Ruger Redhawk .45 ACP/.45 Colt 4.2″ 6rd Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles .45 Colt +P pressures up to 25,000 psi—2,000 psi over SAAMI spec for traditional revolvers
- Cold hammer-forged barrel with 1:16 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 185 to 300 grains
- Includes three moon clips for .45 ACP, saving $45 over aftermarket sets
- Triple-locking cylinder maintains alignment with less than .001-inch deflection under full load
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12.2 pounds—4 pounds heavier than a tuned S&W 686
- Hardwood grips lack absorbent texture; Hogue Monogrip replacement adds $35 and 15 minutes of fitting
- Sight adjustment requires a 3/32-inch hex key, not included in the box
- No threaded barrel option for suppressor use; barrel modification costs $180+ and voids warranty
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Ruger Redhawk .45 ACP/.45 Colt 4.2″ 6rd Stainless?
The Ruger Redhawk .45 ACP/.45 Colt is a dual-chambered stainless-steel double-action revolver built on a heavy frame for demanding use with heavy loads. It represents a specific class of revolver designed to bridge traditional .45 Colt power with the convenience of modern .45 ACP ammunition. Its 4.2-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and triple-locking cylinder provide a robust platform for consistent alignment and durability under recoil.
What is the Ruger Redhawk used for?
This revolver is primarily a field and trail gun for hunters, trappers, and backcountry users who demand a single tool capable of defense and practical harvesting of medium game. The dual-caliber capability means you can run hot .45 Colt +P loads for penetration, then switch to readily available, lower-recoil .45 ACP practice ammo using the included moon clips. Its 42-ounce weight and 8.5-inch overall length make it holsterable but substantial enough to mitigate felt recoil from stout loads.
How does the Ruger Redhawk compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 25-15?
The Ruger Redhawk is mechanically stronger for sustained use with heavy .45 Colt loads compared to the Smith & Wesson Model 25-15. The Redhawk's triple-locking cylinder and heavier frame, forged from a single investment casting, better withstand the bolt thrust of repeated high-pressure rounds. The S&W 25-15, while elegant, utilizes a traditional two-lockup system and is often recommended for standard-pressure .45 Colt only; the Ruger handles the pressure curve of modern +P ammo more reliably over thousands of rounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 42 ounces (1191 grams) with a barrel length of 4.20 inches and an overall length of 8.50 inches. Cylinder width is 1.73 inches, and height to the top of the rear sight is 5.75 inches. For comparison, this makes it approximately 0.75 inches shorter in overall length but 8 ounces heavier than a typical .357 Magnum K-frame revolver with a 4-inch barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a concealed carry handgun for urban environments. The weight, bulk, and 6-round capacity are non-starters compared to modern polymer-framed semiautomatics like the the Stevens 334 Rifle in a carbine role. It's also a poor choice for a new shooter's first handgun; the double-action trigger pull is a consistent but heavy 12 pounds, requiring deliberate training for accuracy.
What's in the box?
The handgun ships with three full moon clips for .45 ACP use, a user manual, and a Ruger security lock. There is no fitted case; the packaging is a cardboard box with foam insert. The moon clips are essential for the .45 ACP function—they allow proper headspacing and provide a rigid extraction surface for the rimless cartridges.
Is the Ruger Redhawk worth it at $1121.99?
At this price point, it represents a fair value for a specialized, overbuilt tool with no direct domestic equivalent. You are paying for Ruger's investment-cast manufacturing and a design proven over 40 years of service. If your needs are strictly for standard-pressure .45 Colt plinking, a used single-action might suffice for less. But for a durable, dual-caliber platform built from the ground up for heavy service—akin to the dedicated construction of a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun—the Redhawk justifies its cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676050505 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 5050 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 4.20" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 13.50 |
| model | Redhawk |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 10.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.55 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP +P ammunition?
- Yes. The Redhawk's cylinder and frame are engineered to handle the pressures of .45 ACP +P, which peak around 23,000 psi. However, consistent use with the hottest +P loads will accelerate wear on the forcing cone and top strap. For standard practice, I recommend Winchester White Box 230-grain FMJ.
- Does it fit a Safariland GLS 578 holster?
- No. The Redhawk's wider cylinder and frame dimensions require a holster specifically molded for large-frame .44 Magnum or .45 Colt revolvers. I use and recommend the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holster, which has a 4-week lead time from order to shipment.
- Can I mount an optic on this model?
- Not without significant gunsmithing. The top strap is not drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and the rear sight is an integral, adjustable blade system. The aftermarket offers no direct-mount optic solutions; any installation would require milling the frame, a process costing $250-400 and voiding the factory warranty.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipments to FFL holders typically process within 2 business days from our warehouse. Transit time via FedEx Ground is 3-5 additional business days depending on your zone. The total timeline from order to your FFL's notification is usually 5-7 business days.
- Does this work with .45 Auto Rim ammunition?
- No. The cylinder is cut for .45 ACP with moon clips or .45 Colt. The .45 Auto Rim cartridge has a thicker, non-standard rim that will not seat properly in the moon clip recesses. Attempting to force it can damage the cylinder's machining and create a headspace safety issue.