A Legacy of Strength and Innovation
History and Development
Ruger’s reputation for building robust firearms is well-deserved. The company’s commitment to durability and functional design is evident in many of its products, including its revolver line. The genesis of both the Redhawk and Super Redhawk stems from a desire to offer revolvers capable of taming the potent .44 Magnum cartridge, a round that had captured the imagination of shooters and hunters alike.
The Redhawk, born in response to the increasing popularity of the .44 Magnum, was a significant leap forward. Introduced to the market, it represented a serious effort to create a revolver that could withstand the stresses generated by heavy ammunition. This foundation of strength set the stage for later developments.
The Super Redhawk builds on the Redhawk’s foundation. It was designed to accommodate even more powerful cartridges, such as the .454 Casull and later on, the .480 Ruger and the .460 S&W Magnum. The Super Redhawk aimed to refine and enhance the design to handle more serious recoil and a wider selection of powerful rounds. This evolution reflects Ruger’s ongoing dedication to innovation and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the shooting community.
The Redhawk: A Classic Built for Power
Frame and Build
The Redhawk represents a blend of power and classic design, offering a solid platform for handling powerful rounds. The frame of the Redhawk is built from strong steel, contributing to its heft and its ability to absorb recoil. This robust construction is one of the key features that make the Redhawk a favorite among those who enjoy shooting potent cartridges.
Caliber Options
The Redhawk is frequently chambered in popular calibers such as .44 Magnum and .45 Colt, two rounds with proven track records in hunting and target shooting. These caliber offerings give the Redhawk versatility in its applications, making it suitable for a range of shooting scenarios.
Cylinder Details
The cylinder of the Redhawk is a crucial component. It is engineered to handle the pressures generated by powerful rounds and usually features a six-round capacity, depending on the caliber. The Redhawk’s finish, which can vary depending on the specific model, is also designed to withstand the harsh conditions and frequent use that these revolvers often endure.
Sights
Sights are essential for accuracy. The Redhawk typically sports adjustable rear sights. This allows shooters to fine-tune their point of impact and makes the Redhawk adaptable for different shooting ranges and target sizes.
Grips
Grips play a key role in handling and comfort. Common grips on the Redhawk are constructed from materials such as wood or rubber. These grips are designed to provide a secure hold, helping shooters manage recoil and maintain control, especially when firing heavy loads.
Other Features
Beyond the core elements, the Redhawk sometimes incorporates additional features such as integral scope mounting options. These add-ons give shooters the ability to mount optics, broadening the revolver’s potential for long-range shooting and hunting.
The Super Redhawk: Enhanced Strength and Versatility
Frame and Build
The Super Redhawk takes the robust design of the Redhawk and elevates it. The most immediate difference is the overall shape and construction of the frame. While both are built for durability, the Super Redhawk incorporates design enhancements.
Caliber Options
The calibers offered for the Super Redhawk include the powerful .44 Magnum, but also extend to the .454 Casull, the .480 Ruger, and the .460 S&W Magnum. This wider selection of calibers demonstrates the Super Redhawk’s capacity to handle a broader range of powerful ammunition. This makes the Super Redhawk a top choice for those who want maximum power and flexibility.
Cylinder Details
The cylinder of the Super Redhawk is designed to withstand even higher pressures compared to the Redhawk, thanks to the stronger frame. Cylinder capacity depends on the caliber, with common configurations holding six rounds. The finish and the cylinder design both contribute to the revolver’s overall longevity and ability to withstand demanding use.
Sights
Sights on the Super Redhawk usually mirror the design philosophy of the Redhawk: They are typically adjustable. This allows shooters to dial in their accuracy for various distances. This feature is especially crucial for hunting scenarios where precision is paramount.
Grips
Grips are equally important to the Super Redhawk, as in the Redhawk. The grips on the Super Redhawk commonly feature synthetic or wood grips, offering a secure and comfortable hold for the shooter. These grips are often ergonomically designed to minimize felt recoil, aiding in more precise and sustained shooting.
Other Features
The Super Redhawk is known for its integrated scope mounting system. This is a feature that immediately sets it apart from the Redhawk. This design eliminates the need for aftermarket mounting hardware, making it easier to add optics for hunting and long-range shooting.
Comparing the Giants: Key Differences
Frame and Weight
When you place the Redhawk and the Super Redhawk side by side, certain key distinctions emerge. The frame of the Super Redhawk is visibly thicker and more substantial, providing a foundation for handling heavier recoiling cartridges. The overall weight difference reflects this change in construction. The Super Redhawk is typically heavier, a factor that can improve recoil management for very powerful rounds.
