The Ruger Super Redhawk is a double-action/single-action revolver engineered for extreme power, precision, and endurance. Built from solid stainless steel, it’s available in calibers ranging from .44 Magnum to .480 Ruger, .454 Casull, and even .22 Hornet.
Its robust frame, triple-locking cylinder, and cold hammer-forged barrel give it legendary strength and accuracy. Equipped with Hogue Tamer grips, adjustable sights, and integral scope mounts, the Super Redhawk stands as one of the most durable and capable hunting revolvers ever made.
With models ranging from the compact Alaskan 2.5-inch to the long-barreled 9.5-inch variants, it’s designed for everyone from backcountry hunters to serious revolver enthusiasts.
What makes the Ruger Super Redhawk stand out?
The Ruger Super Redhawk is a revolver that doesn’t pretend to be subtle. Introduced in 1987, it was Ruger’s answer to the growing demand for high-powered handguns capable of handling the most punishing magnum cartridges.
Designed for strength first, it merged the rugged frame of the GP100 with an extended top strap and reinforced barrel support to create a revolver that could easily digest .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger rounds.
About Ruger
Sturm, Ruger & Co. has long been synonymous with durability and value in American firearms. Since 1949, Ruger has built a reputation for over-engineering—making guns that last generations. The Super Redhawk is a perfect example of that legacy: a revolver built to thrive in environments and loads that would destroy lesser designs.
Purpose and market
The Ruger Super Redhawk isn’t meant for concealed carry or casual range plinking. It’s a specialist’s revolver—built for handgun hunting, backcountry defense, and enthusiasts who demand both precision and power. Its size and construction make it an ideal sidearm for bear country or a primary hunting handgun for big game.
What are the Ruger Super Redhawk’s specifications?
Technical Specifications
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Calibers: .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, 10mm Auto, .22 Hornet
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Action: Double-action/single-action revolver
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Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds (.44–.480), 8 rounds (.22 Hornet)
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Barrel lengths: 2.5" (Alaskan), 7.5", and 9.5"
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Overall length: 13–15 inches depending on barrel length
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Weight:
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~42 oz (Alaskan 2.5”)
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~58 oz (9.5” .44 Magnum)
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Frame & Finish: Stainless steel, satin brushed finish
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Sights: Replaceable ramp front sight, adjustable rear sight
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Safety System: Transfer bar mechanism preventing accidental discharge
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Grip: Hogue Tamer Monogrip with recoil-absorbing cushion
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Mounts: Integral scope mounts with included rings
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Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., USA
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Year introduced: 1987 (still in production as of 2025)
Distinctive Engineering
The Super Redhawk’s triple-locking cylinder system secures the cylinder at the front, rear, and bottom—significantly improving alignment and strength.
Combined with the extended frame and solid stainless construction, it handles the heaviest loads with ease while maintaining tight tolerances and long-term accuracy.
How does the Ruger Super Redhawk perform in design and build quality?
Materials and frame construction
The Super Redhawk is milled entirely from stainless steel, with reinforced areas at high-stress points like the top strap and barrel shank.
The cold hammer-forged barrel ensures consistency in rifling and longevity. Its satin finish resists corrosion, making it ideal for wet, cold, or dusty environments.
Ergonomics and grip design
The Hogue Tamer Monogrip absorbs shock from heavy magnum loads. Inside the grip, a recoil-reducing insert dampens vibration against the shooter’s palm, making even .454 Casull manageable.
Though large, the grip contour promotes a firm, consistent hold, and the long sight radius aids in precision aiming.
Controls and usability
The revolver operates in both double- and single-action modes. The hammer and trigger are oversized and checkered for confident operation even with gloves.
The cylinder release button is located in Ruger’s standard left-side position and is large enough for gloved use.
Accessory compatibility
Unlike most revolvers, the Super Redhawk features integral scope mounts machined directly into the frame, eliminating the need for drilling or clamping.
It’s compatible with optics for long-range shooting and hunting applications, and some aftermarket grips and fiber-optic sights are available for customization.
What are the Ruger Super Redhawk variants and model differences?
Standard Super Redhawk (.44 Magnum / .454 Casull / .480 Ruger)
These full-size models feature 7.5” or 9.5” barrels and are designed for hunting and long-range precision. The 9.5” version provides maximum velocity and minimal muzzle rise.
Super Redhawk Alaskan
With a 2.5-inch barrel, this compact powerhouse was built for self-defense in bear country. Chambered in .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger, it sacrifices velocity for portability and immediate stopping power.
Super Redhawk .22 Hornet (2024)
Introduced in 2024, this unique variant offers an 8-shot cylinder and 9.5” barrel. It’s designed for varmint and small-game hunting, giving shooters long-range accuracy in a rimmed rifle cartridge platform.
Collector and distributor editions
Special runs have featured polished stainless finishes, engraved frames, and limited-caliber configurations. These editions hold collector interest due to Ruger’s tight production control and consistent quality.
