The Ruger Redhawk .44 Rem Mag 5.5″ Satin Stainless 6-Round is a brute of a revolver built for the shooter who demands absolute reliability from a heavy-hitting wheelgun. This isn’t a safe queen—it’s a field-ready companion that handles the hottest .44 Magnum loads without flinching, yet still digests mild .44 Specials for plinking or practice. If you’ve ever shouldered a Redhawk at a gun show or on the range, you know the feeling: solid, dense, and utterly dependable.
| Manufacturer | Ruger |
|---|---|
| Model | Redhawk |
| Material | Stainless Steel (satin finish) |
| Compatibility | .44 Rem Mag / .44 Special |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
| Weight | Approx. 47 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Triple-Locking Cylinder – Locks the cylinder at the front, rear, and crane for absolute alignment under recoil. Why it matters: no cylinder play means consistent shot placement even with full-house .44 Mag loads.
- Cold Hammer-Forged Sleeve & Shroud Barrel – Ruger forges the barrel sleeve and shroud as one unit for superior strength and accuracy. Why it matters: this construction reduces barrel whip and keeps your point of impact shift to a minimum during rapid fire.
- Dual-Chambering for .44 Special – The cylinder accepts both .44 Rem Mag and .44 Special. Why it matters: you can practice with cheaper, lower-recoil .44 Specials and carry full-power .44 Magnums for defense or hunting.
- Hardwood Grips with Adjsutable Rear Sight – Traditional checkered hardwood panels and a fully adjustable rear blade. Why it matters: the grips soak up recoil and the rear sight lets you dial in elevation and windage for any load.
- 6-Round Capacity – One extra round over most large-frame .44s. Why it matters: more shots before reloading in the field or on the range.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the serious handgun hunter, the backcountry adventurer who needs a bear-stopper, and the collector who appreciates the legendary Redhawk lineage. It’s also a perfect fit for the reloader who wants to experiment with heavy cast bullets or hot .44 Special loads. If you spend weekends at gun shows or dialing in groups at 50 yards, this Redhawk belongs in your rig.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Overbuilt frame, triple-lock cylinder, dual-chambering, adjustable rear sight, satin stainless finish resists corrosion.
- Cons: The weight (47 oz) can be a handful for all-day carry; the DA trigger pull is heavier than a Smith & Wesson 629 out of the box (but smoother after a few hundred rounds).
Comparison: Ruger Redhawk vs. Smith & Wesson Model 629 vs. Colt Anaconda
| Feature | Ruger Redhawk (This Model) | Smith & Wesson 629 | Colt Anaconda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Cylinder Lockup | Triple-lock | Ball-detent lock | Conventional lock |
| Barrel Length | 5.5″ | 6″ (common) | 6″ (common) |
| Weight (approx) | 47 oz | 43 oz | 51 oz |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Price (MSRP) | $1121.65 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,500 |
| Best For | Durability & value | Light carry & trigger feel | Collectors & nostalgia |
FAQ
Can this revolver shoot .44 Special ammo?
Yes. The Ruger Redhawk is dual-chambered to accept both .44 Rem Mag and .44 Special cartridges. The .44 Special rounds will headspace on the rim and shoot accurately. This is a great way to practice with lighter recoil.
What is the barrel twist rate?
Per Ruger’s specs, the 5.5″ barrel uses a 1:20″ twist rate, optimized for heavy .44 Magnum bullets (240–300 grains).
Is this revolver safe for hot handloads?
Absolutely. The Redhawk’s triple-locking cylinder and forged barrel shroud are built to handle the highest pressure .44 Magnum loads. Always follow safe reloading practices, but this gun is over-engineered for durability.
Does it come with a case or manual?
Yes, the Ruger Redhawk ships in a hard plastic case with a cable lock, owner’s manual, and warranty information.
Why Buy From Us
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Browse more in our Revolvers collection, or check out .44 Magnum Handguns and Ruger Firearms.
Last updated: April 2026. According to industry data, Ruger holds over 25% of the U.S. revolver market, and the Redhawk remains their best-selling large-frame model.




Reviews
There are no reviews yet.