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Thread: super redhawk vs. super blackhawk

  1. #1
    Boolit Master Oklahoma Rebel's Avatar
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    super redhawk vs. super blackhawk

    As far as brute strength, accuracy, and reliability, which do you guys prefer, it will be either a 44 mag or a 480 ruger. if the redhawk really is stronger, then it will be a 480 really need all the input I can get
    An armed man in a citizen.
    An unarmed man is a subject.
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    Holding one of each up for a visual comparison, the Super Redhawk has lot's more steel in the frame and cylinder, so I can only assume, that it's stronger.

    I've loaded and shot a 480 SRH for a friend, it's awesome, you'll love it.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
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  3. #3
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    i owned a srh 7.5" barrel in 44 mag, and it was the best shooting revolver i ever had. at 100 yards it would do 1 3/4" groups all day. there was a couple that did 1 1/2" groups too. and i am NOT nor will i ever be a revolver guy. i took it to a guy i knew(he's gone now) that was a revolver specialist to shoot. and he did 5/8-3/4" groups at 100 yards. he told me for a stock gun he would shoot it. i never did anything but clean it. no trigger parts, barrel or sights were ever put on that gun. i had to sell it because the barrel was just too long for me(had a stroke). i would use 200-240gr xtp with over max win296. i loved that gun.

    now i'm just waiting on a ruger sbh with a 4 5/8" ss barrel in 44 mag. i think a 250gr mihek hp(40:1) and unique will just do me fine at 50 yards.

    will you be hunting or shooting? or both? i may be a little biased, but i'd go with the 44mag.

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy 06ackley's Avatar
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    Since they are both available in the same calibers id say whichever one feels better to you.Im not sure you could wear either one of them out.I have the 480 super Blackhawk and really like it.

  5. #5
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    I'm more of a single action guy, but found the Super Redhawk easier to shoot with max loads.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master Oklahoma Rebel's Avatar
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    that's me, I really like single actions, more simple you know, but I keep hearing that the redhawk is stronger, if that's the case I would go with it, also I like the 7.5 barrel, and you can only have it in the redhawk. keep the input coming, I really appreciate it..
    An armed man in a citizen.
    An unarmed man is a subject.
    A disarmed man is a slave.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master


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    The redhawk is stronger, sure, but that's like saying that a 1-ton truck is stronger than a 1/2 ton truck when you're buying one to drive to church on sunday and nothing else.

    Both are far stronger than you need for any reasonable task.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
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    I may be stupid but even though the Super Redhawk cylinder is slightly larger in diameter than a Super Blackhawk, the Super Blackhawk 480 Ruger is a 5 shot. So, with that being said is a 480 Ruger SRH actually stronger than a SBH? I know the 44 Mag SRH is stronger.
    Does anyone have any measurements of the cylinder side walls in a 480 Ruger that are accurate and not imagined?
    That would be nice

  9. #9
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    The SRH is undoubtedly technically stronger, but both are MORE than sufficiently strong. I know. I managed to blow up a SBH once. Long story, but if you blow up eihter, it'll be with at least a double charge! So as to strength, I'd rate them as equals, and what would blow one would blow the other, simply because there's so much in reserve in both.

    "Accuracy" isn't just an intrinsic thing. It also involves handling, pointability (speed to get on target), etc., so I'd recommend going with whichever feels better, better balanced and more "pointable" in your hands. With any really powerful load, DA triggers really aren't an advantage, other than in theory and with strongly loaded down reloads. So it's really a tossup, IMHO. And both would likely serve you well. If you'll be hunting with it, the clicks on the SBH as the hammer is cocked DO get a deer's attention sometimes, so ... that's also a factor if you'll be hunting with it. No revolver is silent enough for me, though. When possible, I adjust my safeties so they're still reliable, but can be pushed off silently with a little effort.

    As far as I'm concerned, it's the fine points that separate them, really. And I always go with the handling issue, and I love the way the SBH handles, especially in the woods. I've practiced, and learned to cock it with minimal "clicks" that a deer is likely to hear. They have AWFULLY good ears, though! That's my 2 cents' worth, anyway.

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy Hogdaddy's Avatar
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  11. #11
    Boolit Master Oklahoma Rebel's Avatar
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    cool, because at heart I am a "simple is better" kind of guy, while the Blackhawk only holds 5, if you need even 2-3 480's, prayer will be a better weapon! still would like to hear anyone else's opinions. Travis
    An armed man in a citizen.
    An unarmed man is a subject.
    A disarmed man is a slave.

  12. #12
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    Never been around a .480; but in .44 Mag, my pick wouldn't be either the SBH or SRH, it would be a 5˝" Redhawk.

    I had a Super Blackhawk, never could really warm up to it. The Super Redhawk always seemed just too much for a .44 to me. The plain old Redhawk was just right, plus it shot right with my buddy's Model 29 Classic Hunter.

    Robert

  13. #13
    Boolit Mold
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    If strength is the deciding factor, then Super Redhawk is hands down stronger and heavier than the Super Blackhawk. In terms of strength between calibers, the 480 cylinders are made from a custom steel that has a much higher tensile strength than those on the 44's.

    If you prefer a single action, the best compromise would be a Magnum Research BFR chambered in 475 Linebaugh. The frames and cylinders on the BFR's are noticeably thicker than Super Blackhawk's, and as far as I know, their 475's and 454's use the same custom steel for the cylinders that Ruger does.

