Ruger Alaskan

[EDELWEISS]

Im new to this side of the forum, so if this has been discussed forgive me.  Ive been bitten by the Ruger Alaskan BUG and Im almost ready to buy.  I dont need it or even have a good reason except it just looks so cool.  I cant decide on the 44mag or the 454 model.  I really like the unflutted cylinder of the 454; but frankly the 44 mag would get shot more.  Plus with the 44, I can use 44 special and even 44 Russian.  Is it possible to use 45acp in moon or half moon clips in the 454 model?  Or is a spare cylinder being made by anyone for 45acp?

My illness started when I lost a deal on a Webley style bulldog.  It was a shooter and I waited too long, then the owner found he could get ammo for less than $2.00 a round.  Ive been looking at other large bore revolvers in that style.  Soooooo this is a spite buy, cause I want it.... 

I thought about the Charter Bulldog but I live in The Peoples Republic of Maryland, and Charter wont ship with a shell casing, so I cant buy a new one. *******If anyone has a used one please let me know******

Id be interested in other options if you have any suggestions.  Used is ok; but new has to have a shell casing.

The Ruger seems closest to my desire for a big bore, with a short barrel and still have a good size grip.  I looked at the Taurus Trackers but they dont have a 2 or 3 inch barrel.  If I was willing to go to 357, there are more possibilities; but Id like to stay with 44 or 45.  I do wish I could keep it under the $799 for the Ruger, especially since it is just a spite buy since I lost the Webley Bulldog.......

Have any of you shot either of the Rugers?  What did you think?

Any suggestions?

[Redhawk1]

You need to read my post on my Custom Ruger 454 Casull.  It was modified to accept moon clips by Jack Huntington. The Alaskan is not made for mood clips, but can be modified by a gunsmith.

Myself, I prefer the 454 Casull over the 44 Mag, but that is just my personal preference. Either gun can use lighter loads, the 44 Mag can use the 44 special and the 454 Casull can use the 45 Colts.  You just have to pick which one you would personally like better. Good luck and happy shooting. 

[KN]

Sounds to me you are buying it more for the Ahhhh factor. Get the 454!    kn

[Redhawk1]

If you really want the Ahhhh factor the 4 inch 500 or 5 inch 460 Mag would do that. 

[EDELWEISS]

Yes, its definetly an Ahhhhh factor gun; but Im telling myself that atleast some part of it practicable(?).  Honestly their will be considerably more dryfireing than shots at dangerous game or even paper targets.  If I was only worried about practicality Id drive an econobox and eat shredded wheat.  No doubt this is a toy but $2.oo a round for 454 or worse for 500 seems extreme if other options are available for paper punching.  The 45acp besides being cheaper is readily available.

REDHAWK1, once its converted, is it still able to shoot 45 colt and 454.  Does it use 1917 clips?  How much did it cost and how long did it take?

Guys Im not fixated on the Alaskan, are there any other options in  44 or 45?  I almost decided to buy a S&W 27 with a 3inch barrel and have custom grips made.  As luck would have it, it was sold just prior to my returning to the shop, so I didnt have to make that decision to go with a 357.  Id really prefer blue over stainless, for a more traditional Bulldog look.

Keep up the suggestions.  Thanks

[Redhawk1]

REDHAWK1, once its converted, is it still able to shoot 45 colt and 454.  Does it use 1917 clips?  How much did it cost and how long did it take?

Yes, once it is converted it will still shoot 45 Colts and 454 Casull's, I would not have had the conversion done if it was not able to.  The clips are the standard 45 ACP moon clips used in a model 625.  I would not know the cost for just the moon clip modification, but it was $600 for all the work that was done to the gun I have. Time of turn around would be up to Jack Huntington. Sorry I can't be more specific.

[Lloyd Smale]

I had a 454 alaskan that i had moon clipped like redhawks. Its a slick deal and allows you to shoot almost any 45 ammo. Using the supplied clips you can shoot 45s and 454s with clips or use clips for a smith and wesson model 25 machined thinner and shoot 45acps and that whole family of rounds. Cost to cut a cyl for moon clipping is about a 100 bucks you will have to buy the 454 45 clips seperately as most of the time only one clip comes with the conversion. Find a guy to mill down your model 25 clips for the acps. nice thing to is mine could be shot with 45s or 454s with or without the clips and still ejects fine. I got talked out of that revolver by a friend that just had to have it.

[Redhawk1]

Lloyd, I don't have to have my moon clips milled down. I just use any standard moon clip the works in the S&W model 25 or 625. I like the idea of using the 45 Win Mag in mine with the moon clips, they did not have to be milled down either.

[EDELWEISS]

OK! you've just about convinced me on the 454.  I live in "The Peoples Republik of Maryland".  Its hard to find a gunsmith that does much beyond installing scopes on deer rifles.  Can you give me some contact info on Jack Huntington?

My dealer has both the 454 and 44mag for $799.  He has a 44 mountain 4 inch for $750.  Does that sound fair.  Hes just opened a new shop here when another shop closed.  He seems Ok; but I havent gotten a good "read" on him yet

[Redhawk1]

JRH Adavanced Gunsmithing
21854 Meyer Ravine Road
Grass Valley, CA
                      95949

Phone 1.530.268.6877

 

[EDELWEISS]

Thanks guys!  I talked to Mr Huntington yesterday.  He says, he no longer does the 45acp conversion because of problems with the long jump to the barrel causing key holeing and other accuracy problems.  I still havent ruled it out; but Im starting to wonder what other Big Bore shorties are out there. 

[Redhawk1]

Yes that was one of the problems with the 45 ACP's. After 10 yards the accuracy is not good and key holing occurs on occasion. But the 45 Win Mags in the moon clips shot very accurate. Maybe see if he will do the conversion so you can use the 45 Win Mags with moon clips. Just an idea and then you will be able to play with the 45 ACP's. Just a thought.

[Lloyd Smale]

I just loaded round nose 230 cast seated out a tad longer then usuall and mine shot fine. It wasnt a tack driver but i shot some 2.5 inch 25 yard groups and never had any keyholing with any load i tried. At least not at 25 yards.