Ruger 454 Alaskan Review - The Beast With a Dark Secret
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
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Though it is an excellent firearm (if not the best) for its intended purpose, the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in .454 Casull has a flaw that may cause you to reconsider. However, It is the bear-stopping middle ground of revolvers. More powerful than a .44 magnum, but smaller than a .460 or .500 S&W. It's weight/size to firepower ratio is near perfect for hiking in dangerous animal stomping grounds. Just be aware of its tendency to jump crimp with certain types of ammo, and test your ammo thoroughly before heading out to the brush.
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Thought this was a very nice review, but you should have given a 10 or of 10 as the crimp jump is not a fault of the gun but the ammo manufacture!!! But thanks for taking the time to explain it so people know what causes it!
Wow, 2:16 no flinch. Respect, bro.
He knew it was empty, no reason to flinch when you expect a click.
Maybe I should get one of these.
The other day I got behind a whole heard of pissed off Rhinos.
In Walmart.
Dressed in Spandex, at customer service.
You're a well spoken kid and very knowledgeable.....well done and great vid.
After reviewing your video on the 454, I have come to the conclusion, in my opinion, that the problem may be with the type of ammo itself, just like some semi auto pistols do not like certain types of ammo, but perform flawlessly with others.
Good job. I'm surprised a guy your age is as well-informed as you are. Well done indeed.
To bring up a point from IraqVeteran8888: "Just because a man doesnt have a beard doesnt mean he cant shoot"
Because this guy knows what the fuck hes doin.
I have been shooting for 50 years, and I never realized the phenomenon of "crimp jump." I have actually had it happen to me, but I faulted the gun itself. Thanks for the information. Nice presentation also.
"Crimp jump" is definitely a strange phenomenon that many experienced shooters have never even heard of. But, as they say, knowledge is power. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for your comment.
Nightwood Guns It is good you brought up the crimp jump. Handloaders will agree to be watchful of this. However, I would not fault the gun so much as the ammo as you mentioned other ammunition working properly and some not.
Gary Varner it actually can happen even with .357 and .44 but it only seems t9 happen when the recoil is of a certain amount to accelerate the gun back at above a certain speed while the bullets in the cylinder are above a certain weight.
basically it's bullet in brass whiplash. the heavier the bullet and the lighter the gun equals the faster the gun accelerates back while the inertia of the bullets make them not want to accelerate with the gun.
if you're into reloading it's basically what a bullet puller does (the kind like a plastic hammer). Heavier guns accelerate slower so less whiplash. also cylinder capacity effects it, a six shooter is more susceptible in theory because that's extra shots to pull the bullet before reloading the chambers.
the casing isn't applying enough pressure around the bullet. are the bullets lubricated? that could also be the issue
stop saying knowledge is power…maybe if you haven't realized it but every time someone says that, another person realizes power needs control.
10/10 - Extremely accurate out to 25 yards with Hornady 300gr XTP! Shot 3" 5 round groups using double action!
Awesome! In the right hands, this is an extremely accurate hand cannon. Thanks for watching!
When you dry fired at 2:17 there was no jerk. You have excellent trigger skills.
Thanks. There's a lot to be said for dry fire practice.
SlingsAxes yes he does. I noticed that also. I flinched just watching it.
Probably the best review I've seen in a long time. Will be purchasing that Ruger today. Thank you.
Very cool!
Very likely to add one of these to the gun safe so the search is on…
Really like your style;
lots of information, relatively fast paced yet fun.
Not only liked and subscribed but look forward to seeing how you’ve reviewed a few of our favorites
Thanks for the feedback and for subscribing! Welcome to the channel! Definitely a very cool revolver worthy of your gun safe!
Very professional and informative. I have an engraved Freedom Arms 7.5" and never had any issues with it (other than extremely tight tolerances) but with a gun that light and the muzzle flip what you say is something to consider. Refreshing to see a knowledgable young guy speaking.
But pointing out these things may save someone's life in the wild woods, so thank you for the info.
