Super Redhawk or Super Blackhawk?

JHPAQ

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Hi , I'm having a hard time choosing between a super redhawk or super blackhawk in 7.5 in. 44mag. I like the look of the super blackhawk. but the double action of the super redhawk might be nicer. For deer hunting and fun. Any advice?:confused:
 
My SRH is a blast to shoot. I don't have much experience with the blackhawk, but the Super Redhawk is more comfortable to shoot for me.
 
Had a Super Blackhawk 7.5 inch from 1978 until 1991. Great gun, shot a whole buncha rounds through it, just couldn't put a scope on it. Sold it and got a stainless SRH with a 9.5 in barrel, mounted a scope on it. Great gun as well. Killed a buncha hogs and several deer with both.
Ruger now makes the Super Blackhawk in a "Hunter" version that allows for scope mounting.

If you ever expect to use it as a defensive firearm (2 or 4 legged critters), get the SRH. For just deer hunting, the Super Blackhawk Hunter (scoped) version would work well. Above all, get the one that fits/points the best for YOU-the grips are different on both models.
 
To scope a Blackhawk all you have to do is have the topstrap drilled and tapped. The clamp on bases aren't very secure when the recoil gets to thumping.
 
New sbh hunter comes with scope rings and notches on the rail to mount to.Double action is nice , but not practical for deer hunting .I have added a nikon 2x scope to mine.
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The SRH is the heavier and more expensive of the two. The SRH has a longer cylinder to handle those long heavy bullets such as the 330 and 340 grainers. Other than that it's your decision if you would shoot the revolver strictly single action or do you want double action capability.
 
The SRH has a much stronger action than the SBH. If you want to shoot some of the really hot stuff such as Garrett Ammo for larger game - say elk -then the SRH is, by the far, better choice for a hunting gun. I have used both the SRH and the SBH for hunting and, FWIW, my choice is the SRH.
 
the redhawk and the superblackhawk are both more than strong enough for any safe 44 mag load you are ever likely to shoot. I have had two redhawks and two superblackhawks and the superblackhawk were much better in all aspects. if I was going to get (but I'm not sure why)another 44 mag it would be the the superblackhawk with the 4.625 inch barrel
 
most of these big revolvers are shot in single action most of the time anyways. I have only shot my Super Redhawk in 454 in double action a few times. Actually the first time was like 2 weeks ago, my friends set up a combat course of sorts and were just unloading their 45s. Well I figured why not and unloaded my 454 rapid fire, all six shots. I hit the target once, all shots after that were down range in a safe direction but they didnt hit the target, thats for sure. My friends got quite a laugh, apparently a 300lb guy running and unloading a big gun (by the way it has the 9.5" barrel) thats loud and has a big flame from the cylinder with each shot is pretty funny. Wish I had a video:D

Anyways, Id say get which ever is most comfortable for you. Double action is a nice luxury to have but not real neccesary unless for something like self defense or for faster shots at a big animal with a bad attitude.
 
"The SRH has a much stronger action than the SBH."

I have owned both and have never believed at any time that the Super Blackhawk was lacking in strength. If I were to get one or the other today it would be the Super Blackhawk Hunter. Either choice - Redhawk or Blackhawk-would be excellent - just a matter of personal preferance.

Here is a Bowen conversion in 475 Linebaugh:

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"475 Linebaugh: It is capable of shooting .400-430 gr. bullets to 1350+ fps. Recoil and muzzle blast are extremely severe and not for the inexperienced."

So , if the Ruger Super Blackhawk is capable of being converted to such high levels of performance I would NOT worry about it's lack of strength compared to the Super Redhawk. When chambered in 44 mag both would seem to have have strength to spare.
 
It's not a matter of DA vs SA. It's true that a Super Redhawk owner will rarely or even never shoot it DA. But the FEEL of a DA revolver is different from a big SA like a SBH. I like single actions a lot but I prefer the Super Redhawk as a hunting gun to the Super Blackhawk. But it just depends on what feels best in your hands.

Gregg
 
So , if the Ruger Super Blackhawk is capable of being converted to such high levels of performance I would NOT worry about it's lack of strength compared to the Super Redhawk. When chambered in 44 mag both would seem to have have strength to spare.

But that high speed conversion you used for your example is a five shot. Ruger doesn't make it that way. They make the SRH as a six shooter in .454 and .480. You can't get a SBH in those calibers as a six shooter. I _assume_ that has something to do with overall strength and the size of the cylinder walls.

I WISH Ruger would start making both the SRH and SBH in five shot versions. I would buy a five shot SRH in .500 Wyoming Express in a second. Or a five shot stainless Bisley in .480 Ruger. But Ruger doesn't make them!

http://gunblast.com/Freedom_500WE.htm

Gregg
 
Yes , it is a 5 shot - but it still speaks well of the strength of any out of the box Ruger Super Blackhawk. I would not pass on the Super Blackhawk because of worries that were realted to durability and toughness.

" But it just depends on what feels best in your hands."

I agree -That is the best way to determine which is best for each shooter. Both are great 44s!
 
The only thing the SBH lacks over the SRH, IMO, is that the cylinder is shorter, so some of the biggest/baddest Garrett and Buffalo Bore rounds won't fit in the Super Blackhawk. Having had a SBH and after handloading for a couple of them, I believe the single action has plenty of strength for ANY .44 load. Now if the base pin starts to wear, then we have other issues... :o

Of course, what do I know? I no longer have a Ruger but a Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum instead. Although my Glock 17 would likely get traded away quickly if I really decided I wanted a 7.5" Redhawk (NOT a SRH). They can be found used easily enough around here for about $300-400, depending on condition and finish.
 
I had a SBH,well, two of them, for years. I also have tendonitis in my right elbow, and it got to the point where 25 rounds in the single action whold cause excruciating pain. Curiously, I also own a 9.5 inch SRH in .480 Ruger that I stoke with 400 gr. cast bullets and 21 grains of H110. It was nothing to fire 100 rounds a session from it.

A LIGHT came on in my head!

I sold the SBH and bought a 7.5 inch SRH in .44 mag.
The DA grip is very different, and causes the recoil to be felt differently,not to mention the added weight.
I'm back to 100 rounds per session with my .44!
 
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P990 hit the nail on the head in reference to the comparison in strength of the SRH and SBH. I have both in 44 mag and with with extra cylinder length of the SRH it relieves pressure when you load long, but then again you can put the pressure back in there and get more velocity for the bullet. Also the grips on the SRH makes it so much easier to distribute recoil. But I still love my SBH due to it's looks. I just wish Ruger will chamber it to the bigger calibers the SRH has plus lengthening the cylinder. Does anyone know who casts Casull and BFR frames? josh
 
Buy the Super Red Hawk

Hey,
I feel the Super Red Hawk is the way to go.
I've shot both and the Super Red Hawk is by far the better gun.
The grips on the Super Black Hawk are too small for my hand,but the rubber wood grips on the Super Red Hawk are great,to shoot.
First year hunting with the Super Red Hawk.
This pass week I almost got a shot off at a doe less than 25 yds away.
The only problem was when I tried to single action the 44,the doe ran off after the second click of the hammer.
I should have just used the double action on the doe,and by the time she heard the second click,the doe would have been shot, and not have ran off.
 
BLackhawk all the way

I found the Bisley grip to be best for larger hands .. very plesant to shoot .. no 'trigger frame bite'
 
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