ruger superredhawk User Guide
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
FOR
RUGER
®
SUPER REDHAWK
DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER
For Product Service on This Model Please Call:
(603) 865-2442 (See p. 19)
STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.
Southport, Connecticut 06490 U.S.A.
THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM AND BE
TRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED OR
PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON.
KY 3/01 C
R11
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND
WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM
STAINLESS
STEEL
CALIBERS
.44 Magnum;
.454 Casull & .480 Ruger
This firearm was originally sold
with a key-operated locking
device. While it can help provide
secure storage for your unloaded
firearm, any locking device can
fail. All guns are designed to fire
if they are loaded and the trigger
is pulled. Therefore, never install
the locking device inside the
trigger guard or in any way that
it can possibly pull the trigger!
Do not leave the keys in the lock.
The ultimate responsibility for
secure storage of any firearm
must depend upon its owner and
his or her individual
circumstances. Guns should be
securely stored unloaded, in a
secure location, separate from
their ammunition.
See “Storage Warning”, page 16.
NEVER INSTALL
LOCKING DEVICE
INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD
WHY ARE WE INCLUDING A FIRED CARTRIDGE CASE
WITH EVERY RUGER PISTOL AND REVOLVER?
Certain states and jurisdictions now require that all newly manufactured pistols
and revolvers must be accompanied by a cartridge case, which has been test fired
from that gun at the factory. The case must be placed in a sealed container
bearing certain information concerning this test cartridge.
At the time of retail sale in those jurisdictions, firearms dealers must forward
such test cartridge to a designated destination such as their State Police
Laboratory. As independent Ruger Distributors have nationwide markets without
territorial restrictions, we have decided to include a fired cartridge case with all
new Ruger pistols and revolvers, to minimize the possibility of inadvertent noncompliance with these laws.
Retail customers located in other states, where laws or regulations do not require
the dealer to so act, may be assured that the fired cartridge case they receive with
the firearm at the time of retail purchase is proof that your new Ruger firearm
has undergone our normal test firing procedures during manufacture.
2
WARNING – LOCKING DEVICES
DO NOT INSTALL
INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD
INSTALL LOCK
AS SHOWN HERE
3
FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT
CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO
HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.
This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care
for your RUGER
®
SUPER REDHAWK revolver properly.
Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly
carry out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live
ammunition. If you have any doubts about your ability to handle or use a
particular type of gun safely, then you should seek supervised instruction. Such
personalized instruction is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs or police
departments. If none of these sources can help you, write to the National Rifle
Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-7400. They will put you
in touch with a source of personalized instruction.
The person possessing a gun has a full-time job. You cannot guess; you cannot
forget. You must know how to use your firearm safely. Do not use any firearm
without having a complete understanding of its particular characteristics and
safe use. Remember: There is no such thing as a foolproof gun.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
General Information and Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
To Load and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
To Uncock (Decock) The Revolver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
To Unload or Eject Cartridge Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Care of Stainless Steel Revolvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Attaching Ruger Scope Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Service and Parts Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Parts Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
“Ruger”, “Redhawk” and the Sturm, Ruger logo are registered U.S. trademarks.
GENERAL INFORMATION
AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The RUGER®SUPER REDHAWK revolver is a double-action firearm
which is specifically designed for hunting and target shooting with heavy
Magnum cartridges and embodies many features found in the famous RUGER
®
REDHAWK®and RUGER®GP100® revolvers. It is the second of an
entirely new generation of Ruger double-action revolvers. The unique frame
extension permits the use of full wrap-around style grips of any desired
configuration. This feature reduces overall weight and contributes to a desirable
muzzle of heaviness. The crane and cylinder assembly of the Super Redhawk
revolver locks directly into the frame, both at the rear of the cylinder and at the
front of the crane. The ejector rod serves only as an ejector – it does not rotate
with the cylinder. All of this mechanism is readily removable without tools and
dismantles, along with the cylinder/crane group, into a small number of
subassemblies for inspection and cleaning (See Figure 2, pg. 5).
WARNING–ALTERATIONS
This product was designed to
function properly in its original
condition. Alterations can make it
unsafe. Do not alter any part or add
or substitute parts or accessories
not made by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc.