After all of these years, someone FINALLY gets it. Thank you. That's exactly why I brought it up in this video. One of the most common comments on this video is "It's an ammo problem, not a gun problem." And they act like I insulted their sister. Just sayin', I've never had this happen with cheap ammo in a .44 mag, a .460, or a .500 nor have I had it happen with the same ammo in a longer barrel .454 Regardless of the argument, at the end of the day I wanted to draw attention to it to maybe save someone's life.
The list you gave of things that would jump out and attack... Fking hilarious!!
Definitely did not expect that Knowledge from someone so young well done.
Superb review. Very well done. Especially appreciated the clear instructions re crimp jump.
I’m glad the review holds up after 6 years, lol! I’m also glad you found the crimp-jump info useful. Always test your ammo! 👍
Good review of a good weapon. Thanks for taking the time to carefully evaluate it and share your insights. It is a badass looking revolver and I found this video upon doing a search after just watching “Faster”. I like that it can fire .45 Colt.
Faster is such a fun movie and makes the Alaskan look super badass! The gun definitely lives up to the hype for once 👍
When I look at this kid I can't help but think of Samuel Jackson saying " Check out the big brain on Brett"
“Oh, I’m sorry! Did I break your concentration?!?”
What?
no disrespect, just a gentle ribbing. beautiful pistol, great review. closest I ever owned to the Casull was a 3in. S&W 44 mag. those big frame guns are what you need to accomodate such cartridges. my 44 would sit on the target like an elephant. pleasant to shoot. like to fire the Casull some day. thanks for the vid
A sense of humor and nice presentation.
That’s a winning combination in my book !
You just earned a big thumbs up and subscribe because of the very useful, potentially lifesaving tip about clearing a jammed cylinder due to crimp jumping bullets. In 30yrs it never occurred to me you could half cock and rotate the cylinder backwards to free the cylinder so the bad bullet could be easily removed. Thank you!
I’m glad you found something useful in the video! It’s definitely good to know.
The Ruger Alaskans are great guns.
I have one in .44 magnum and it is a joy to shoot.
My personal experience with it, American Eagle 240gr JHP feel like shooting .45 ACP.
When you load it with Buffalo Bore 340gr +p+ then it feels like shooting normal .44 mag out of a Super Blackhawk.
The short barrel doesn't build up as much recoil because the powder doesn't have enough space to propel the projectile as fast.
Never had an issue with crimp jump. Could be because I can hold it pretty solid with little "flip"
I love the .44 mag as well and I’ve never had crimp jump with it either. I’ve only personally experienced crimp jump in short barrel .454 Casull and .500 Smith and Wesson revolvers. I also know people who have experienced crimp jump in lightweight 9mm revolvers and scandium .357 mag revolvers.
I don’t think grip has much to do with it, for example I shoot HSM .500 magnum no issues but HSM 454 casull I’ve had about 3 crimp jumps in about 300 rounds, and with both of my .500 magnums I’ve put a little over 600 rounds through them in total, not once have I had issues with ammo, except Armscore which makes it had to eject the casings after the fact, not sure if it’s just cheap brass or what.
Reload your own ammo and you wouldnt have to sorry about crimp jump. Great review, definitely influenced me to purchase one of these puppies.
Best Alaskan review on RUclips. Thanks.
Literary Artist
Agreed
From what I watch other guys show about that Alaskan 454, none of them ever mention crip jump. Thank you for mentioning this issue and how to clear this malfunction. Or explain how to.
Just bought one this past week. Amazing firearm. Price update: they MSRP now for $1200. Luckily I got mine for only $1000
Well done. Hate the videos
Where you have to listen to
20 minutes of "stuff" before
You get the info.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately, people do the longer videos because it is better for the RUclips algorithm. I much prefer short, “to the point” videos myself, but my viewership suffers because of it. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the heads up on the crimp jump. I'm a fan of big bore, short barrel revolvers. I bought the 500 ES when it came out, and at $4-$5 a round, it's ridiculous. I've always wanted an Alaskan. 454. I'm counting on a trigger job...like with all Rugers. The 629 Performance Center is my new glove box hammer.
When it comes to big bore, short barrel revolvers… the .454 Alaskan is definitely the coolest!
You can reload 500 for relatively cheap. Costs less than factory 40, 45, et al.