Comparable revolvers
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Smith & Wesson Model 629: Lighter and smoother trigger, but less robust.
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Taurus Raging Hunter: Similar price point, but not as refined or durable.
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Dan Wesson 445 SuperMag: Excellent precision, though less common and heavier.
The Super Redhawk bridges these options—combining strength, accuracy, and refinement in a package built for hard use.
How accurate and powerful is the Ruger Super Redhawk?
Accuracy
The Super Redhawk is a remarkably accurate revolver. Shooters regularly achieve 2–3 inch groups at 50 yards, and many hunters report ethical shots on game out to 100 yards with scoped models. The 9.5-inch barrel variant, in particular, offers a long sight radius and minimal muzzle rise.
Recoil management
Recoil depends heavily on caliber, but across all configurations, the gun’s weight and grip design mitigate punishment effectively. The Hogue grip’s recoil cushion and Ruger’s solid frame structure distribute force evenly.
Reliability
Like most Ruger revolvers, reliability is virtually absolute. The triple-locking system prevents cylinder play, and the transfer bar mechanism guarantees drop safety.
Trigger performance
The single-action break is crisp at around 4 lbs, while double-action averages 10–11 lbs with smooth, predictable travel. Many shooters find it more controllable than Smith & Wesson’s heavier magnums.
What ammunition performs best in the Ruger Super Redhawk?
Ideal loads
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.44 Magnum: 240–300 grain bullets for hunting and defense
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.454 Casull: 260–325 grain loads for large game or bear defense
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.480 Ruger: 325–400 grain projectiles for deep penetration
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.22 Hornet: 35–45 grain varmint rounds for precision shooting
Best performance loads
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Federal Premium 300-grain Swift A-Frame (.44 Magnum)
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Buffalo Bore 360-grain Heavy (.454 Casull)
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Hornady XTP 325-grain (.480 Ruger)
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Winchester Varmint 40-grain (.22 Hornet)
+P or hot loads
The Super Redhawk is overbuilt for strength—it safely handles heavy hunting loads and handloads that would challenge other revolvers.
Ruger’s proprietary metallurgy and engineering give it a clear edge in endurance testing.
How practical is the Ruger Super Redhawk for various use cases?
Concealed or self-defense use
At over 40 ounces and 13+ inches long, this revolver is not designed for concealed carry. However, the Super Redhawk Alaskan variant provides a compact, powerful option for wilderness defense where large predators are a concern.
Home defense suitability
While overpowered for typical home defense scenarios, the Super Redhawk’s reliability and intimidation factor make it a capable emergency sidearm—especially in rural or ranch settings where dangerous animals are possible threats.
Hunting and field applications
This is where the Ruger Super Redhawk shines. The .44 Magnum and .454 Casull models are capable of taking deer, elk, and even bear-sized game, while the .480 Ruger version delivers deep-penetrating energy for large North American wildlife. The 9.5-inch barrel models offer rifle-like precision for handgun hunters.
Target shooting and recreation
Though heavy, the revolver’s balance and accuracy make it enjoyable for experienced shooters. It’s not a casual plinker, but a rewarding firearm for those who appreciate mastering recoil control and long-range revolver shooting.
Professional or recreational tool?
The Ruger Super Redhawk is both—a professional-grade hunting revolver that’s also a favorite among recreational shooters who value mechanical excellence and raw power.
What are the best Ruger Super Redhawk holsters?
A Ruger Super Redhawk holster must offer excellent support, retention, and accessibility given the revolver’s substantial weight and dimensions.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
A Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Ruger Super Redhawk holster provides deep concealment for shorter variants like the Alaskan. It offers adjustable cant and ride height to balance concealment with accessibility.
Chest Holster
A chest-mounted Ruger Super Redhawk holster is excellent for hunting or backcountry defense, keeping the revolver accessible while freeing the waist for gear.
What are the Ruger Super Redhawk’s pros and cons?
Pros
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Exceptional strength and durability
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Handles heavy hunting loads safely
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Superb accuracy and sight radius
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Recoil-taming grip and solid ergonomics
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Integral scope mounts for optics
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Excellent reliability and craftsmanship
Cons
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Heavy and large for carry or casual shooting
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DA trigger heavier than ideal
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Premium price compared to smaller revolvers
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Limited practicality for urban defense
What’s the final verdict on the Ruger Super Redhawk?
The Ruger Super Redhawk isn’t just a revolver—it’s a mechanical powerhouse. It represents everything Ruger does best: strength, precision, and reliability under punishing conditions.
Whether chambered in .44 Magnum for hunting or .454 Casull for backcountry defense, it’s one of the few handguns truly capable of taking large game and surviving a lifetime of use.
Hunters and outdoorsmen will find no better companion in bear country, while revolver enthusiasts will appreciate its engineering and shootability. Though heavy and unapologetically purpose-built, it’s a firearm that commands respect every time it roars.