Rebarrel

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   I came across a really good deal on a Ruger Redhawk in 44 magnum. The only thing is it has a 7 1/2 inch barrel. I think a 4 inch to maybe 5 inch barrel would be handier. Would it be worth rebarreling? what is involved? I am guessing it would be easier than a rifle where you have headspace to deal with. 
Or should I just leave it alone?
Wing master

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Wing master Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator AKA StraightShooter Joined: 10 June 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8029	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wing master Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Rebarrel Posted: 22 August 2010 at 17:23
	I came across a really good deal on a Ruger Redhawk in 44 magnum. The only thing is it has a 7 1/2 inch barrel. I think a 4 inch to maybe 5 inch barrel would be handier. Would it be worth rebarreling? what is involved? I am guessing it would be easier than a rifle where you have headspace to deal with. Or should I just leave it alone? Wing master
	I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.

deaddog Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator AKA The Flying Gun Joined: 23 April 2004 Location: Svalbard Status: Offline Points: 991201	Post Options Post Reply Quote deaddog Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 August 2010 at 17:55
	Very few of the shorter barreled .44's were made. Most were the 7 1/2" like you are looking at. A used barrel will be $100+ probably closer to $140. Gunsmithing to change the barrel will be about $60 All that puts you at the entry level of a 29 or Mod 629 S&W. The .480 Ruger Redhawk is one of the best deals in hunting handguns out there. If you want a hunting gun that is not a daily shooter. The .44 Redhawk is not in the same league as the S&W 29 or 629. The entry level price of a 29 or 629 would be about the same as what you'd have into a rebarreled Ruger. If I wanted a .454 or a .480 I'd be all over a Ruger. For a .44 mag I'm thinking S&W. I have no idea what you are going to use it for but to me I can handle the Ruger for a few shots a year hunting deer. If I'm going to shoot it like I do a .44 for bowling pins, targets, and hunting a S&W is what I'd want. All I am trying to say is that a good deal on a 7 1/2" Redhawk is something I'd be all over. I would not spend anything on making it something it isn't. Hope you get it. DD Edited by deaddog
	Endeavor to persevere.

Dennis Keith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .416 Rigby Joined: 09 September 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1468	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dennis Keith Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 August 2010 at 01:03
	The longer barrel wrings out more performance from the cartridge than a shorter barrel. If you're thinking of doing something like what you need a shorter barrel for theren go get a different pistol like DD says, you won't be happy compromising. You might as well have BOTH!

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 August 2010 at 03:45
	if it is a hunter, and you use a scope...just cut the barrel and recrown. I did a 10.5 ruger 44 into a 5 inch . you can also put a new front sight on the cut barrel if you wish. all easy DIY or $50 to a 'smith and you provide the front sight. if the old one is screw on you can just attach it after the cut-off

Wing master Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator AKA StraightShooter Joined: 10 June 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8029	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wing master Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 August 2010 at 15:51
	Thanks guys, I went ahead and bought the gun. I will shoot it and then decide if it needs shortened or not. The main thing I have been thinking is, it is too long to carry while hunting. Course, I dont hunt in Grizley country, so I guess it doesn't really matter. I look at it like this. Its like being 100 years old and buying condoms. I probably won't need them, but I am not giving up hope. Wing master
	I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.

deaddog Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator AKA The Flying Gun Joined: 23 April 2004 Location: Svalbard Status: Offline Points: 991201	Post Options Post Reply Quote deaddog Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 August 2010 at 04:11
	Sounds like you picked up a nice "rubber" hope you get to use it. DD
	Endeavor to persevere.

788Fan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .30/06 SpringField Joined: 10 August 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 336	Post Options Post Reply Quote 788Fan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 August 2010 at 14:31
	Wing, I always found the long barreled Rugers ungainly no matter how you holster them. I've migrated to a .45LC Blackhawk with the 4 5/8"barrel in a Triple K holster, the Model 440, that you can wear either strong side or cross draw. It's one of the few leather non-cowboy rigs around for the Blackhawk. Good luck with it. If you decide to, have a smith shorten the tube. It's easier and less costly then a rebarrel. 788
	"We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the universe. That makes us something very special." Stephen Hawking 1942-2018

Wing master Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator AKA StraightShooter Joined: 10 June 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8029	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wing master Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 August 2010 at 15:33
	I plan on trying out my new "rubber" this weekend. Wing master
	I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 August 2010 at 02:44
	Hope you got a 3 pack!!!!!

Dennis Keith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .416 Rigby Joined: 09 September 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1468	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dennis Keith Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 August 2010 at 04:37
	Better still the 144, Kennedy "Weekender!"