Good review, i actually got one when i was stationed at adak alaska, and this gun is designed for bear, moose boar etc. i also have a glock 20, which i love. I was gonna sale my alaskan since I'm not there anymore but decided to keep it. Any way, nice review keep it up!!
Very cool! And, thanks for the feedback! I have a Glock 20 as well, it's definitely one of my favorites. A great and practical outdoors companion.
For a small price you can have The cylinder machined to use 45ACP with full moon clips. Also had a trigger job done, not expensive and worth the money. I carried mine in Alaska hiking and biking, brown bear and BIG Mooseeseszezz.
Excellent report Brent of Night Wood Guns.
PROPS!!! No flinch on an empty chamber! I'm impressed!
All of that dry fire practice 👌
My Ruger revolvers are built like a tank, hadn't had issues with lock up or endshake unlike my Smith & Wesson revolvers.
I've had great luck with Smith and Wesson revolvers. But nothing compares to the absolute ruggedness of Ruger revolvers.
Since my previous comment on your video I was out hiking in the woods with this gun loaded with .454. I encounter King Kong's cousin, Ding Dong, and put him down with one shot between the eyes. Love this gun, crimp jump or not.
You can improve the trigger pull by having your Alaskan plated with NP3. I have the .44 Magnum version and had it done. I still wonder if I should move up to the .454 for Grizzly defense or if I can survive an attack with a .44 Magnum with good shot placement.
NP3 is a great finish that is nice and smooth, good choice! And .44 magnum is typically considered the "bear" (haha) minimum for defense against bears. The .454 is more powerful and would probably be the better choice between the two. But .44 is no slouch. Especially with hard cast rounds. But, of course, the best way to survive a bear attack is to avoid it all together...
Absolutely excellent review my friend. You deserve more subs.
One last thing: I emailed Ruger with an idea. Maybe others have done the same, and if so, that's okay, but I suggested that they make another revolver to go along with this Alaskan line of their fine revolvers. I thought that they should produce a 460 revolver and call it the Polar Bear Magnum. Does that sound like a cool gun to anyone out there?
Keep it up kid, you'll be the next Ian mcculloch replacement. You definitely sound like him. "Hi, I'm Brett, and today on forgotten weapons.."
One of the best reviews of this gun. I own this weapon.
Excellent review! Appreciate that you added what holster fit .👍👍
Just found your channel. You did a great job on this video! The .454 is my favorite caliber I just made a video with it shooting water jugs it was a blast lol! I just subscribed, keep up the good work :)
Thanks! I'll be sure to check out your vid!
Very good video Thanks. I own this firearm and love it. I log in the woods with bear around and this is always at my side. I reload and shoot Hornady bullets 300 gr XTP mag over H110. I also shoot 45 colt rounds at the range with it. Super accurate firearm. Earl Southard from Trailmaster holsters in Montana made a custom holster for mine.Perfect fit for all day carry. Great review thanks again
Caught your dry fire at the range. No flinch, good job!👍
I watched this vid before and I guess I wasn’t paying attention! “Crimp Jump clearing!” Thankyou for this. No one has mentioned how to clear the situation but you! Unless I wasn’t paying attention! I have twin RUGER REDHAWK ALASKAN .44’s and twin S&W 500 4in in custom Rotoholsters and only fire full magnum cartridges!
I learned something. Never heard of crimp jump before.
Nice video.
A snubbie is for up close rapid fire. Good to see someone doing just that. Or at least as rapid fire as the range allowed. Was just commenting on another YT gun reviewer slowly shooting their Ruger 480 at bottles from 30 - 40 ft away and missing.
Nice video, shooting, and review points. However, as many have stated, crimp jump is an ammo issue. A "lightweight" gun my exacerbate an issue, but it is still a poorly roll crimped round that will be the cause. That's also much less of an issue than a cylinder coming out of timing, or cases getting jammed into the breech face, both of which I've experienced. Of course it is best to practice ad nauseum with anything you expect to protect your life with, wilderness backup being no exception. But, you seem to shoot it well and have generally positive things to say about it, so a like for you.
