super redhawk vs. super blackhawk

[Oklahoma Rebel]

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

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

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.

[tdoyka]

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:sad:.

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.

[06ackley]

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.

[gunauthor]

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

[Oklahoma Rebel]

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..

[C. Latch]

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.

[44MAG#1]

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

[Blackwater]

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.

[Hogdaddy]

Deleted

[Oklahoma Rebel]

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

[Mk42gunner]

Never been around a .480; but in .44 Mag, my pick wouldn't be either the SBH or SRH, it would be a 5½" 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

[cmonti77]

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.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

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

[JWT]

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

[Tatume]

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. :-)

[N4AUD]

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

[Lloyd Smale]

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.

[Thumbcocker]

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.

[44man]

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.

[contender1]

Blackwater, & Thumbcocker both have made a lot of excellent points.

I currently own some Super Blackhawks in 44 mag, and one in 480. I also own a few Redhawks, in 44 mag as well as a Super Redhawk in 480. So, I have a fair experience with them.

Strength? All are excellent & will withstand years of use,,, as long as you do not overload them & expect them to do more than designed for. Staying within SAAMI specs,,, you will find they will all be plenty strong.
Find what's the most comfortable to you & go that way.
If you are anywhere near WNC,, you could sample all of mine to see.

[Doc Highwall]

One thing that I really like on my SRH is that I can mount a optic using the scope mounts that are milled into the top of the frame. Maybe I can shoot with irons now, but the day will come that I will need the the optic in order to hit what I am aiming at.

[Mauser48]

I have shot the SBH hunter and the standard redhawk with a 7.5 inch barrel. The SBH handled recoil a lot better than the redhawk. The redhawk grip is comfortable until you pull the trigger. In the redhawk I was shooting moderate magnums and it hurt more than the SBH with factory hornady xtp loads. I would go with the SBH.

[str8wal]

When it comes to shooter comfort, the SRH with the Hogue Tamer grip is a pussycay compared to the SBH, IMO. As far as strength it is pretty much a wash. If lighter size and weight are a priority, the SBH has the edge but not by much. As always, it is best to try before you buy if possible as what floats one's boat may sink another's.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

To thumbcocker, you hit the nail on the head, the problem is, I haven't shot either caliber or either the SBH or SRH, I know I can handle the recoil, because back when I was younger a friend had a single shot 12 sawed of pistol grip with about a 12-14" barrel, and I could shoot a box though it. but I left the crowd I was running with and now have no friends, and no one to borrow any of these guns from. I am basically trying to get as much info on the 2 calibers I am considering, and the strength of the revolvers, as far as my personal comfort, I know it will be up to me, and I will just have to go by what I feel holding them at the gun store when It is time to buy.i think deep in my heart it has always been the Blackhawk, just want to make sure it is going to be plenty strong, even though I am not a max load kind of guy. stronger means longer lasting. thankyou for your insight, Travis from tulsa

[Oklahoma Rebel]

and also, contender thanks for the offer, id love to get to shoot all those revolvers, but I don't have any plans for travel in the near future. thanks a lot though, Travis

[tdoyka]

you said it right there, "i think deep in my heart it has always been the Blackhawk" . thats what i'd go with. trust your gut instincts! the super blackhawk!

i think everybody can agree with srh is stronger than the sbh. but realistically the sbh is all you need. i doubt if you will ever need anything from a sbh.
i used to own a srh(i was young and DUMB) and at the time jacketed bullets where a good place to start with maximum loads out the reloading manual. i did do things, such as purposefully cracking cases and blowing up/pierce thu the primers, to that poor srh. but it never even burped to the things i fed it. i've long since passed my young and dumb stage,i'm 43(and i'm a stroke survior:D) and i will be happy with a 44mag that can do 250gr cast with unique.

now we'll just get you a 44 mag in sbh and some cast boolits....;-):lol:

[Thumbcocker]

Anyone in O K who could hook the Kidd up with a trip to the range?

