Ruger finally coughs up a .45ACP moon clip Redhawk
This week Sturm, Ruger announced that their popular Redhawk line, which from its inception 35 years ago has defined large-bore wheelguns, has resumed production of the popular six shooter in .45 Long Colt– and it accepts .45ACP as well.
Redhawk background
Introduced in 1980, the Redhawk built on Bill Ruger’s proven Security Six and Single Six, popular military and police style revolvers with standard 4-inch barrels chambered in .38/.357, but supersized them to come in .41 and above.
As a one up on the competition, the frame is a one-piece investment casting to which the trigger group, swing out cylinder, and hammer was affixed to. Not only did this simplify production, but also it gave a more solid feel to the gun. A unique single spring mechanism that used a music wire coil spring for both hammer and trigger allowed for a smooth, light trigger pull. The cylinder double locked to the frame at the rear, and bottom at set up to help keep the timing regular shot after shot. A transfer bar safety system kept the gun from going off when the hammer was carried down on a loaded chamber, which is always nice to have. On top of this, a crane latch held the cylinder rock-steady to the frame, giving it a triple-locking cylinder.
Originally just offered in .44 Spl/Magnum, within a few years it was also offered in .41 (1984-91) and .45 LC (98-2005) while the Super Redhawk, introduced later came in bear-busting .454 Casul and .480 Ruger.
However, its been a decade since there has been a .45 caliber Redhawk. Until this weekend, anyway, and this, one is somewhat unique.