DO NOT ALTER ANY GUN
4
FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS–
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS
MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE
FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:
Locking Devices 2 Firing 10
Alterations 4 Disassembly 12
Lead Exposure 6 Lubrication 15
Ammuniton 6 Storage 16
Handling 7 Parts Purchasers 20
Cylinder Interlock 8
OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR
THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL.
FRONT SIGHT
HAMMER ASSEMBLY
HAMMER PIVOT ASSEMBLY
GRIP SCREW
GRIP PANEL
CYLINDER/CRANE
ASSEMBLY
TRIGGER GUARD ASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY PIN
HAMMER STRUT, MAINSPRING,
& MAINSPRING SEAT
5
Figure 2.
The internal parts are installed either through the top or bottom of the gripframe; therefore, no side plate is needed. The resulting double solid frame
contributes greatly to the extraordinary strength and reliability of these
revolvers. The massive extended frame and use of Ruger integral scope mounting
system on the wide top strap provide a solid scope mounting system.
The RUGER
®
SUPER REDHAWK revolver has a transfer bar which is
connected directly to the trigger. The transfer-bar safety system provides that the
hammer blow can be transmitted to the firing pin only when the trigger is
pulled all the way to the rear. This is a positive internal safety feature.
Ruger Super Redhawk revolvers chambered for the .454 Casull and .480 Ruger
cartridges have unfluted cylinders.
NOMENCLATURE
Figure 1.
FRONT SIGHT
MUZZLE
BARREL
FRAME
ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT
HAMMER
CRANE LATCH
HAMMER PIVOT
ASSEMBLY
EJECTOR ROD
CYLINDER
TRIGGER GUARD
TRIGGER
GRIP SCREW
GRIP PANEL
Despite their many highly desirable features, Ruger revolvers–as with all
firearms–must at all times be handled with strict attention to correct safety
practices, and be inspected frequently to assure the gun is working properly.
6
AMMUNITION
RUGER®SUPER REDHAWK revolvers in caliber .44 magnum will
chamber the .44 Rem. Magnum cartridge and the .44 S&W Special cartridge.
Ruger Super Redhawk revolvers chambered for the .454 Casull will chamber the
.454 Casull and the .45 Colt cartridges. Revolvers chambered for the .480 Ruger
cartridge should be used only with ammunition of that specific caliber. The
correct caliber is marked on each revolver. Ruger revolvers are designed for use
with cartridges of the correct caliber which are manufactured in accordance with
the U.S. Industry Standards. Be certain to use proper cartridges of the correct
caliber. See “Care and Cleaning,” p. 15, for important information on chamber
cleaning.
WARNING –AMMUNITION
Death, serious injury, and damage
can result from the use of wrong
ammunition, bore obstructions,
powder overloads, or incorrect
cartridge components. Always wear
shooting glasses and hearing
protectors.
IMPROPER AMMUNITION
DESTROYS GUNS
WARNING –LEAD EXPOSURE
Discharging firearms in poorly
ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or
handling ammunition may result in
exposure to lead and other substances
known to the state of California to
cause birth defects, reproductive
harm, and other serious physical
injury. Have adequate ventilation at all
times. Wash hands thoroughly after
exposure.
SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS
MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD
7
HANDLING
CARRYING: The Super Redhawk revolver can be carried with all chambers
loaded. When the hammer and trigger are fully forward, the transfer-bar is
lowered out of its firing position and the hammer rests directly on the frame.
WARNING –HANDLING
If the trigger is held to the rear, the gun
can fire if the hammer strikes the
transfer bar. Note that it need not be a
deliberate effort to pull the trigger. Any
situation where the trigger attains its
rearward position and permits the
transfer bar to be interposed between the
hammer and the firing pin can cause the
cartridge under the firing pin to
discharge.
NEVER DROP OR STRIKE THE
REVOLVER – COCKED OR UNCOCKED
CARRY AND HANDLE THE REVOLVER
IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE
HAMMER AND TRIGGER WILL NOT BE
STRUCK.
NEVER CARRY ANY
REVOLVER WITH THE
HAMMER COCKED OR THE
TRIGGER HELD TO THE REAR
DRY-FIRING
“Dry Firing” is practicing the trigger pull of the empty revolver for practice and
familiarity. The Super Redhawk revolver can be dry-fired without damage to the
firing pin or internal components.
Be sure that the revolver is unloaded before handling. Be sure of your bullet
stop, even when dry-firing for practice. Do not dry-fire the revolver with the
plastic ‘safety disc’ on the cylinder.
AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE
WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY
DAMAGE OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN
CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN THE
SUPER REDHAWK REVOLVER OF FAULTY, OR NON-STANDARD,
OR “RE-MANUFACTURED”, OR HAND LOADED (RELOADED)
AMMUNITION, OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR
WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED.
8
FIGURE 3
LOADING THE
REVOLVER.
TO LOAD AND FIRE
Be sure the revolver is pointed in a safe direction and is
never cocked while loading.
1. Press the crane latch and guide cylinder out of frame to the left to its
loading position (See Figure 3).
WARNING –CYLINDER INTERLOCK
➧
When correctly operated, the cylinder
cannot be opened when the hammer is
cocked, and the hammer/trigger
mechanism is not able to be operated
until the cylinder is locked shut.
However, this safety interlock can be
intentionally defeated if the crane latch is
depressed and the hammer is then
cocked while the cylinder opened. If the
cylinder is then shut when the hammer
is cocked, the hammer may fall and the
gun may fire.
NEVER CLOSE OR OPEN
THE CYLINDER WHILE
THE HAMMER IS COCKED
2. Insert cartridges and gently close cylinder, making sure it is securely latched.
Do not “flip” the cylinder open or shut.
9
5. DO NOT HOLD THE REVOLVER BY THE BARREL OR CYLINDER WHEN
FIRING.
CAUTION–DOUBLE ACTION FIRING
When firing in the double action
mode, be sure that the trigger is
released completely to its fully
forward position before pulling the
trigger for a subsequent shot. If
the trigger finger is allowed to
interfere with the full recovery of
the trigger (preventing it from
moving through about the last
one-eighth inch of its forward
movement), the trigger cannot be
pulled again for another discharge.
The trigger must be fully released
after each shot is fired. This
characteristic is found in all
modern double-action revolvers
and “double-action only” pistols.
FULLY RELEASE
TRIGGER
BETWEEN SHOTS
3. The revolver is now ready to fire, either “double-action” by pulling the trigger
through its complete arc for each shot, or “single-action” by cocking the
hammer and then pulling the trigger for each shot. The trigger pull is
somewhat shorter and lighter when the revolver is fired single action, and
this is the preferred mode for precise shots or target shooting
4. DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO FIRE.
10
TO UNCOCK (DECOCK) THE REVOLVER
If your revolver is cocked, and you wish to let the hammer down to its forward
position (against the frame), proceed as follows: USE EXTREME CARE WHEN
ATTEMPTING TO DECOCK THE REVOLVER, AS THE THUMB SLIPPING
DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE IF
THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO THE REAR.
1. Make certain that the revolver is pointed in a safe direction (See Rule 2, Page
27).
2. Make certain both hands are dry and not impeded in any way – gloves,
bandages, cold, etc.
3. Grasp the revolver (if right handed) so that the thumb and forefinger of your
left hand are firmly holding the frame, forward of the trigger guard. Thus,
your left hand is in full control of the revolver (See Figure 4A, Page 11).
4. Place your right thumb firmly on the hammer spur and, with your thumb
securely in control of the hammer, squeeze the trigger only enough to permit
the hammer to ‘break free’ of the trigger. At that instant, IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE THE TRIGGER and then slowly permit the hammer, STILL
SECURE UNDER YOUR THUMB, to move fully forward to its resting position
against the frame. NOTE: It is imperative that finger pressure be removed
from the trigger just as soon as it is free of the hammer. Then, properly, the
trigger and hammer will move towards their fully forward rest positions
together (See Figure 4B, Page 11).
WARNING–FIRING
When firing the Super Redhawk revolver,
be sure all persons are a safe distance to
the rear of the shooter. When fired, all
revolvers discharge hot gas and particles
of lead, powder grains, or lubricant
through the clearance gap between the
cylinder and the rear of the barrel at high
speed. This can injure a person who is
standing too close to the revolver.
When firing the Super Redhawk revolver
(or any revolver), always be certain that
nothing – including your hands – is in
the path of the hot gas and particles
which are discharged from the front and
sides of the cylinder.
When shooting, adequate eye protection
is essential. Shooters and bystanders
must wear shooting glasses. Hearing
protection must also be worn. Exposure
to shooting noise can damage hearing.
HOT GASES EXIT
BARREL/CYLINDER GAP
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