S & W or Ruger??

Teknys · Member Joined: Oct 23, 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Idaho

I've got this wild hair.... I'm looking into the Ruger Super Redhawk in a 454 Casul or the S & W 460 XVR. I've owned the Super Redhawk in a 44 mag before and sold it to a friend, so I'm familiar with that gun but not the other. Any comments would be appreciated.

Bill

PaulS · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:32 pm Post subject: Re: S & W or Ruger??

Bill,
I am all for the ruger. Even the 454 won't hurt it and they just seem to get better with age.

robfromaz1977 · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: S & W or Ruger??

I would also buy the Ruger. I have heard alot of negative reports on the big Smith such as a short service life.

Teknys · Member Joined: Oct 23, 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Idaho

I've been searching online and finding "Out of Stock" every where I've looked. I'm not done yet! I'll check in town with a shop that I've had order guns before.

Handloader · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 11:42 pm Post subject: Re: S & W or Ruger??

Yeah, Ruger for sure.

Here is an interesting read on Ruger SAs that may be of interest regarding strength and the 45 Colt. Go to John Linebaugh's website, scroll to "Readings" and find the 45 Colt article.

I have 454 in FA 83 and 45 Colt in Ruger BH, SS, 7.5". After some tweaking on the BH specific to chamber throats, an action job, etc., I am amazed at how awesome a performer it has been. Anyway, please read the Linebaugh article and draw your own conclusions, however, if handloaded carefully the BH may satisfy any Big Bore needs you have.

Teknys · Member Joined: Oct 23, 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Idaho

Thanks for the advice to check out that website. I started reading and realize I have to get to work. I'll continue this eve.
Thanks again.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 4:43 am Post subject: Re: S & W or Ruger??

Unless you are determined to have a double-action, I think that I too would look at the Ruger SA in .45 Colt. I'm not usually one to advocate beefing up loads in excess of their intended range, but with the .45 in the Ruger it is a safe and logical option. Just make sure that you follow published data for the hotter loads and I'm pretty sure that anything hit with one of those loads won't be able to tell the difference between it and a .454!

As Handloader pointed out, you may have to have a good gunsmith open the chamber throats a mite if they are a little tight to get best accuracy, but it shouldn't cost very much and is certainly worth the cost in terms of increased accuracy (especially if using cast bullets).

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:24 am Post subject: Re: S & W or Ruger??

I can tell you that the Blackhawk Bisley grip is more comfortable to shoot than the DA grips, especially with the heavier loads.