  14. #14
    Boolit Master Oklahoma Rebel's Avatar
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    naw I want a ruger, besides its more expensive by a bit isn't it? (the magnum research?) if I was going to get one of those id get the bfr 45-70 so I have a rifle pistol combo
    An armed man in a citizen.
    An unarmed man is a subject.
    A disarmed man is a slave.

  15. #15
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    I would recommend you shoot them both before deciding. The SBH fits me well, the SRH does not.

  16. #16
    Boolit Grand Master Tatume's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JWT View Post
    I would recommend you shoot them both before deciding. The SBH fits me well, the SRH does not.
    Exactly correct. The double action grip works for me much better than the single action. JWT and I are just the opposites of each other, and you might favor either one. No way to tell until you try. Of course, the best solution is to buy both.

  17. #17
    Boolit Buddy

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    The SRH is probably stronger but the SBH feels better in my hand.
    INFIDEL

  18. #18
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    redhawks are hell for stout! As to accuracy I don't know. Ive never shot one of the Blackhawk 480s. I know that the super redhawks ive shot have probably be the most accurate out of the box revolvers period I ever shot. Ive seen some that would do moa at a 100 yards with a scope. All that said there ugly and a single action is pretty. If it were me id probably go single action because of it. There plenty accurate of handgun hunting range and you don't need to push a 480 to the absolute hottest level you can. A 400 grain bullet loafing along at 1000-1100 fps will do a lot of killing.

  19. #19
    Boolit Master Thumbcocker's Avatar
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    O.K. Kidd:

    I have been following and occasionally commenting on your threads about handguns and boolits. First of all kudos for seeking the advice of them that has been there and done that. Also kudos for doing your research before plunking down your hard earned money. You have been given a lot of well founded opinions from a lot of experienced folks and seem to be taking their experience seriously.


    I think you are nudging up against the point of having gotten all the outside input you can get and it is time for you to make your own decision. Some things you may want to consider are what you are going to do with your handgun. I like handguns because you wear them. Long guns you carry. The advantage of a handgun is portability. The disadvantage of a handgun is limited range and limited power as opposed to rifles.


    Are you looking for a compact relatively portable relatively powerful firearm that you wear or are you willing to sacrifice portability for more power and shootability. For example if I am just knocking around the farm cutting wood or shroom hunting I may holster a J frame .32 long. Rides where I put it all day long without being in the way. I may also take a notion to strap on bigger iron and carry a 4 5/8" .44 Special or magnum. I can cut split and stack wood wearing one of those in a simply rugged holster and not notice it much all day. I am a fairly robust guy who could stand to lose a few pounds, ok more than a few pounds, so less well fed or smaller framed people may have different criteria.


    When I am going after venison the most recent choice had been either a 7.5" SBH or a 7.5" SBH hunter model. These are big guns and are carried in a Chesty Puller rig. These guns are, for me, the upper limit of portability in handguns. I carry them for hunting and nothing else. They are purpose guns not companion guns and are nudging into long gun territory on the handiness scale.

    I think you may be seeking to have the collected wisdom here tell you what is the best gun for you. That is something this site can't do. you can certainly benefit from the centuries of experience here but handguns are a personal thing. Ultimately you have to answer your own questions about what the gun is going to be used for and howit works for you. A designated hunting revolver can be heavier and less handy than a general purpose revolver. What do you want this gun to do? How much to you want to pack it? If you want to carry it around while woods bumming you may want to have different size cirteria.


    Your posts suggest that you are looking at Rugers in something that starts with a 4. Great choice. Which do you like better? Which best suits YOUR needs or wants. Get something that pleases YOU. A SBH or Redhawk, or SRH will do a lot. You are already a caster so you have enough options as to boolit weight and style and power level to keep you experimenting for decades. Whre on the level of power vs. portability to you want to be? Are components readily available for the caliber you choose? How much of your lead stash is going down range every time the hammer drops? If you truly like big boomers throwing a VW sized chunk of lead go for it. Just go in with your eyes open.


    I do really enjoy your posts because they show your enthusiasm and take me back to days when all this stuff was new to me. Make a decision that is right for you. We won't judge.
    Last edited by Thumbcocker; 05-15-2016 at 08:06 AM.
    Paper targets aren't your friends. They won't lie for you and they don't care if your feelings get hurt.

  20. #20
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    I like them all but also have 3 BFR's. I paid $715 out the door for the .475. Hell for strong does not describe them. Ruger casts the parts and they are just huge Rugers but a better barrel and fit better.
    Heavy but for deer I don't care, shoulder holsters. The SRH is one of the most accurate off the shelf but the BFR's are even more so, just need trigger work.
    I don't like the standard RH, hate the one spring for hammer and trigger and they are more picky for powders. But the gun size is OK.
    A surprise was my friends SBH Hunter. He shot 1/2" groups one after the other at 50 when sighting the Ultra Dot. Now THAT is a gun I would like to see in a 5 shot .480. No Bisley for me though. Some love them but I have a strong aversion to them. Personal and my hands.
    How nice it would be to play with different guns before buying. I have had too many guns that FELT good but I could not make them shoot.
    SRH both felt good and shoots as good as you can find.

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