Ruger Alaskan 44 mag, thoughts?

[KDTS]

I've heard things saying they're a pain to shoot, having such a short barrel. I'd actually want one in 454 Casull, but my LGS has a 44 mag in the glass listed at just under $1k before tax (and I know this to be a notoriously high-priced LGS, but I don't know what prices to expect). Did Ruger stop making all the Alaskans, or just the 454 Casull?

[drkphibr]

I've heard things saying they're a pain to shoot, having such a short barrel. I'd actually want one in 454 Casull, but my LGS has a 44 mag in the glass listed at just under $1k before tax (and I know this to be a notoriously high-priced LGS, but I don't know what prices to expect). Did Ruger stop making all the Alaskans, or just the 454 Casull?

"paint to shoot" is that person's perspective. I like the 454 version because you can shoot both 454 (after you shoot 10 rounds of 454 in an Alaskan, you're good for the day - the palm of your hand will throb/hurt) and 45 LC. 454 is not cheap, but then again, with prices today neither is 44 or 45 LC. But if you reload, 45 LC is a great cost savings (as is 44, but I like the option of being able to shoot both calibers). 45 LC is fun to shoot on an Alaskan and MUCH easier on the hand/palm....but 454 will take just about anything down. Small, but heavy and very well made gun that is quite fun to shoot IMO.

454 and 44 Alaskan are both listed on Ruger's web site, but I hardly ever see the 454 version in LGSes. They seem to carry the 44. Or the 454 just flies off the shelf too fast to even know it was there. I'm sure you can order one, but I have no idea on wait time.

[21SF]

I have one in .44 even with 300 gr XTP over 21.5 gr of powder. Its very manageable. Your welcome to shoot it if your ever in concord area.

Honestly with the hogue grips any load is manageable, I plan on getting some wood grips then maybe just maybe it will hurt.

Another advantage of the .454 is, you can have the cylinder machined for moon clips and shoot .45 acp, 454, 45lc.

[sd_shooter]

I would definitely get the 454 version. There are a few on gunbroker in the 750-800 range with auctions ending today.

@1k it's overpriced, but it's all about supply & demand.

I remember someone dumping one on calguns for about $550 maybe a year ago but I didn't have any cash at the time. Looking back I should have sold something just to get it! (My left nut? I don't think anyone would want that...)

[ns3v3n]

I rented the Alaskan in 44 Mag at Target master in Milpitas, good gun, single action is light and crisp, shoots very well. Double action on the other hand is not as smooth. You'll get a smooth pull until towards the last 1/3 of the pull then then gun jumps on ya. But the hogue grip makes it very easy on the hand. Overall, if you don't want to buy online, then go support your local store, you can always negotiate on the price with them. If not, hell buying online is easy enough, just keep in mind, if the gun is coming from out of state, you will have to pay tax.

[ROCKETW19]

my vote 454 just cuz. i have a DE in 44mag and people freak when i shoot it i can only imagine your alaskan in 454 that would be fun.

[DArBad]

I've heard things saying they're a pain to shoot, having such a short barrel. I'd actually want one in 454 Casull, but my LGS has a 44 mag in the glass listed at just under $1k before tax (and I know this to be a notoriously high-priced LGS, but I don't know what prices to expect). Did Ruger stop making all the Alaskans, or just the 454 Casull?

I know of the notoriously high-priced LGS. If you really want the 454 Casull, get that one. I advise though to drive all the way to RCGS in Sacramento. They are a much better dealer to deal with, and they order for you exactly the gun you want.

Good luck.

[SDM44]

I've always wanted one.

I would never have a good use for one, and would barely ever shoot it, but g-dammit it would be so cool & fun to have .

[Cowboy T]

I shoot .44 Spl/Mag and .45LC/454 Casull, and both families of rounds are a lot of fun.

If you really want the .454, then that's what you should buy. They shoot .45 LC with aplomb. Plus, you can indeed load the .45 LC case to .44 Magnum-levels of power in any Super Redhawk 454 if you wish.

Regardless of which one you buy, I would strongly suggest that you start reloading your own ammo unless you're either rich as a politician, or you actually want to end up in the poorhouse. Neither cartridge family is cheap to buy.

[KDTS]

454 with moon clips sounds like a pretty awesome option. Then if I'm being thrifty it can share ammo with my 1911. Plus, .454, go big or go home, eh?

[jyo]

I am a BIG fan of both these revolvers in 44 Mag or 454---I must say, if you are only going to buy one, I would go for the 454---but be aware, the full-shout 454 is a gun that you might take some time (and ammo) to become proficient with---each shot is an event!! Oh, and wear a shooting glove---it will help.