Good review and an honest assessment of the revolver. Well done. Scott
I'll take a broken in Ruger trigger if shooting double action over a Smith trigger every day of the week. Perfect staging. Give the gun a good break in and the do a good cleaning, then report on the trigger.
Hornaday or Federal. Or if you're going to use less than ammo 45 lc +p is the sweet spot as it's not as powerful as 454 Casull but is about the strength as 44 mag.
Agree with your 9 out 10, but I give it a pass on crimp jump as that is the ammo and not the revolver. I do expect a better trigger for $900.
frankgon4, If you have a grizzly in your face your not gonna give a shit about the trigger. Its a freikin bear stopper, not a competition match shooter. Whats your LIFE worth???
^^A $15 spring kit for sure
@@davejan744= well said Dave
I installed wilson combat trigger springs and the trigger is greatly improved. 2.5 lbs SA and 6 lbs DA. It shoots all factory info without a single light primer strike
Great review truthful wasn't expecting that. The title "with dark secrets" and the animals in the thumbnail, I thought this was going to be a rant about how the gun is used to hunt game animals PITA type shit. I just put 100 rounds through my new Alaskan with no Crimp jump so I had no idea that was possible. thanks for the info
Lol, that was just my attempt at differentiating my title from others. That's funny though! I'm glad you haven't experienced crimp jump, sounds like you found some good ammo.
Good review my man!
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!
They make revolver ammo that is more carefully crimmped at the top of the casing to help prevent this, just as ammo for semiauto guns is more crimped towards the rear of the projectile to prevent it from pushing further into the casing making unsafe psi when fired.
Excellent video! Very thorough and informative.
Get a tiny nail and tap it near the edge of the case over the bullet. Just a light strike a hammer tool will leave a dimple to help retain the bullet if it tries to crimp jump.
I would like to purchase the Ruger Alaskan. Thanks for the advice. My first firearm purchase was a Ruger GP100. Three inch barrel. 357 Magnum. Model#1715. Truly like the revolver and enjoy shooting it.
Buffalo bore sells specially 454 Cassul . On their website they tell people specifically it's the only ammo they don't load to its maximum pressure because when you do you can have crimp problems. They have a 325 grain bullet thats going 1525 ft per sec. That's big enough and fast enough to stop any large animal in the entire North American continent, let alone Central and South America.
Guy at 2:12 looking and thinking to himself man I might as well pack my shit up and go home.. lol awsome video brotha just bought myself one today can't wait to shoot it
Lol, he was a pretty good sport about it, but his expressions are priceless. Have fun shooting that beast!
Exactly bro I was crackin up !!!! 😂
Great job Nightwood I have one I just bought a couple of months ago haven't had the chance to shoot the Beast yet but can't help myself from handling it everyday such a handsome gun can't wait to shoot it.
It's definitely an awesome handcannon! It's like it has a personality of its own! You'll enjoy shooting it, for sure!
I have found with my Ruger's, to remove the trigger/hammer mechanisms and finely stone all the flat surfaces. no polish, no lighter springs, just stone all the flat and 90 degree surfaces. world of difference in the trigger after that.
Love mine. Trigger is alright but that is easily remedied with new springs and removing burrs, polishing, and a few shims. The 45colt is stellar in this revolver and in most cases it's all one needs but 454 level is on tap
Had to watch your review again. Seriously thinking about making the tank gun my next purchase. One badass grown man gun! LOL
This firearm is the epitome of manliness! Truly an immortal beast of a handgun!
N frame holster tip was worth the watch. And the crimp julp
Excellent vid!! Just subbed. We lived in grizzlie country Alaskan bush & Buffalo Bore didnt exist yet so HOT homemade loads HAD to be hand loaded. I ran 320 WFN hardcasts @ 1300 FPS. HAD crimp jump & DIDNT know your "trick" Had to beat the damn slug back into its case to free the cylinder. (44 Mag) Ordered a special "roll crimp" die that curls the rims edge into the cannelure & then REcrimped the rounds w the regular squeeze crimp die forcing the rolled in rim deep into the cannelure. That ended the jump problem. Only works w hard cast lead slugs thou. Did the same w my super hot 45/70 bear thumpers too. They too tried to dislodge in the magazine tube from the massive recoil which screws w their proper cycling in the Marlin 1895s. Had thoes loads (420 grain WFN hard casts @ 2100 FPS) Double crimped too.