[randyrat]

I like the SRH..The double action, the ease in which to load and built in scope mounting slots is worth it to me. My son weighs in at about 100 lbs he shoots my heavy loads with one hand (standing up) not off a bench..Off a bench it will hurt.. SRH is a very tough double action that is a comfort to shoot..I switched out the standard wood and rubber grips to the hogue.
It is my deer hunting pistol and range fun gun.
The black hawk will roll up with recoil and is just different to me, just a different beast, still very tough.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

Tdoyka, thanks for encouraging what I should have just known... now it is the waiting and saving that sucks.will be the new year when I get it.i will then check out the stores to hande both the reg. and the bisley style, I think I will like the bisley but wont know til I feel them both.

[Lonegun1894]

This won't help with the .480 aspect of this decision, but I have a SBH in .44 Mag, a couple BHs in .45 Colt, and a RH in .45 Colt. They are all plenty strong enough to handle loads that my wrists can't stand up to. I would suggest getting whatever feels best to you. Also, let me know if you pass through anywhere near Waco, TX before you buy, and we can get together and give you a chance to play with my revolvers.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

sounds cool lonegun, what kind of grip do you prefer, bisley or the regular offering from ruger

[Lonegun1894]

I use the standard grips, but have never fired a Bisley, so can't speak for or against them. The Bisley felt odd at the fun shop though.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

ive only ever held a regular redhawk once at a gun store in town.... I have so much experience with rugers I should write a book!

[contender1]

It appears you MAY be leaning toward the SBH in 480. It has the Bisley style grip frame. It is generally accepted by most folks that this style handles heavy recoil much better then the Dragoon style or the plow handle style. When Ruger introduced the first Bisleys back in the 80's,,, I figured it wouldn't last. Until I tried one,,, in a 45 Colt. My predictions were WRONG,,, and now I own several Rugers with Bisley grip frames. I have found that the bigger calibers, especially when shooting the heavier loads are much more controllable, and less punishing on the hands than any other style.
Hopefully, someone around here can get you to their range with a few guns to try,,,!

[Mica_Hiebert]

The new SRH are 5 shot as well I have the old model with the 6 holes which was discontinued for sticky cases with hot loads? I have never experienced this but that is the reason I am told ruger went with a 5 shot cylinder, don't know if it had to do with heat expansion on the cylinder or if they where able to make the cylinders with larger chambers with a little more elbow room.

[44MAG#1]

"The new SRH are 5 shot as well I have the old model with the 6 holes which was discontinued for sticky cases with hot loads? I have never experienced this but that is the reason I am told ruger went with a 5 shot cylinder, don't know if it had to do with heat expansion on the cylinder or if they where able to make the cylinders with larger chambers with a little more elbow room."

i just got off Rugers site. Where does it show the SRH is a five shot now. I may have missed it.

[44man]

They are still 6 shot. Ruger is proud of the steel they use. Special contract guns might be 5.
But Bisley grips don't fit me. I can not get away from the trigger guard with my large knuckle so I tend to alter my hold and only a small change will ruin groups FAST. You can't move your hand at all.
Recoil does not change but feel will, does no good if you can't hit. S&W 29 is the same, you must super glue the gun to your hand or they jump 10". I have only shot ONE good group with a Bisley.
Huntington might have perfected it but I never got the chance to test it.
Wish I could convince that feel is not reflected on target.
Years and years and nobody has shown a Bisley will shoot superior groups.
The other stick in the craw is "ROLL." You never let a revolver "roll". That came from getting the hammer close to cock the next shot faster. NEVER!
Bisley was made to get off hand, one hand shooting more in line with your eye with light paper loads. Recoil was nothing back then.

[Thumbcocker]

The Ruger "Bisley" grip is actually kinda close to Elmer's #5 but not quite it. Skeeter Skelton had input on the design. The effect is more of a push into the palm than a twist. I know that .44 Man will never be on the Bisley Bandwagon but for me it works. Some of the best shooting I have ever done has been with Bisley gripframed guns. I am not in .44 Man's league as a shooter but for me it works. Like I said before go with what feels good to you.

