.45 LC Redhawk

[SansSouci]

I'm considering buying a 4" Redhawk in .45 LC. I know nothing of this handgun. I'll use it as a trail gun. Can it be loaded with +P .45 LC loads? It seems to be of identical cylinder specs as the .44 Mag version. I'm guessing that it's as durable as a .44 Mag Redhawk.

What price should I expect to pay for such a gun?

For those that have this model, would you buy it again? Or should I look at a different model?

[Sutcliffe]

I don't have one, but it's on my ist

As a trail gun it will be on the heavy side. It's a good, durable revolver that you can run any of the high pressure loads(factory anyway) that are available for large frame guns.
They are still kind of hard to find, so I figure prices will reflect that.

[BluNorthern]

The .45 Colt in a Redhawk can be loaded up to hand cannon pressures.

I'd feel as confident with one of the heavy .45 loads as I would with a .44 Magnum.

[BluNorthern]

And yeah...it's a big, heavy pistol....even with a 4 inch barrel.

[deadcoyote]

I don't know if you're planning on using it in CA or elsewhere, but .357 will get the job done on any cat/bear in state. I would recommend the sp101 4" ruger makes. Great lighter weight revolver. Add some heavy underwood loads and You're good to go.

[1911ShooterPhil]

Two options for you to consider...

I'm considering buying a 4" Redhawk in .45 LC. I know nothing of this handgun. I'll use it as a trail gun. Can it be loaded with +P .45 LC loads? It seems to be of identical cylinder specs as the .44 Mag version. I'm guessing that it's as durable as a .44 Mag Redhawk.

What price should I expect to pay for such a gun?

For those that have this model, would you buy it again? Or should I look at a different model?

Have you seen this:

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-RH45ACP.htm

http://www.guns.com/2015/06/15/ruger-announces-convertible-45-acp-45-colt-redhawk-video/

Another option, though it's a single action, is this:

http://www.ruger.com/products/vaqueroDE/models.html

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=491631673

I have a Ruger New Vaquero in .45ACP and I love it. Having the option to use either .45 Long Colt or .45ACP would be really useful because it's cheaper & easier to find .45ACP to practice with, but you could carry .45 Long Colt when in the field, on the trail.

By the way, the Ruger Vaquero is exempt from the CA Roster of Handguns because it is a single action pistol. Good luck! --1911ShooterPhil

[MrElectric03]

I only have experience with .44 mag RedHawks but they are one of the most stout built DA revolvers out there. Heavy sure but they will handle anything factory and most every reload you put through it. Price can be anywhere from $500 to $750 used. There is a 7.5" .44 mag for $500 in the marketplace now.

[SansSouci]

1911ShooterPhil,

Thanks so much for the most helpful links, especially the Gunboats link.

[SansSouci]

deadcoyote,

I do have a GP-100. I take it fishing in the Eastern Sierra. The .357 Mag is an excellent trail cartridge. But I'd feel more comfortable with the added size of the .45 LC.

[SansSouci]

BluNorthern,

Thanks for the very informative help. That's precisely what I was looking for. If I can hand load a .45 LC to "magnum" velocities, it would be a perfect deep woods trail gun.

There is nothing on this continent that a .45 LC loaded to "magnum" velocities couldn't kill, and I'm talking polar bear. Standard .45 LC loads are excellent for self-defense. But what has got me looking at this gun is its ability to fire .45 ACP rounds.

It terms of versatility, I can't think of a better handgun. As far as weight goes, I've found that the right holster makes a heavy, bulky gun a lot easier to carry.

If I find one, I'm going to jump on it.

[BluNorthern]

http://www.realguns.com/archives/159.htm

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=8

[Epaphroditus]

10 miles a day in rough country with a 6" Colt Anaconda (45LC) riding in a cheapo Blackhawk holster not an issue.

[negolien]

For the price you might think about the Alaskan bud for a trail gun very nice choice and they're running about the same price.

[SansSouci]

Hi BluNorthern,

I've gotten great info off of Real Guns. I've used his rifle loads with great results.

Check out this Website: http://handloads.com/loaddata/defaul...Powder&Source=

A 340 grain hard cast bullet at 1200 FPS & nothin' livin' will remain in that condition after taking one of those bullets.

Were I to find a 4" Redhawk in .45 LC, I'd go with better than 90% of my shooting with light .45 ACP loads. A 340 grain bullet at 1200 FPS would recoil like a beast. But it would be good to load about 50 beast recoiling loads for deep back country use anywhere.

[SansSouci]

Epaphroditus,

Having the right holster makes all the difference when carrying handguns. Price of the holster ain't the criterion. Fit and comfort are the criteria that I use. Were I to buy a .45 LC Redhawk, I would look at a Galco Combat Master. But if a 20 dollar holster worked better, that's the way I'd go.