Ruger’s newest Redhawk is an 8-round .357 Magnum that is comfortable, accurate and rugged.
By Dave Workman
Senior Editor
Wearing a 5.5-inch barrel, the new stainless steel Ruger Redhawk revolver chambered for the potent .357 Magnum cartridge is an 8-shooter that is both accurate and, thanks to the 49-ounce weight, comfortable on recoil.
Author Workman put the 8-shooter through its paces at the annual Media Day at the Range during SHOT Show 2018.
TGM got a chance to run this wheelgun through its paces at the annual Media Day at the Range event that precedes the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas. The bus ride out to the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club was worth it just to wrap our hands around this hefty entry. Even near misses out to 100 yards were enough to convince us that Ruger has another winner.
This incarnation of the Redhawk has a single spring mechanism for a smooth trigger pull that lets off crisply. Shooting Hornady ammunition, we did okay putting bullets where they belonged.
Before getting too far along, let’s talk about this revolver’s specs. As noted, it is all stainless and Ruger says it’s “cold hammer-forged sleeve and shroud barrel provides outstanding accuracy.” There’s more to it than that. The
Barrel has a recessed muzzle.
“sleeve” section actually does cover a threaded stainless barrel designed for a precise fit for maximum performance. It allows a very close fit between the cylinder and forcing cone. The bore is cut with five grooves on a 1:18.75-inch right-hand twist, which is definitely part of the equation.
Robust un-fluted cylinder locks up front, rear and below in the frame.
Ruger’s new entry has a satin stainless finish and the triple-locking cylinder is not fluted, which adds to the weight. It locks into the frame at the front, rear and bottom, so it is solid.
Overall length is 11 inches, which would make it suitable for hunting, competition, backcountry travel and a number of other uses.
Redhawk is fitted with smooth hardwood grips.
Fitted with smooth hardwood grip panels, this Redhawk has a ramp front sight with a replaceable colored insert front blade.
Overall, this is one tough-looking and performing handgun, with no side plates. It’s got Ruger’s proven transfer bar mechanism that adds an extra degree of safety.
Now, here’s the interesting feature: The cylinder is relieved to allow for the use of full moon clips for quick reloads during competition. Three clips come with each gun, and they hold cartridges securely.
Ruger Redhawk has adjustable rear sight.
The adjustable rear sight has a white outline and it shows up very well.
Using a two-hand hold and shooting offhand, we hit targets at 25 and 50 yards consistently and even the misses were so close as to have been negligible had we been shooting at deer, hogs or other live game.
Eight-chamber cylinder is relieved to allow for the use of full moon clips.
At 100 yards, the Ruger still delivered — even when we got a little shaky — and that convinced us that in a hunting situation, you will want a good, steady rest to put your shots where they belong.
Strolling through the aisles at SHOT, we found enough good holster models to assure us that anybody who plunks down cash for one of these revolvers will have no trouble at all finding leather or nylon to house it in the field.
The MSRP on this new model is $1,079, and for that you’re going to have a rugged, precision firearm that will take on the elements and perform.
So long as there is available ammunition, this Redhawk will go “BANG!” every time.