Mt second favorite grip is a SBH with Hogue rubber grips. Ugly but effective.

[44man]

I admit the TWIST on the wrist is not pleasant from a hog leg, the .475 worse then anything EVER. But the Freedom .475 was the very worst until the rubber grips were bought. My BFR still has rise and twist severe. The .500 JRH in the BFR is not as bad.
But there is something about consistent hold with a gun.
Yet, nobody has shown what a Bisley does other then a better feel.
You know mods will not allow a challenge and after warnings I have to respect that. I will not ask.
But knowledge has no limit.
Will mods allow a test? I don't know. They keep us in line from personal junk with respect but grips are like powders or boolit against boolit. Not personal in the least, mechanics against each.
Forgive me but it is like shooting trap with a shotgun that does not fit.

[Thumbcocker]

I think a theme of this thread is that handguns are personal. One person's ultimate handgun might be a chrome plated semi auto with mother of pear grips. Someone else might love a color case hardened single action. Which is better? It is not for me to say. Same with grip frame style.


I have tried to think how a test of grip frame styles could be conducted. Have a master shooter try each type of grip on identical guns? Have the same shooter try the same gun with the same loads but swap grip frames and repeat the tests?

You would still be looking at a human factor. Maybe a fixture that would hold the guns exactly the same for each shot and then swap frames?


Those of us on this forum are here to some degree because we have opinions about what we like and what works for us in our guns. We try different boolits, loads, powders, sights, and grips to find what works for us. It is a personal thing.


I have no doubt that .44 Man could shoot rings around me with each of us shooting our favorite guns. That would only show that he is a better marksman than I am and will likely ever be. After getting my butt kicked I would still like Bisley grips on my Rugers and would still respect .44 Man and appreciate his posts and the things he has taught me on this forum.

[Mica_Hiebert]

Guess I am a little behind the times... a little more research shows ruger tried the 5 shot cylinder in 2008 for a short period and then went back to the 6 shot in the SRH sorry for the misinformation.

[paraord]

I love my 44 mag SBH. 7.5 barrel, if I manage to blow it up its pure negligence on my part. I love the simplicity of the single action. Just my opinion for what its worth.

[rhouser]

I have a 41 Mag Bisley hunter that I LOVE for hunting and is my most accurate handgun, HOWEVER, I have a 7 1/2" barrel SRH in 454 Casul with tritium night sites that I sleep with and night carry when tenting in bear country. They each have their place.

I would not use the SRH as my 60 yard target and light game gun unless I down loaded it. When I am taking a deer with the 41 Bisley Blackhawk Hunter, I do not need the double action. I do want the SRH double action and tritium sites on my nighttime bear gun.

I think the .480 Ruger is probably a great compromise delivering the massive energy while reducing the massive muzzle blast of the Casull. The question becomes do you need the double action? Do you want the built in scope mounts?

I have three blackhawks in various configuations and one SRH. I like them all.

just my 2 cents.
rch

[44man]

i have rarely shot DA except for fun. Most Da's have a better single action trigger. Most of us cock the gun anyway. That makes them all SA's anyway unless you need to blast a bear right quick. Chances are if you missed the first shot you will never need more then a lot of pepper for seasoning.
Heavy recoil with a DA over your head does not work well. There are a few that can shoot DA and even hunt that way but not me. A SRH will be cocked. DA takes more then we can do. Might be OK with a .38 but do you know where the barrel is with a large caliber? You need to toss the blue ox over your shoulder to get the gun back in line. A .500 S&W in DA to hit anything is a pipe dream. I am sure you will cock the gun.

[44man]

Once I shot a buck with the SRH and he bolted past me. I shot him again but I cocked the gun. Hit him again but the first shot took his heart. I never needed DA. The SA trigger is SWEET!

[str8wal]

The question becomes do you need the double action?

Only perhaps in an emergency, but whether DA shouldn't hamper the choice. The SRH has a fantastic SA trigger, better than any factory Ruger SA I have owned. Just because it is DA doesn't mean you must shoot it that way. DA guns are also quicker to load and unload, which can be an asset at times. I wish Ruger would outfit the RH with the SRH grip spur system. Best of both worlds.

