So after a few months of “ analysis paralysis” and intensive research, I finally settled on a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in 454 Casull as my new “densely populated inner city bear and moose  defense gun”. (or maybe I’m just buying into a fantasy that allows me to dream about escaping to the mountains).


Either way, I found that none of the regular dealers who are selling them at $1,100-$1,200 msrp seem to have them in stock and gunbroker has them listed for $1500.00 on average. Is Ruger just in between production runs and I should wait for more to come in stock, or am I screwed and I might as well bite the bullet, and pay the markup to get one sooner?

MSRP is $1,509 per Ruger's website.

https://ruger.com/products/superRedhawkAlaskan/specSheets/5301.html?buy=1

I looked at the Alaskan, but I didn't like the very short barrel, so I went with this one.

https://ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5044.html

Attached File

I know I would never shoot 454 and went this way instead:

Attached File


Work with those Ruger Only Buffalo Bore loads.

Five on GB, including one at $999 and no bids.

I work for one of the 15 Ruger distributors.  We have not had that gun (RUG05301) since early September of 2022.

Do you have any idea as to why?

We have a bunch of them on a PO, so that means they are still available to be ordered and will be manufactured.  That is really all that can be known outside of the higher ups at the factories.

Guns like that have always been batch run with Ruger.  Its just gotten worse due to all the same "supply chain" and labor issues everyone is experiencing.  Inflation and the downturn have not helped.  These are just guesses but its not surprising. Its pretty clear in their public filings they are struggling with demand.

"We continually review independent distributor sell-through data and inventory trends, and channel inventories of several of our
product families remain below desired levels. We continue to adjust our level of production and product mix to better align our output with current, and expected, consumer demand as we strive to capitalize on these opportunities and better satisfy demand."

"The decrease in gross margin for the six months ended July 1, 2023 is attributable to a product mix shift toward products with relatively lower margins that remain in relatively stronger demand"

My guess is they are producing goods they know have demand right now and they might not be seeing high enough of a demand for those revolvers to run a large batch.

My guess…. They are busy making sub compact pistols and AR rifles. Revolvers are relatively labor intensive to produce…

I'm the same.  I wish they could make the alaskan with about 1" more barrel on it.

I wasn't looking full time, but over 3 years I filled out a lot of "notify mes" before I was able to land a blackhawk convertible. And even then I settled for the 4" instead of the slightly longer bbl because I didn't want to wait any longer.

ABSOLUTELY!

Alaskan with just a bit more barrel you say? Super Redhawk Toklat is what you seek.


Alternatively an Alaskan in 480 Ruger should also scratch that itch with a bit less abusive recoil and muzzle blast.

This picture I found of arf sent me searching for my Toklat. She's heavy and I've never fired a 454 but it eats my heavy .45 colt loads with ease.
Attached File

I fired ONE round of 454 through my brother’s gun and handed it back to him.  He told me I could finish the rest in the cylinder and I declined.

45LC was pleasant.

I used to own one. Sold it after the percussion blow the cap off my tooth twice in one summer shooting at an indoor range. 2 1/2 inch barrel is a bit to short. Asked Ruger if they could make a 3 inch version. Never happened. Mine was in 44 mag.

I've shot a fair amount of .454 but in a freedom arms. I think the barrel was 7" maybe.
Couldn't imagine getting a rapid second shot off with a 2 1/2" barrel.

That's got to be pretty tough recoil.

My Gemini custom .44 Alaskan.


Attached File