Ruger Redhawk in 5.5 inch or 7.5 inch

TABING

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I looking at both these revolvers and am trying to decide on barrel length, plan to use it for a field carry gun, not especially as a primary hunting gun. Tending toward a shorter, handier barrel length, and don't plan of putting a scope on it. sounds like I've answered my own question, but what's your opinions?

(I have a model 29 with 6" barrel, and a Desert Eagle with 6" barrel).
 
I have both the RH 5.5 and 7.5, and the 5.5 is considerably easier to pack around. But it is still a massive gun. From my experience with a 6" S&W M657, your 6" S&W M29 will be better than either of the Rugers for a gun to be carried more than shot. I like my Rugers, but I like my hip/shoulder/lower back better.

Just my opinion.
 
Have the 5.5'' gun. I like it. Used it for a bit of deer hunting last year. Get a good holster rig and you should be o.k. But as Koveras said, these are not going to carry quite as easy as the ''N'' frames.
 
Question, why would a 29 be easier to carry than a Redhawk, surely the weight is within a couple of onces, is the Redhawk that much bigger dimentionally?

When I say carry gun, to me that means I'll put at least 50-100 rounds of cast bullets in general plinking and rock busting in the desert on any one walk-about.

The reason I'm interested in the Redhawk is the option to use Garrett high powered rounds that are not recommended in anything but Redhawks.
 
Weight

A Smith Mtn. Gun as an example weighs about 39 oz. A 5.5" Redhawk per Ruger weighs 49 oz and the 7.5 is heavier. As a comparison using the old catalogues a 6" Anaconda is 53 oz. and a 6" Dan Wesson with the Vent Light shroud 53 oz. and 56 oz. with the Vent Heavy shroud. Per the current Smith catalog the standard 4" is about 41.5 oz. So there is close to a half pound difference Smith to Ruger. The diameter of the cylinder on the Ruger is larger, too.

Jim T.
 
I just got the 5.5 inch redhawk as I figured if I was just working on my property it is plenty, I got the 44 magnum.

I also figured if hunting, it would most likely be the second gun so 2 more inches would be more uncomfortable.

I sort of considered weight, but I dislike tales of new smiths and their longevity. Rugers are built like a tank and I consider it weight lifting. I did see a used smith in 44 mag, but I just liked the ruger grip better.

I figure if I ever want one just for hunting I would most likely get another one with a longer barrel. I am not after a revolver to cover every single possability.
 
STUPID BULLET TRICKS

The bullet will not care if its launch tube is 7.5" or 5.5".

At least not enough to matter....................

I can get MORE than enough from my 'shorties'; what more can 2" actually add?
NOT THEORY -- test data only.
 
Used to own the 5.5", Got stolen.:mad:
Now own the 7.5", no complaints.

Do I miss the 5.5"? You bet. Would I trade in the 7.5" for a 5.5"? No, but I'd buy another 5.5"!

Like Weshoot2 said, would a perp, animal or JBT know the difference? NO...
 
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