[Mauser48]

I agree that single vs double action is pretty much irrelevant because you will be cocking the hammer anyway. Double action comes in handy when you are shooting light .38's in a 357 and you blow through them faster. A lot faster to reload. Single action is very classic. I like them both. In a 357 a double vs a single is a little bit of decision but in anything bigger single action is always 100% ok for me. Since it reloads slower it gives your hands time to recover from the heavy recoil. Of course the answer is always buy both! I started with the gp100 and just gut a blackhawk in 357. Haven't shot the blackhawk yet but really looking forward too. I would still pick the SBH over a redhawk. I would like to get a 5.5 inch stainless SBH as my next revolver.

[Lloyd Smale]

I'm the same. Make mine a bisley. Ill say too that about every inexperienced shooter ive had at the range has said the bisley is much more confortable under heavier recoil then a plow grip ruger. If you want pain, Kelly Brost the original cast performance bullet company owner had a plow grip 4 inch 500 built after he saw my 4 inch bisley 500 that John built. that thing would make you BLEED with full power loads. My gun with full power loads was more comfortable then his with 1000 fps loads.
I think a theme of this thread is that handguns are personal. One person's ultimate handgun might be a chrome plated semi auto with mother of pear grips. Someone else might love a color case hardened single action. Which is better? It is not for me to say. Same with grip frame style.


I have tried to think how a test of grip frame styles could be conducted. Have a master shooter try each type of grip on identical guns? Have the same shooter try the same gun with the same loads but swap grip frames and repeat the tests?

You would still be looking at a human factor. Maybe a fixture that would hold the guns exactly the same for each shot and then swap frames?


Those of us on this forum are here to some degree because we have opinions about what we like and what works for us in our guns. We try different boolits, loads, powders, sights, and grips to find what works for us. It is a personal thing.


I have no doubt that .44 Man could shoot rings around me with each of us shooting our favorite guns. That would only show that he is a better marksman than I am and will likely ever be. After getting my butt kicked I would still like Bisley grips on my Rugers and would still respect .44 Man and appreciate his posts and the things he has taught me on this forum.

[44man]

Comfort and accuracy are two different things. I have NEVER made a Bisley shoot except once. I could shift a hog leg depending on distance at IHMSA shoots and never miss. Any change on a Bisley was a miss. Maybe it was the massive bash to my knuckle behind the guard. A small shift from pain might be the reason. Less rise and twist but the back of the trigger guard was a nasty thing and you dare not change your grip on one. S&W 29 the same. Never, EVER placed even though the gun is super accurate. Move your hand 1/16" on a Bisley and stare at the gun like it broke. Not EVER again!

[Oklahoma Rebel]

yeah I like the super Blackhawk better. probably in .44, has anyone bought the 7.5 inch barrel and then found it too unwieldy to carry and wished you got the 5.5, I wish they made one in between. I think I will like the 7.5, I know that's the length i'll buy,just wondering if anyone has gotten tired of lugging it around. when I hunt with wine it will be my only gun,so I don't think it will be a problem,now as a backup while toting a rifle ,I can see it getting in the way. Travis

[paraord]

I love the 7.5, it's very well balanced. I'll edit this post a little later, field isn't gonna disc itself but the short of it is 7.5 works well for me and is very weildy

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got a permanently swelled knuckle and most of it was caused by square back dragon ruger super blackhawks. I don't care to shoot another one ever again. To me that is the worse grip frame for a mag single action.
yeah I like the super Blackhawk better. probably in .44, has anyone bought the 7.5 inch barrel and then found it too unwieldy to carry and wished you got the 5.5, I wish they made one in between. I think I will like the 7.5, I know that's the length i'll buy,just wondering if anyone has gotten tired of lugging it around. when I hunt with wine it will be my only gun,so I don't think it will be a problem,now as a backup while toting a rifle ,I can see it getting in the way. Travis

[Mauser48]

I like the 5.5 inch better because it has a rounded trigger guard.