I owned one of these and put many rounds through it. Most were .45 colt because I don't live where anything worthy of the .454 Casull lives. I love it because of the very wide range of .45 colt ammo available. I kick myself on a fairly regular basis for selling it.
I thought the trigger was great and never had an issue with it. I thought then and still think it's one of the finest revolvers made. By the way, crimp jump is an ammo issue and if .454 will crimp jump in this revolver, it will crimp jump in any revolver and, .454 isn't the only caliber that does it. As you said, be sure to test your ammo, regardless of what revolver your firing.
On the topic of crimp jump,,,
Get a lee classic loader kit ,,, 45 long colt
The hammer it style
Put your planned rounds in
Tap tap tap,
In theory that should give that added insurance of no crimp jump,,,
Good idea!
Hi Bret, I have the Ruger 454 Casull Toklat 5" barrel I never had the crimp jump problem yet, I also do not use Magtech ammo. Hornady, Federal and Underwood is my ammo of choice. Thanks for explaining that problem and also how to clear it.
I really like the Toklat model. I will probably own it at some point. In my opinion it is a great compromise between a snubby and a "full size" big bore revolver.
great video, seriously I watched about 2 dozen bids on the Alaskan and this has to be in the top 3. Looking at this, or the snubbie 460 or 500. Thanks!
I don't know that we can blame a gun for crimp jump. And I see this gun right now at several stores online for $760. Nice vid
If i were to rate this gun from 1-10..... Id say it goes to 11!! 🤘
Awesome video. Truly enjoy my Ruger Revolver GP100 Model #1715. Really like the Alaskan.
I love mine. Planning on getting a second one for my wife. She loves shooting it too.
Awesome shotting! You had ZERO flinch on that seventh shot at 2:19, I had to rewind and show my wife, she was impressed too!
EXCELLENT trigger control.
Excellent review thanks a lot for sharing and taking the time to explain, The beast with a dark secret, unknowingly you may have saved the life of hunters, hikers, etc, yes reliability is a must, A Must, very invaluable review, for that price it should work flawlessly period, again thanks a lot.
Lobo Loco = lt will RUN FLAWLESSLY = JUST dont use MAGTECH AMMO
Lobo Loco = lT will run FLAWLESSLY = JUST NEVER USE MAGTECH AMMO
Very nice work! Love the Ruger Alaskan! I'm considering purchasing the Toklat version!
You should do a follow up. Do u still have this gun?
You are very well spoken. Great....to the point reviews. You are right about the crimp jump in the alaskan.....mine jumped crimp with hard cast loads all the time.....I traded it in....
Your using scrap ammo
@@tracym1208 BUFFALO BORE is not "scrap" ammo.
Crazy thought, How practical, and or effective would milling 2 thousands off the head of the bullet be, and what do you think that would equate to in grams lost?
Old timer at 2:15 getting ready to shoot his 22 lr lol 😆
You could just load it with extremely hot .45 colt above normal .44 power levels which would completely negate any possibility of crimp jump. It would probably be almost as effective against a bear and would definitely be more controllable for follow up shots
Ethan Ciantar , Not always bud. I load HOT 44 mag bear rounds & HAD crimp jump. (320 grain WFN hard casts @ 1300 FPS) HAVE TO DOUBLE CRIMP EVERY ROUND!! First the roll crimp & then the squeeze crimp which really pushes the "roll" edge deep into the slug. No problems since. I live full time in grizzly country & out there 1 mistake will be your LAST mistake. Cant do this w copper jackets. MUST be hard cast lead w DEEP cannelures. Bears dont give u a "second chance".
nice gun handling, pardner
Great Vid!!! I own this firearm and you are on point...
Great review. I love mine. Enjoying your channel
you deserve more thumbs up! thanks for the video very important things to know!
Nice review bro!!! 👍🏼
Pacific Rim. Top 3 favorite movies! Look into the Rossi R92. Just in case you need 9 rounds instead of six.