Caliber Availability
The calibers available for each revolver are where the differences in design become most evident. While the Redhawk can be chambered in .44 Magnum and .45 Colt, the Super Redhawk takes it further with offerings in .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, and .460 S&W Magnum. This makes the Super Redhawk a more attractive option for those seeking the most potent ammunition available.
Recoil Management
Recoil management is where the design choices truly shine. The Super Redhawk’s frame and design, coupled with its heavier weight, contribute to a reduction in felt recoil, especially when firing the more powerful cartridges. The Redhawk, while handling recoil admirably, may show more muzzle rise. This difference can influence how quickly a shooter can recover their sights for follow-up shots.
Handling and Ergonomics
Handling and ergonomics are crucial. The Super Redhawk often features grip designs specifically intended to mitigate the impact of recoil. The heavier frame of the Super Redhawk, can also change how the revolver feels. The Redhawk has a different feel in hand. The best way to understand these handling differences is to compare them, by holding both firearms and seeing which one feels most natural and comfortable to you.
Sight Options/Mounting
The integrated scope mounting of the Super Redhawk provides a significant advantage when it comes to adding optics. The Redhawk, while able to mount scopes with the addition of aftermarket parts, lacks the integrated convenience of the Super Redhawk. This makes the Super Redhawk more user-friendly if you plan to equip your revolver with a scope.
Price and Value
The price difference is worth taking into consideration. The Super Redhawk typically commands a slightly higher price due to its more complex design and extra features. The Redhawk, being the tried and tested design, can sometimes be found for less. This is a factor to consider when assessing the overall value of each firearm.
Performance on the Range and in the Field
Accuracy and Reliability
Accuracy and reliability are paramount. Both revolvers are renowned for their reliability and Ruger’s reputation for building durable firearms. The accuracy of both the Redhawk and Super Redhawk is typically excellent. Accuracy often comes down to the shooter’s skill and the quality of the ammunition.
Target Shooting
For target shooting, both revolvers are suitable, but the Super Redhawk’s recoil-absorbing design and the integrated scope mounting system can provide a marginal edge in terms of comfort and long-range accuracy.
Hunting
For hunting, the Super Redhawk shines due to its ability to chamber more powerful cartridges, the ability to easily mount optics, and its recoil management. The Redhawk remains a great option, especially when chambered in .44 Magnum, a caliber that is well-suited for a wide range of game animals.
Self-Defense/Bear Defense
For self-defense or bear defense, both revolvers offer exceptional firepower. However, the caliber that is chosen is very important, and the Super Redhawk’s ability to use the .460 S&W Magnum, the .480 Ruger, and .454 Casull make it a top choice for ultimate stopping power in dangerous situations. Choosing between these two options will come down to personal preference, caliber, and the type of environment you will be in.
Pros and Cons
Redhawk
The Redhawk excels as a classic, reliable, and powerful revolver. The Redhawk has the following pros:
* Reliability
* Ease of Use
* .44 Magnum and .45 Colt Caliber options.
The Redhawk has these cons:
* May have more felt recoil, particularly with the heaviest loads
* Requires aftermarket scope mounts if needed.
Super Redhawk
The Super Redhawk is an advanced evolution of the Ruger revolver platform. The Super Redhawk has the following pros:
* Handles extremely powerful calibers
* Integrated scope mounting system
* Superior recoil management.
The Super Redhawk has these cons:
* Heavier than the Redhawk
* More expensive
Conclusion
The choice between the Redhawk and the Super Redhawk ultimately depends on your individual shooting needs. If you appreciate the simplicity and classic design of the Redhawk and primarily shoot .44 Magnum or .45 Colt, it remains an excellent choice. It offers a fantastic balance of power, reliability, and manageable recoil.
If you are looking for maximum power, the ease of mounting optics, and recoil absorption, the Super Redhawk is the better choice. It excels in applications like hunting, self-defense, and bear protection.
Consider the cartridges you intend to use most often, the distances at which you will be shooting, and your personal preferences regarding handling and recoil. Whichever you choose, both the Redhawk and the Super Redhawk are exceptionally well-built firearms. The Ruger legacy of durability ensures that you will have a powerful and reliable sidearm ready to perform for years to come. Research, handle both revolvers, and let the specific requirements of your shooting needs guide your final decision.
