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Originally Posted by lastround
Hi Sarge,
That is a nice article on the Redhawk, but it refers to the reference model as being a ‘79 Model. The picture shows a blued model, which were not introduced by Ruger until several years later. I assume the pictured gun is not the one referenced in the article. Or, could it have been that a blued gun was shown by mistake?



Or maybe the pictured Redhawk was a prototype that Ruger produced in 1979........Anyone have a thought?


If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.

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Originally Posted by lastround
Originally Posted by lastround
Hi Sarge,
That is a nice article on the Redhawk, but it refers to the reference model as being a ‘79 Model. The picture shows a blued model, which were not introduced by Ruger until several years later. I assume the pictured gun is not the one referenced in the article. Or, could it have been that a blued gun was shown by mistake?



Or maybe the pictured Redhawk was a prototype that Ruger produced in 1979........Anyone have a thought?


I haven't owned that revolver in a long time, but I can assure you I would not have described it as a '79 model without contacting Ruger and confirming it first. I realize Ruger's serial history on the model goes back to 1980. I did find the following reference regarding Redhawks, obviously made prior to 1980-

"During the NRA show in San Antonio in May 1979, the company unveiled its Redhawk, a six-shot DA .44 Magnum."
https://gundigest.com/gun-reviews/h...uper-redhawk-which-is-the-best-44-magnum

I have no idea whether the San Antonio guns were blue or stainless. I do know what mine was- and yes, I probably should have kept it. I had several 44 Mags about that time and then, it was just another Redhawk. Decent used ones were all over the place.


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Sarge, please understand that I had no intention of saying that what you posted was not true. And yes the first ones were made and shipped in mid to late1979, with production going full bore in 1980. My knowledge of Redhawks is through having personally owned and shot probably well over a dozen starting as soon as one appeared at my LGS. I’ve also read everything I could get my hands on during those early years. It has always been my understanding that, right or wrong, the stainless guns superseded the blued models by several years. As your gun and date of manufacture proves, I was obviously wrong to some degree. Evidently, Ruger must have made both during that early run in 1979. I also agree that keeping it would have been a good idea. It probably has great collector value.

Over the years I have searched for, and traded for, models that exhibit better manufacture and fitting of parts (such as crane to frame fit and action timing and tightness). Of course accuracy has played a part in whether one stayed with me or not. I have found that the early ones were the best, IMO. I don’t think I am going to be a big fan of the new sleeved barrel models. Thanks again for your input.


If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.

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I am sure you could quickly find out what year the Blued Redhawks came out just by checking the internet, which I haven't done. Nor do I remember the exact year they did. I can tell you by memory, that it was after the stainless ones, probably as lastround says, "by several years". The first guns produced were 7 1/2" Stainless models, which were the only models produced for awhile. I can't recall for sure, but the Blued models seemed to come out about the same time the shorter ones did (5 1/2"). 44 Mag. was the first caliber. I believe the 41 Mag. was the next introduced. Then the 357.

The first I knew of the Redhawk, was Elmer Keith shooting Jackrabbits with them and relating his experiences in Gun Notes. Keith liked the new gun.

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Fellas I took no offense at anything said here. When something doesn't fit the norm, you ask questions.

I dug through some old gun data I saved and couldn't locate a serial number, or I'd check it again. I may run across it yet.

Ethan I vaguely recall Elmer's account of the (then) new Redhawk. He thought it needed a better trigger for fine shooting and as usual, he was right.

Last edited by SargeMO; 01/24/20.

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I remember him being pissed at Ruger for not sending him one right away.

