Ruger
Redhawk
Ruger’s Redhawk .44 Magnum revolver,
introduced in 1979, was, in the words of Ruger promotional materials, “an
entirely new firearm, representing the most significant advance in
the development of heavy-frame double action revolvers in many decades.” The
new gun’s lineage was quite clear: the Redhawk shared with
its predecessor, the Security Six, a solid frame with disassembly
via a removable trigger guard, a button-type cylinder release, a
transfer-bar ignition system and many styling similarities.
There were innovations, too, however. While front cylinder lockup
in the Security Six utilized the traditional spring-loaded plunger that engaged
the recessed tip of the ejector rod, front lockup in the Redhawk was accomplished
by a crane-mounted front latch that engaged a slot in the frame in the area below
the barrel threads. Also new was the Redhawk’s offset ejector rod, which
permitted more meat in the frame around the barrel threads as well as the use
of a larger barrel thread designation, both of which increased gun strength.
Other changes included a new cylinder latch system; interchangeable front sight
blades with different-colored plastic inserts and the use of a single coil spring
to power both trigger and hammer.
Originally issued in 410-series stainless steel with a walnut grip
and a 7 1/2" barrel, the Redhawk soon became available in a 5 1/2" barrel
length and in blued steel. In 1984, both .357 Magnum and .41 Magnum models were
brought out, which were produced through 1991. Since its introduction a number
of variants have been produced, mostly resulting from changes in sighting rib
width, hammer pivot tab location and ejector. Currently, Ruger catalogs models
in .44 Mag. and .45 Colt with either 5 1/2" or 7 1/2" barrels. It is
estimated that by the late 1990s, more than 300,000 Redhawks had been produced
since the gun’s introduction.
Disassembly
First ensure
that the revolver is unloaded. Turn out the grip screw (43) and
remove the grips (42) from the frame (36). Cock the hammer (44),
remove the disassembly pin (19) from its hole in the grip panel
locator (41) and insert the pin about halfway into the hole visible
in the end of the mainspring strut (55) (Fig. 1).
Pull the trigger (69) with the thumb on the hammer spur; ease the
hammer down gently and remove the hammer pivot assembly (50), using
a brass or plastic punch if required. Point the muzzle down and
lift the hammer upward out of the frame. Some manipulation of the
hammer, trigger, mainspring lever (54) or hammer link hook (49)
may be required to free the hook from the mainspring lever and
allow the hammer to be lifted free.