ruger AK revolver now back in .480 Ruger?....

C

ClydeFrog

Moderator
I went on www.ruger.com & saw they went back to making the big snub AK series in .480 Ruger again. :D
These stainless wheelguns are not cheap but they are robust & great for hunters/guides/outdoor types.

I never shot any .480Ruger loads & honestly don't know what the hype is but if you shoot .480Ruger or reload for it, you can go grab one.

Clyde
 
The "hype" is a massive .476" 425gr cast bullet at 1200fps that will penetrate several feet of hide, muscle and bone. Perhaps less from the Alaskan, out of a .44-sized sixgun with less recoil than the .454.
 
with less recoil than the .454
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I'm not sure how much less recoil, but from everything I hear a whole lot less FELT recoil is what makes it so popular.

I still think Ruger goofed by shortening the 475. They should have stolen it exactly or lengthened it.
 
They would've needed a longer cylinder for the .475, which was already a legitimized cartridge at the time. The .480 runs at only a couple thousand PSI below the .475 and will do 90% of what the longer cartridge will. The .480 is definitely a stout cartridge but it's more of a slow push, compared to the .454's quick wrenching snap.
 
i know they started making the .480 super redhawks again but good luck trying to find one especially the alaskan.im sure they are in demand and that is why ruger started making them again...i have a super redhawk .480 and it is a powerful hand cannon but after you get used to it you can shoot the thing all day...
 
For Dangerous Game backup a .480 Alaskan is a viable option. Was in my LGS on Wednesday and they had 3 Super Redhawks in .480 in the case two 7 1/2'' and one 9 1/2''. None looked as if they had been shot much at all. They wanted the same for them as a new R.O. Kinda a no-brainer for me.
 
Ruger is definitely getting a reputation for not actually "ending" production of particular handguns, but rather "suspending indefinitely" and often returning them to the lineup when they choose to do so. They've done this with the .30 Carbine chambered Blackhawk and recent news suggests they are also doing it with .327 Federal Magnum chambered revolvers.

I can't say the .480 Ruger interests me, but I'm firmly in the camp of "more is better." I like and support the idea of new, different and interesting cartridges.

I would love to see this thread develop without one instance of the vomit-inducing snark of "answer to a question that____" and I think you know the rest of this extremely lame, WAY over-used and utterly limp comment. :rolleyes: But I'm a realist, so it's much more hope than prediction.
 
all hat & no cattle?.....

I'm not much into big bore snubs but I don't know what real value a snub .480Ruger DA revolver has for most US shooters in the gun buying public.
As posted, a Ruger AK revolver could be of practical use for a big game hunter or outdoors use but a .454 can load the .45LC & the .44 Alaskan can fire the .44spl.
 
But don't you think people would have payed a bit more for these changes?
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No. You have to understand what difficulty a longer cylinder poses for Super Redhawk production. And for what gain? Very little.


I think the same dimensional problem is had with the 460 and that is why they have avoided it.
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Not exactly, the .460 is way too long for any existing Ruger platform.


As posted, a Ruger AK revolver could be of practical use for a big game hunter or outdoors use but a .454 can load the .45LC & the .44 Alaskan can fire the .44spl.
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One needs to handload to attain any appreciable level of proficiency with these guns and that makes the .44Spl/.45Colt argument moot. The .480 is a definite step up over either cartridge.
 
The new 480's have been listed on their website for several months now. But, they seem to be as elusive as a unicorn.
I've yet to hear or read of anybody who has actually seen a new production Ruger 480 nor have I seen any show up on any of the gun auction sites

Jim
 
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I've never fired the 480 but would love to try it. I have the 454 Alaskan and simply because I wanted it. Is it practical ? No. But it is unbelievable. I love it. Don't knock it until you've tried it. It is a lot of power in a compact package and really quite versatile.
 
They are Back

So, it is June of 2014 about a year after this post was started.
The Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan has hit gunbroker.com
and some of these are going to less than 900 USD.
Factory new, but they are calling them "rare".
I have a few Old 480 Alaskans, but I am going to buy
the new one as well.
 
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