[historicfirearms]

I am with Lloyd. That square trigger guard hurts and I think it looks funny too. I they are the 7.5 inch with the round guard.

[paraord]

I have a square trigger guard but I threw a set of pachmeyer grips on and they close up that square. After 50 rounds with the square I was happy to have the pachs to put on.

NOW, you could just as easily put a rounded or squared trigger guard/handle on anything if you wanted to. Would probably cost a hundred and a half to two hundred but don't write off those squares. Easier to talk someone out of one because they rapped their knuckles and get a 30 dollar set of grips. I got mine for 250 bucks believe it or not. I really think the squared grip will fall into your lap pretty cheap.
http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160306_112720_zpsrzgphxlx.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160306_112720_zpsrzgphxlx.jpg.html)

[Thumbcocker]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/album.php?albumid=1146&attachmentid=139983

My favorite handgun. Has taken a hog, several deer, 2 coyotes and charging Utah rocks.

[wl620]

I own both one of the early SRH 480's and the new bisley 480, for me the SRH is more comfortable to shoot i put the hogue tamers on it but it wasnt bad with the original rubber with wood panel grips just seems like i can put more rounds downrange with the SRH plus its a really tight well made revolver that shoots well. The 5 shot SBH on the other hand I bought to have a 480 that was more portable but i cannot get it to shoot very well as a matter of fact im sending it back to them tomorrow on thier dime hopefully they'll fix it.

I also have a 44 SBH 7.5 blued version and that one will never leave my posession because it shoots really good and mainly because my grandad gave it to me along with an old lyman single cavity 429421 and said " You hang onto these and take good care of them and you'll always have a good gun and somethin to shoot in it"I've still got them both and thats been almost 20 years ago no complaints from me.

When Im just working around the place here I carry my 5.5 45 blackhawk usually with the colt cylinder in it but sometimes with the acp cylinder when im runnin low on 45 colt shells. I put a bisley frame on this revolver on account i shoot it better than the short one that leaves my little finger hangin free off out in outer space, I really do not like that regular blackhawk grip either one of the other 2 Im fine with.

I guess as has been said already its gonna be a purely personal choice and you may have to go through a few of them to get the one you want that fits you.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

wl620, your 7.5 SBH 44mag, does it have the standard or bisley grips?

[Tom W.]

I had a SRH in.480 and .44 mag. Loved them both. I had a .44 SBH with the fluted cylinder and rounded trigger guard and liked it a lot, but sold it for the .44 SRH. The recoil is different with the DA, much easier on my old wrists. Accuracy was great with all three, but now I only have the .44 SRH. Planning on a new RH soon, the .45 Colt /.45 acp model. Probably will never shoot them in DA, don't remember if I ever have....

[Lloyd Smale]

yup but ugly too in my opinion.
I am with Lloyd. That square trigger guard hurts and I think it looks funny too. I they are the 7.5 inch with the round guard.

[Lloyd Smale]

ya I go kind of the same way with redhawks the old style redhawk was painfull for me to shoot with that crappy grip frame but the super redhawk might be ugly but its a pussycat to shoot even in 454 or 480.
I had a SRH in.480 and .44 mag. Loved them both. I had a .44 SBH with the fluted cylinder and rounded trigger guard and liked it a lot, but sold it for the .44 SRH. The recoil is different with the DA, much easier on my old wrists. Accuracy was great with all three, but now I only have the .44 SRH. Planning on a new RH soon, the .45 Colt /.45 acp model. Probably will never shoot them in DA, don't remember if I ever have....

[singleshot]

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..

I guess somebody forgot to tell me...I have a SBH with 7.5" barrel. Most accurate revolver I've ever shot.

[singleshot]

The only "downside" to 7.5" barrel I have found is the heavy boolits shoot much higher than in a 4 5/8".

