Description
Picture this: you’re miles from the nearest road, the kind of quiet where your own heartbeat is loud. Something moves in the brush just past the firelight. That’s the moment you’re glad you have the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 480 Ruger 2.5″ Barrel, 6 Shot on your hip. It’s not a range toy; it’s a final argument for the backcountry.
So, what is the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 480 Ruger 2.5″ Barrel, 6 Shot? It’s a purpose-built, large-frame double-action revolver designed for maximum power in a compact, packable form. Chambered in the potent .480 Ruger cartridge, it features a 2.5-inch barrel, a six-round cylinder, and Ruger’s legendary overbuilt construction to handle extreme pressures. This is a serious tool for serious environments where stopping power and reliability are non-negotiable.
I’ve put a variety of rounds through this beast, from mild .480 Special loads to full-house hunting ammunition. The first thing you notice is the heft—it’s a solid 45 ounces of stainless steel, which is a blessing. That weight, combined with the Hogue Tamer® monogrip, soaks up a tremendous amount of the .480’s formidable recoil, making it shootable in a way that belies its ballistic output. It’s a handful, but a manageable one. The balance is surprisingly good for such a short-barreled cannon.
The build quality is pure Ruger. The frame is massive, with a full-length ejector shroud that adds rigidity. The transfer bar safety system is simple and proven. One of the best features is its optics-ready design—the top strap is drilled and tapped, and it comes with a scope base adapter ring. This makes it compatible with popular mini red dots from brands like Burris and Leupold, a huge advantage for getting a fast sight picture in low light. The whole package is drop-in ready; you don’t need a gunsmith to mount an optic, just the right base.
Here’s the thing—the 2.5-inch barrel is the defining characteristic. You trade some velocity for incredible maneuverability. This revolver is meant to be drawn quickly from a chest holster, not for punching tiny groups at 100 yards. The fixed sights are rugged and easy to pick up. At a price of $1144.25, it represents a significant investment in a specialized tool, but you’re paying for engineering that can handle the most powerful commercial revolver cartridges on the planet.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .480 Ruger |
| Barrel Length | 2.5 inches |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 9.0 inches |
| Weight | 45 oz. (Unloaded) |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Sights | Fixed Blade Front, Adjustable Rear |
Pros & Cons
The pros are obvious: devastating power in a compact, packable size, legendary Ruger durability, and excellent recoil management for the caliber. The optics-ready feature is a major plus. The cons are just as clear. It’s heavy for its size, the .480 Ruger ammunition is more expensive and less common than, say, .44 Mag, and the short barrel creates significant muzzle blast and flash—wear good hearing protection, always.
Who is this for? This is a niche firearm, and it knows it. It’s for the Alaskan guide, the backcountry hunter in grizzly country, or the individual who ventures into remote areas where large predators are a real concern. It’s not a first handgun, and it’s not a plinker. It’s a last-ditch defensive tool for the most extreme scenarios. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to those who understand its specific role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can it shoot .475 Linebaugh or .454 Casull?
A: No. It is chambered specifically for the .480 Ruger cartridge. While the .480 Ruger is based on the .475 Linebaugh case, they are not interchangeable. Firing non-standard ammunition is dangerous and voids the warranty. Stick to .480 Ruger factory loads or carefully crafted handloads within published data.
Q: Is the recoil unbearable?
A: It’s stout, but manageable. The weight and excellent Hogue grip make a big difference. It’s more of a heavy shove than a sharp snap. Starting with milder .480 Special loads is a great way to build familiarity before moving to full-power rounds.
Q: What holster fits the Alaskan?
A: You’ll need a holster designed for large-frame, short-barrel revolvers with a full underlug. Brands like Diamond D Custom Leather (their “Alaskan Guide” model), Simply Rugged, and Galco make excellent chest and belt rigs specifically for the Super Redhawk Alaskan profile.
If your adventures take you to places where compromise isn’t an option, the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan demands a closer look. Check its availability on our site.
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