Ruger Redhawk .44 Rem Mag 5.5″ Satin Stainless 6-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Unfluted cylinder & triple-lockup provide superior durability for full-power .44 Mag — handles pressures that erode forcing cones on competitors.
- 49 oz weight (1389g) dampens felt recoil by roughly 25% compared to a 36 oz N-frame Smith & Wesson 629 with equivalent loads.
- Cold hammer-forged 5.5" barrel ensures consistent 1:20" RH twist for 240-300 grain projectiles — sub-2.5" groups at 25 yards are repeatable with quality ammo.
- Machined solid stainless frame (no investment casting on this model) allows for straightforward detail stripping with basic pin punches.
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only trigger with no spur eliminates single-action precision mode — a deal-breaker for traditional revolver purists.
- Hardwood grips are slick under recoil with sweaty hands — a $45 Hogue Monogrip is a near-mandatory upgrade for control.
- No factory optics mounting solution — direct milling for a baseplate requires destroying the rear sight assembly and costs $400+.
- Satin stainless finish shows handling marks and holster wear quickly — not a "safe queen" finish.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger Redhawk .44 Rem Mag 5.5″ Satin Stainless 6-Round is a purpose-built, no-frills revolver engineered from the ground up for high-pressure .44 Magnum loads. Ruger's engineering philosophy here prioritizes massive structural rigidity over flashy features, employing a triple-locking cylinder and a frame machined from a solid stainless-steel forging. This 49-ounce handgun is designed to be serviced with basic tools in the field, reflecting a design lineage that predates the company's widespread use of MIM parts in later models.
What is the Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum used for?
The Redhawk is primarily a field or woods carry revolver for handgun hunters and backcountry professionals requiring authoritative terminal ballistics without the complexity of a semi-auto. Its core application is delivering the full energy potential of 240-grain .44 Magnum factory loads or equivalently stout handloads with mechanical indifference, making it a tool for dealing with large, dangerous game at ranges under 50 yards. While capable on a range, the 5.5-inch barrel and double-action-only trigger profile are optimized for deliberate, supported shots rather than rapid defensive fire, and its significant weight dampens recoil more effectively than a lighter bolt-action rifle chambered for similar energy.
How does the Ruger Redhawk compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 629?
The Redhawk trades ergonomic finesse for superior long-term durability under a sustained diet of full-power loads. The key mechanical difference is the Ruger's monolithic, non-fluted cylinder and frame geometry, which provides more metal around the critical chamber throats and forcing cone compared to the more elegantly fluted S&W cylinder; this makes the Redhawk approximately 7 ounces heavier but demonstrably more resistant to forcing cone erosion and timing issues after thousands of proof-level rounds. The S&W often has a better out-of-the-box double-action trigger, but the Redhawk's design allows for easier user-level spring kit installations to close that gap.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded mass is 49 ounces (2,789 grams), with an overall length of 11 inches and a cylinder width of 1.73 inches. This weight, concentrated in the stout 5.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and unfluted cylinder, is a direct contributor to the firearm's primary strength: mitigating the punishing 1,400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy from a full-power .44 Magnum load down to a manageable, though still substantial, felt recoil impulse. The dimensions dictate a specific holster solution; this is not a concealed carry piece, but a purpose-built field gun requiring a sturdy, open-top hip or chest rig.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a practical choice for urban concealed carry, new shooters seeking a light-recoiling plinking pistol, or anyone prioritizing a refined double-action trigger pull. The sheer bulk, weight, and powerful cartridge make daily concealed carry prohibitive, and the double-action-only configuration without a spur eliminates traditional single-action cocking for precision work. For a first-time handgun owner or someone focused on multi-discipline clay shooting, a Stevens 555 over-under shotgun offers a far more versatile and forgiving introduction to firearms handling.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a basic owner's manual, a Ruger security lock, and a single empty cardboard cartridge box as a chamber flag. Ruger does not include a cleaning kit, spare grips, or a soft case with this model—expect to budget an additional $75-$150 for a proper fitted hard case, a .44 caliber cleaning rod, and a bore guide to protect the crown. The factory hardwood grips are serviceable but many users immediately swap them for aftermarket rubberized models from Hogue or Pachmayr to further improve control.
Is the Ruger Redhawk worth it at $1,121.99?
At this price point, you are paying for overbuilt mechanical integrity that will outlast most shooters, not for fine finishing or custom features. The value proposition is absolute: you are acquiring a nearly indestructible platform for the most powerful commonly available revolver cartridge, with a design proven over four decades of hard use. If your requirement is a .44 Magnum that will digest a lifetime of heavy handloads without complaining, this is arguably the most cost-effective tool for that singular job. If you want a more refined, versatile revolver for occasional magnum use, a used Smith & Wesson 629 may offer better value.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676050437 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 5043 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 S&W Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 14.9500 |
| model | Redhawk |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 10.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 5.0 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Redhawk's chambers are dual-cut to safely and reliably fire standard .44 Special factory loads. This provides a low-recoil training option, though you must clean the chambers thoroughly before switching back to .44 Magnum to prevent carbon ring extraction issues. Expect a point of impact shift of approximately 3-4 inches at 25 yards when switching between the two cartridges due to the different bullet seating depth.
- Does this work with a common .44 Magnum suppressor?
- No, the Redhawk is not suppressor-ready. The barrel lacks threading (standard thread pitch for .44 cal is 0.578×28), and the cylinder gap will vent significant gas, making effective suppression impossible without permanent, gunsmith-level modification. For a suppressed large-bore handgun, you must seek a factory-threaded model like the Smith & Wesson 629 Performance Center or consider a <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black">.308 bolt-action rifle</a> as a quieter alternative.
- Does it fit in a standard size pistol safe?
- It requires a large handgun safe or a dedicated long-gun safe compartment. With an 11-inch overall length and a cylinder width of 1.73 inches, it will not fit in typical bedside pistol safes designed for compact semi-autos. Plan for a safe interior dimension of at least 13 inches in length; models from Fort Knox or Vaultek with a 15-inch interior are a safe bet.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, processing is 1-3 business days and transit via UPS Ground is 3-7 business days, depending on your FFL's location relative to our warehouse. All shipments require a copy of your chosen FFL's current license on file before the order releases. You will receive tracking information via email once the package is scanned by the carrier.
- Can I replace the factory sights?
- The ramp front sight is integral to the barrel shroud and not easily user-replaceable. The adjustable rear sight is a standard Ruger pattern and can be swapped for aftermarket models from Williams, Bowen, or others specializing in Ruger revolvers. Any modification to the front sight requires a skilled gunsmith with a mill to cut a new dovetail, adding $150-$300 to your total cost.