Pacific Rim is one of my favs, too! And I had a R92 and sold it (still regret that) But I kept my Rossi Rio Grande in .45-70
@@NightwoodGuns preach!
From looking into it 454casull vs 45-70 out of a 16,18,20 inch barrel 454 casull out performs 45-70 by 10,15,20% respectively. All that performance AND $1.00+ a round cheaper than 45-70.
I enjoyed your video. And you handle recoil like a boss.
The absolutely worst trigger I have ever felt on a revolver was on a S&W 686. It was pure junk.
How does the recoil feel on that firearm? Shooting the 454 cartridge? Thank you. Great video!
It’s pretty substantial. Better than a .500 or .460 but it definitely has more punch than a .44 mag.
Thank you.@@NightwoodGuns
@@FlipFlopandFly 😎👍
Crimp jump - with higher powered but lightweight revolvers... Holy shi...!! I never knew about this; gotta keep safe! 😨
thanks much..i had never heard of crimp jump before...
Crimp jump is an ammo issue, not a gun issue. Higher pressure ammo using taper crimp instead of roll crimp can do that to you.
Then do you know why it doesn't it happen with the same ammo in my 7.5" Ruger .454? I've shot them side by side with the same ammo and it only happens with the Alaskan. But, I do agree that it is "mostly" an ammo/crimping issue which is why I said in the video to test your ammo.
good camera presence... you got a job kid!
Great video. Looking at Ruger Redhawk Alaskan, S&W 629 Performance Center and S&W 629 Deluxe 3" for CCW , which would you recommend and why? Thanks. TRUE ROMANCE or PULP FICTION?
Can’t go wrong either way. Personally, I’d go 629 Performance Center because it’s got mad drip and is easier to find than the Alaskan. If you don’t want to drop that much scratch, the Deluxe will do 😎 If you can find an Alaskan, it’s a hot piece of iron and I’d take it in a heartbeat.
@@NightwoodGuns Thanks for your quick response. I am going with the Alaskan. Something about the 629 PC just doesn't do it for me.
@@USAisAntiWhite Great choice 🤙
I'm akways amazed by the subjective nature of recoil. the free recoil is objectively what it is... but how you feel it, amazing. And body size, strength etc, it's not everything.
I'm a little older than you, totally out of shape, mild carpel tunnel... and I love my model 29 with wood grips (though I have my limits), but recently tried a 4 inch s&w 500... it was easy. it was fun... it was kinder than my smith m29.
I want to try one of these.
Crimp jump is an ammo issue. It can happen with any revolver. I agree about the trigger at that price point they could have tuned it like they do for their gp100 match champion version which has an excellent trigger
Same ammo didn’t jump crimp in the 7.5” Super Redhawk after this vid. The Alaskan is just light enough to make the cheaper rounds jump crimp. Agreed on trigger though 👍
@@NightwoodGuns yes it is more likely in a lighter revolver. My point was ammo quality plays a big part. I have had 38spl reloads experience bullet pull in a j frame revolver.good quality manufactured for caliber cartridges should not “jump crimp” regardless of what revolver they are fired from. Was not trying to argue just to point out that this issue Is not exclusive to big bore revolvers
@@googlechicken No argument intended, you are correct 👍 I’ve also seen it happen a lot in smaller revolvers chambered in 9mm since it has a weaker crimp. Intended to be fired from a semi auto.
Crimp jump is not a gun flaw. If it was a gun flaw, it could be fixed. Your understanding of guns is good.. Just have a tad more to learn.
A lighter weight or shorter barreled revolver can be more susceptible to crimp jump than a heavier or longer barreled revolver due to physics. Since this video I have shot the same ammo through a Ruger Super Redhawk .454 with a 7.5" barrel and I did not experience crimp jump. I agree that it is mostly ammo related, but it is not accurate to claim that it has nothing to do with the gun.
As you’ve been told already, jump has nothing to do with the recolver period. It has everything to do with the actual crimp on the case and bullet design to accept a heavy crimp if need be. Glad to see you made a video on this gun, make more!
have one and Love it!!
😢 Lions, Tigers, and Bears. Got it! But Mister the morning wood, I will pass on taking on those Pacific Rim critters
Might need something a bit bigger for those…