[Oklahoma Rebel]

4 5/8ths? I thought the next size down was 5.5 inches. but I want the longer barrel for the longer sight radius and better long distance accuracy.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

what do you guys think about noe's 265ish grain keith style boolit as an all pupose hunting,target round. could get a hollow point mold with flat tip pins also to have both hp and fp

[LUCKYDAWG13]

what do you guys think about noe's 265ish grain keith style boolit as an all pupose hunting,target round. could get a hollow point mold with flat tip pins also to have both hp and fp
168653 I like a 265 grain boolit but i had mine made by accuratemolds only took about 2 weeks to get it

[44man]

Hunting OK, Why the shoulder and one GG?
I wait for results.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I did not design it but it shoots good in my SBH but i do need to try it in my scoped Contender out to a 100 yards
just to see how it will group

[44man]

Better in the tender since no forcing cone. Should do very well.
My aversion is the shoulder trying to pull the cylinder when the ogive of an LBT style is better.

[singleshot]

4 5/8ths? I thought the next size down was 5.5 inches. but I want the longer barrel for the longer sight radius and better long distance accuracy.
You are correct but I've only shot the two I mentioned side-by-side. I suspect this is the reason Elmer Keith preferred the shorter barrel...POI.

[wl620]

O.K. my SBH 7.5" 44 has the regular steel square back trigger guard grip frame I like it ok but dont hot rod it much on account it will wack the **** outta my middle finger so a cylinder full or so is about all I want at one time. A 250-265 gr. at 1050-1100 fps is manageable and thats usually what it gets.
A few years back I had to shoot a black angus cow that was septic, I used this pistol loaded with that 300 gr. lee boolit cast straight clip on WW and water dropped if i remember right i was using 9 or 10 grs. unique maybe power pistol, she was facing me kinda quartering I hit her about 2" above eye level center of forehead she fell in her tracks the boolit didnt come out so before I drug her off i got curious and opened her up i found that boolit lodged in her hip bone. Thats about 4 &1/2 feet of cow that boolit went through and it wasnt going all that fast when it hit her she was maybe 15 yards from me when i shot her.
I dont post many opinions but While it is nice to have it you dont need a whole lot of velocity with those big boolits find a load thats manageable and shoots good for you with a 250 gr or heavier boolit put'em where they'll do some good and you'll have meat.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

when I said they didn't have the 7.5 barrel I meant in the SBH .480, it is 6.5,my mistake

[Shawn2571]

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
I own a super Redhawk in .44 mag. Years ago I did own a regular Blackhawk in .357 mag and I like them both single and double action, although I wish my SRH had a 7 1/2" barrel instead of 9 1/2" sometimes. The biggest advantage of the double action is racking out 6 shots in a hurry when a grizzly bear is running at you, and reloading speed. The way I feel about it is you really can't go wrong buying a Ruger Revolver. I don't care much for their rifles, but they got the revolvers right.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

well I finally got it, the ruger super Blackhawk bisley hunter with the 7-1/2" barrel. definitely made the right choice. thanks a lot guys!

[6bg6ga]

My experience with 44 mags... I owned both a super black hawk and a super red Hawk. The Super red hawk was more pleasing to shoot.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

unlike most people, I actually find the redhawk/SRH to be a good looking gun ( but I also think postal jeeps are cool, lol) but I much prefer a single action, I have the 38spl S&W, and a literally never shoot it double action, just a habit to cock before I shoot. once you get used to doing that, I don't think you give up much speed. some yes, but not alot

[murf205]

Are you going to put a scope on it? Lay some pics on us, brother.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

if you look in the favorite loads forum, under the 265 keith w/ w296 thread, I put a picture up there, along with the 432-277 keith mold. as far as scopes go, I think I will leave it as is for now, but I haven't ruled it out for in the future, if I did it would either be a 2X burris, or a red dot of some kind with a 2 moa dot. has anyone ever put a small shotgun bead on the top of the front sight? I was thinking that it might help a bit, instead of trying to line up the center of the kind of wide front sight?