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The original owner of my Redhawk sent it to Bowen Classic Arms for their Standard Package, it’s supposed to address some of the issues common to these fine revolvers:

NO. RD01‘STANDARD ISSUE’ The most basic modifications necessary to reliable performance. Includes:

· trigger/action tune
· provide/install heavy-duty, extra-pressure mainspring; if necessary
· provide/install Rough Country adjustable rear sight
· extra-length firing pin installation (blue guns reblued)
· provide/ install BCA factory style front sight: crisp, sharp matte finish part for better sight picture; choice of factory-style ramp, Baughman ramp or Patridge blade shape; choice of stock or extra height (plus .040 for factory calibers) for heavy bullets. White-line ramp and McGivern patridge bead blades are available on a custom basis at extra cost. Please inquire.

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Bowen Classic Arms does some great work on Redhawks!


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After reading this I might have to drag mine out of the safe. Ithink it's probably been 15 years or more since I shot it. I killed a few deer with when I was younger, but basically set it aside for semi auto pistols.

It shot better than I did that's for sure.

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Bring it out Dodgefan, I shoot mine regularly. I used to deer hunt with mine, but now it’s mostly plinking at steel, or targets, or rocks. Mainly just fun things. I will admit that most of my shooting is with slightly reduced loads since “fun” no longer includes very many full power loads.

I have been on a mission on the internet in the last few days to find the answer to my questions about the Redhawk, but I’ve not had much luck. Actually, this thread has brought to the fore even more questions. I have even been over on the Ruger Forum with little luck. Ah well, they are fun to discuss anyway.


If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.

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This thread makes me want another Redhawk. Stainless, for sure. 44 Mag, certainly. 7 1/2" or 5 1/2"...unsure.

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Originally Posted by EthanEdwards
This thread makes me want another Redhawk. Stainless, for sure. 44 Mag, certainly. 7 1/2" or 5 1/2"...unsure.


That's what I have. Stainless, 7 1/2" barrel with scope mounts. I bought it in 93 I think. I remember looking at a Number 1 in 300 Win Mag and the Redhawk. Didn't have the money for both.

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Originally Posted by EthanEdwards
This thread makes me want another Redhawk. Stainless, for sure. 44 Mag, certainly. 7 1/2" or 5 1/2"...unsure.



EE,
Go for it, guy. And one of all three lengths is even better. Actually, there were four lengths. The early 4” models were actually 4” and not 4.2”. They later changed to 4.2” so as to comply with Canadian laws.
And I have still not found anything on the ‘net or elsewhere regarding the reason for the brief reversal of the hammer pivot pin or starting dates of manufacturing/shipping dates of the blued models. Still looking.


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I got a new 41 mag Redhawk in stainless 4.2" barrel recently. It's more of a brushed finish and not polished.


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Lots of good information....

I've owned four...first was back in Texas...an 80s vintage 7.5" stainless with the rings in .44 Magnum...with 180 Sierras it was a deer killin' machine...

Next was a 90s vintage 5.5" .41 Magnum in stainless. Never did bond with that one. The only grips that really fit my had was the stock ones and once velocity was increased so was the discomfort. It went down the road with 4 extra sets of grips.

Finally when Ruger brought back the .41 Magnum I bought one of the first ones out in the 4.2" barrel. One of the best shooting .41s I've ever owned. Shot my best DA standing group at 50 yards ever with that gun...6 rounds in a little under 6". DA trigger breaks right were I want it to. Found a set of the impossible to find Uncle Mike's grips at GUN PARTS Corp. before they were all gone...

When the 2.75" came out I bought one of those also but the DA breaks later than the 4.2" and really don't care for the round butt. Fortunately Hogue came out with a rubber set of grips that fit my hands well...

The .41s were a limited distributor exclusive and they are now somewhat hard to find...

Bob


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Originally Posted by lastround
Originally Posted by EthanEdwards
This thread makes me want another Redhawk. Stainless, for sure. 44 Mag, certainly. 7 1/2" or 5 1/2"...unsure.



