It is no secret Ruger makes a fine firearm, and their revolvers are good to go. The Redhawk and Super Redhawk line are legendary. I have right much experience with both revolvers in .44 Magnum and they are deserving of the solid reputation. Ruger introduced a SR 1911 in 10mm Auto that I reviewed. You can read that review by following this link.  Ruger has also introduced a Super Redhawk in 10mm Auto. At first I had mixed emotions about this set up, but as I had some time with the revolver my opinion began to solidify.

While the Super Redhawk utilizes moon clips for the rimless 10mm Auto, Ruger machined the cylinders to match the autoloader chamber so you can still run the revolver without the moon clips as the cartridge will headspace on the case mouth. Without the moon clips the star ejector will not extract the cases though. Using moon clips you would be able to run .40 S&W in this revolver but you would need to clean the cylinder well before going back to 10mm.  You will notice the “U” notch rear sight outlined in white is adjustable for windage and elevation.

Ruger machined the top strap to accept the included stainless scope rings if you choose to run an optic.

The ramped front sight features an orange highlight contrasting against the rear sight, certainly advantageous for a proper sight alignment and sight picture. With the six and a half inch barrel you will gain some velocity over a standard four to five inch barrel in the common auto loader. That measurement also puts you past the six inch barrel length requirement many states have for any handgun you want to hunt with.

3 shot groups from 25 yards from a rest

Range Time

Conclusions 

The principal question I got from folks is “Why a Super Redhawk in 10mm”? To be honest I thought about that when I got the test gun in, and after almost 300 rounds down range by myself and several of my friends I began to understand. The heft of the Super Redhawk really helps tame the recoil of the heavy 10mm loads, with the inclusion of the cushioned rubber stocks it is not tough to run this handgun during extended range sessions. If you were to go handgun hunting for thick skinned game but also needed something for trail defense, you can run the heavy hard cast lead bullets for penetration and with a quick swap out with the moon clips you can go to an aggressive defensive round that would be much better suited for such a role. That gives this revolver a bit of versatility over other chamberings, such as the .357 Magnum. Besides many folks would not think anything of carrying a large six shot .357 revolver and this is no different but in my opinion a more versatile revolver in a superior cartridge. The included three moon clips will allow for a pretty quick reload but as mentioned above the chambers are machined so you can use the revolver without the moon clips. Being the Super Redhawk has a stellar reputation it makes sense to offer it in the 10mm. If you don’t see it or don’t care for it, don’t buy one, it is just that simple. Understand many folks, such as myself, do see the advantage.

Specifications 

  • Grip: Cushioned Rubber with Hardwood Insert
  • Front Sight: Ramp
  • Capacity: 6
  • Twist: 1:16″ RH
  • Overall Length: 12″
  • Rear Sight: Adjustable windage and elevation
  • Finish: Satin Stainless
  • Weight: 54 oz.
  • Barrel Length: 6.50″
  • Grooves: 6
  • CA Approved: No
  • MA Approved & Certified: No
  • Suggested Retail: $1159.00

Acknowledgments

Ruger

DoubleTap Ammunition 

Hornady 

 

By Hunter Elliott

I spent much of my youth involved with firearms and felt the call early on to the United States Marine Corps, following in my father's and his brother's footsteps. Just after high school I enlisted and felt most at home on the rifle range, where I qualified expert with several firearms and spent some time as a rifle coach to my fellow Marines. After being honorably discharged I continued teaching firearm safety, rifle and pistol marksmanship, and began teaching metallic cartridge reloading. In the late 1990s I became a life member to the National Rifle Association and worked with the Friends of the NRA. Around that time my father and I became involved with IDPA and competed together up until he passed away. I began reviewing firearms for publications in the mid 2000s and have been fortunate to make many friends in the industry. Continuing to improve my firearms skills and knowledge is a never ending journey in which we should all be committed. I am also credited as weapons master on a few independent films.

11 thoughts on “Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm Auto, I get it.”
  1. I own a Smith & Wesson 10mm revolver with 6 1/4 inch barrel. great gun. very accurate and versatile. Do not need a Ruger right now but would like to shoot one. if this works as good as the Smith hey are in the business.!!

  2. How is the 10mm “a superior cartridge” to the .357 Magnum unless you are talking about using it in a semi-auto? The hottest loadings of the two cartridges are very close. The .357 however is more widely available and available in a much wider variety of loadings. It is usually a little cheaper as well.

  3. This is a big pile of WIN! 10mm my favorite semi -auto cartridge and being able to shoot cheap .40 S&W for practice, makes for a better deal than shooting .38’s through a .357.

  4. If Ruger would get the rights to the original Bren Ten design (even in a polymer frame) now that, would be forward thinking and they would sell a boatload of them. I am tired of hearing about EAA 10s.

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