[murf205]

I have not tried the bead trick but if it gives a sight picture like the JM 625 S&W guns it would be a nice addition. If you are fortunate enough to have a lot of birthdays, you will put a scope on it. Trust me on that one.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

oh, I know I will need one eventually, I am already maxed out on the strength of contacts! I would love to get lasik, and not have to worry anymore! do you have a picture of that gun and or the sight you are talking about, murf?

[Three44s]

To the OP:

If your new revolver has the same front sight system as the RH/SRH’s do, Ruger makes or made a front bead for them.

I had a 9.5” SRH in 44 Mag wearing a One Ragged Hole rear peep (their smallest appeture) and a Ruger front bead that I painted black with a black laundry pen. Worked real nice!

I traded it to get my 480 SRH 7.5” and would put the same arraingment on it in a heartbeat.

The ORH peep sight maker went away but a while back there was a member over at the Ruger dot com web site that was making them for ten bucks (then anyway). This sight replaces the thin blade in your factory rear sight.

Best regards

Three44s

[Oklahoma Rebel]

thanks, I am using a green marbles front sight, and its working pretty good! I wouldn't mind trying out this one ragged hole sight I keep hearing about... also, compared to a medium- heavy 44 load, how much harder does the 480 ruger kick, with 350 or so grain cast boolits?

[murf205]

oh, I know I will need one eventually, I am already maxed out on the strength of contacts! I would love to get lasik, and not have to worry anymore! do you have a picture of that gun and or the sight you are talking about, murf?

Go to Gunbroker.com or the S&W factory site and you will see the 625 Jerry Miculeck (spelling) revolver and a pic of the front sight with the gold bead. I have not shot one but have looked down the sights on one and I like the sight Picture. YMMV Here is the fiber optic sight on my 629.

[Tom W.]

I shot 400 gr. cast when I had my .480. I didn't think the recoil was any worse than the .44 with stout loads of 2400.. I put a LOT of those one ounce boolits down range, and depleted my ingot stash too fast.....

[Oklahoma Rebel]

that's why I catch almost all my boolits, I have a 6'x 2'6" or so piece of steel leaned at a 45 degree angle, and most of the boolits end up in the dirt at the bottom of the steel. since I got the green marbles sight, I have been shooting so much better! still need some practice, but I am good enough for pigs/deer within 50 yards, but hope to increase that to a max of 75 yards or so, maybe 100. right now hitting dog food cans at 20 yards is pretty regular, so I figured double that size for 50 yards and that's still small enough to hit the heart/lung area of a pig or deer. of course I have plenty of time to practice for the deer!

[44MAG#1]

that's why I catch almost all my boolits, I have a 6'x 2'6" or so piece of steel leaned at a 45 degree angle, and most of the boolits end up in the dirt at the bottom of the steel. since I got the green marbles sight, I have been shooting so much better! still need some practice, but I am good enough for pigs/deer within 50 yards, but hope to increase that to a max of 75 yards or so, maybe 100. right now hitting dog food cans at 20 yards is pretty regular, so I figured double that size for 50 yards and that's still small enough to hit the heart/lung area of a pig or deer. of course I have plenty of time to practice for the deer!

What would you say has caused the biggest improvement in your shooting?
Shooting offhand now?

[str8wal]

thanks, I am using a green marbles front sight, and its working pretty good! I wouldn't mind trying out this one ragged hole sight I keep hearing about...

I have the Marble's green FO front sight and the One Ragged Hole rear peep and my only complaint is that I wish the front sight was a little smaller in diameter. It covers a lot of the target at longer distances, but I do shoot great groups with the system. Give it a try, the rear sight only costs $10

[Oklahoma Rebel]

well, id did realize how big a difference in sight settings there was from bench to standing, the sight helped a lot, but I think what helped the most, is, I got an adjustable hand workout deal from walmart, it has adjustable spring tension, and you just squeeze it, I was amazed after just 2-3 days of using it, how much steadier I was, so I keep using it every day. it was less than 10 dollars, and I would recommend it to any handgun shooter!

[Oklahoma Rebel]

and yes, when I was talking about shooting the cans, I was shooting offhand, in fact, I only shot of the bench the first time I shot it.