When I found myself in a position that I was selling my firearms to make ends meet some years ago, a friend said, “Look at them as an investment and now you’re getting your return.” A fair assessment. Oddly, I found that the one I missed the most was the handgun that I shot the least. I liked it due to its massive and sturdily built body, its accuracy, and its power. I’d bought it back in the 80s: Ruger’s Redhawk .44 Magnum. When I was in a position to replace that revolver, I opted for stainless steel over the previous blued finish.
To say that I was grinning like a six-year old at Christmas when I took it to the range for the first time would be a gross understatement. That said, the revolver reminded me of its massive power with the recoil from the first shot.
I remembered that shooting this particular piece with a casual grip is not an option.
The revolver’s accuracy is more than acceptable, as shown in this 3 shot group which I fired from the bench at 25 yards using Magtech ammo.
The accuracy is consistent, regardless of ammunition. On the target below, the top 3 rounds were fired at the center diamond (mostly obscured by the ammo box) to get a feel for how the sights were initially aligned. It measures 2 inches, center to center, and was fired using the American Eagle ammo.
The bottom group, while it looks as though it comprises 4 shots, is actually composed of 5. It was fired at the diamond just below it (obscured by the cartridge and cartridge box) with the PMC ammo. It measures 1.25 inches, center to center. Both were fired from the bench at 25 yards and the bullet weight for all of the ammo was 240 grains.
As gorgeous as the revolver’s Rosewood grips are, I was cruising the Web and happened on this site. I just couldn’t resist…
During the cruise I also came across some good information from the late John Taffin, writer for American Handgunner.
So, I have welcomed Ruger’s Finest back into the fold and I’m anticipating many more fulfilling shooting outings. Well, OK… maybe with a little, just a tad, just a skosh, of apprehension. After all, the event of touching off a hand-cannon can’t be taken lightly.
Many thanks to the Scottsdale Gun Club whose sales and gunsmith made it all possible.
—
Dempsey 🌵
Chalk Dust 