Ruger Alaskan

S

swami_p

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Jun 1, 2004
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Does anyone have any experience with the Ruger Alaskan, whether its in 44mag or 454 Cassul. I was looking at this as a possible back country gun.
 
I don't own one of the alaskan series guns but I do have a super blackhawk in .44 mag and a GP 100 and a Sp 101 both in .357 mag. They are all great guns. Built to take a lifetime of heavy loads. You choose a great gun, I'm sure it will serve you well.

Good Shooting
Nick:)
 
I haven't quite go the cash for one, but they look nice. Same grip frame as the GP-100 and other SuperRedhawks happen to fit my hands perfectly and really help the recoil. I had the SURH 7.5" in .454. Not sure I'd want full power loads in the Alaskan.

My conundrum is whether to get the .454 or .44. I'm going to get a Marlin 1894 levergun. I suppose it'll be decided by wheter I get ont in .44 mag or .45 Colt (the .45 Colt Cowboy version looks HOT). I'll get the Alaskan in whichever caliber matches the levergun. Either way, I'd shoot .45 Colts out of the .454 (probably load light in .454 brass to avoid the buildup of powder in front of the .45 Colt cases in the chambers, or if I get the .44 Mag, I'd use lighter loads like the Federal Hydra-Shok (rated at 1180 fps from a 6" barrel. I'd also handload that -- 17.5 grains of 2400 under a 240 grain bullet gave me that level of performance out of a S&W 629, and was easy to shoot.

Dang, maybe I'd rather have another 629 4". . .<sigh> this forum is really costing me a lot of money. . .LOL
 
Cpl Punishment said:
I haven't quite go the cash for one, but they look nice. Same grip frame as the GP-100 and other SuperRedhawks happen to fit my hands perfectly and really help the recoil. I had the SURH 7.5" in .454. Not sure I'd want full power loads in the Alaskan.

My conundrum is whether to get the .454 or .44. I'm going to get a Marlin 1894 levergun. I suppose it'll be decided by wheter I get ont in .44 mag or .45 Colt (the .45 Colt Cowboy version looks HOT). I'll get the Alaskan in whichever caliber matches the levergun. Either way, I'd shoot .45 Colts out of the .454 (probably load light in .454 brass to avoid the buildup of powder in front of the .45 Colt cases in the chambers, or if I get the .44 Mag, I'd use lighter loads like the Federal Hydra-Shok (rated at 1180 fps from a 6" barrel. I'd also handload that -- 17.5 grains of 2400 under a 240 grain bullet gave me that level of performance out of a S&W 629, and was easy to shoot.

Dang, maybe I'd rather have another 629 4". . .<sigh> this forum is really costing me a lot of money. . .LOL
Click to expand...

You can get the Puma Lever guns (Winchester 92 copy) in .454 Casull as well you know.
They look very nice!
:)
 
I shot the original run of .480 Ruger Alaskan and the .454 Casull Alaskan when they came out. For dangerous game, I'd look at the .480 version - now re-issued in a 5-shot. I like bigger/heavier. You won't get much velocity from the .454s in that short barrel, but what a flame! A significant push in the .480, a big bounce in the .454. I did own a 7.5" .454 SRH - loved it - much more comfortable to shoot, even though the velocity picked up a bit. While, considering the Alaskans, the short sight radius and the way it says 'Howdy' when you shoot hurt the follow-ups, that first shot can be 'on the money', just so much for groups! I did load warm .45 Colt-ish loads in .454 brass for that 7.5" SRH - generally, 255gr LSWC/250gr LRNFP @ 1,000 fps. Don't forget - that .454 case takes small rifle primers!

Now, if you want a little bit larger .45 Colt revolver - 9.63" vs 7.63", while it is an ounce or two lighter, consider a S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt - great trigger. It'll take SAAMI spec'd .45 Colt plus a bit - but stay clear of the old 'Ruger/TC-only' loads. You can find them for $500-$600 used. My pusher still had a leftover new one from the last run for $669, I think. I liked my .454 SRH - but my first S&W, the 625MG below, displaced it. A second example made my .45 RH and a Bisley BH leave... I am in S&W land now. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a stock 4" 629, either.

IMG_0275_edited.jpg


Stainz
 
I have one in 44mag and love it! It packs easy enough and shoots straight too :) Recoil isn't too bad either with the factory Hogue grip.
 
I tried one but went back to the Ruger Blackhawk in 45 LC. They are no fun to shoot and IMO only make sense for a hunting guide or someone who needs that power all the time. If I did get another, it would be in 44 Mag.
 
I always wondered why Ruger hasn't put out a Super Blackhawk in .454 Casull.
Over the years i've seen a few magazine articles on custom Super Blackhawks in some really heavy wildcat rounds.
I know you can get the SA Casull in .454 Casull (Du'h lol) but its kinda pricey.
Seems to me a .454 Super Blackhawk would sell well.
 
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