EE,
Go for it, guy. And one of all three lengths is even better. Actually, there were four lengths. The early 4” models were actually 4” and not 4.2”. They later changed to 4.2” so as to comply with Canadian laws.
And I have still not found anything on the ‘net or elsewhere regarding the reason for the brief reversal of the hammer pivot pin or starting dates of manufacturing/shipping dates of the blued models. Still looking.
lol I've probably owned at least three Redhawks. I can't remember the last time I was in a gunstore or went to a gunshow. With a daughter in college and a son about three and a half years from it, I doubt there is a Redhawk in my future. No worries, I've got two 44 Mag's in the safe so, I'm good. More of a "if I hit the Powerball" type thing.

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Originally Posted by EthanEdwards
I am sure you could quickly find out what year the Blued Redhawks came out just by checking the internet, which I haven't done. Nor do I remember the exact year they did. I can tell you by memory, that it was after the stainless ones, probably as lastround says, "by several years". The first guns produced were 7 1/2" Stainless models, which were the only models produced for awhile. I can't recall for sure, but the Blued models seemed to come out about the same time the shorter ones did (5 1/2"). 44 Mag. was the first caliber. I believe the 41 Mag. was the next introduced. Then the 357.

The first I knew of the Redhawk, was Elmer Keith shooting Jackrabbits with them and relating his experiences in Gun Notes. Keith liked the new gun.



Ethan,
Your memory of the Redhawk chronology follows exactly with mine, but SargeMO threw me a curve. With my memory of when the blued models came out, and when the 5.5” models came out, one of us has to be wrong. I have been searching the internet for answers and most of what I’m finding are from other guy’s memories as well. One recurring date seems to be that the 5.5” stainless models came out in late 1982, early 1983. I’ve found nothing concrete on blued models or the reversal of hammer pivot pins. I think the reversed pins occurred with the introduction of the 5.5” models. Thanks for your input.


If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.

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Originally Posted by lastround
Originally Posted by EthanEdwards
I am sure you could quickly find out what year the Blued Redhawks came out just by checking the internet, which I haven't done. Nor do I remember the exact year they did. I can tell you by memory, that it was after the stainless ones, probably as lastround says, "by several years". The first guns produced were 7 1/2" Stainless models, which were the only models produced for awhile. I can't recall for sure, but the Blued models seemed to come out about the same time the shorter ones did (5 1/2"). 44 Mag. was the first caliber. I believe the 41 Mag. was the next introduced. Then the 357.

The first I knew of the Redhawk, was Elmer Keith shooting Jackrabbits with them and relating his experiences in Gun Notes. Keith liked the new gun.



Ethan,
Your memory of the Redhawk chronology follows exactly with mine, but SargeMO threw me a curve. With my memory of when the blued models came out, and when the 5.5” models came out, one of us has to be wrong. I have been searching the internet for answers and most of what I’m finding are from other guy’s memories as well. One recurring date seems to be that the 5.5” stainless models came out in late 1982, early 1983. I’ve found nothing concrete on blued models or the reversal of hammer pivot pins. I think the reversed pins occurred with the introduction of the 5.5” models. Thanks for your input.



I purchased a blue 5.5" Redhawk in Anchorage Alaska in either 1985 if memory serves



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It’s a shame that Ruger doesn’t have a historian like S&W’s Roy Jenks who could have shed light on all these questions.

Or a book by some talented person titled “A Complete History of Individual Ruger Firearms”! I’ll buy a copy.


If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.

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For those who are interested, I have continued to search out as much information about Redhawks as I can find on the internet. I think I can say with reasonably good faith, that there is a lack of verifiable information available. However, here goes........ Redhawks started leaving the factory in very late 1979 initially as stainless steel only and with 7.5” barrels only. I’m not trying to discredit anyone with my findings, just stating “my” findings.

Redhawks were only available in stainless and with the 7.5” barrel until late 1982/early 1983 at which time the 5.5” barreled model was introduced, again in stainless steel only. The best info I can find is that blued models in both lengths were introduced in late 1984. And to the Op, I find no reference to anything other than brushed stainless and blued. More to come.............

Last edited by lastround; 01/30/20.

If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.

Doug
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