When I was in Alaska last year, there were .480 Ruger versions in several gunshops, but I never saw a .454/.45 - I kept getting told either that A) the .454 was more popular, and therefore always sold out; or B) Ruger wants to push the .480 Ruger, so is making far fewer .454's.

Now, 90% of the time I was happy carrying my 7.5-in .44 Super Blackhawk in a cross-draw holster, but it did get in the way while fly-fishing, and is difficult to wear with a backpack.

Thinking about heading back to Alaska next year for some more serious backcountry fishing than what we did last year, and I'm thinking that the Ruger Alaskan in .454/.45 would be a great, quickly-deployable sidearm for bear country.

Anyone own/shot one?  Thoughts/opinions?

flcracker

It looks like Ruger just restarted production on the 454 Alaskans because I've been seeing some pop up on gunbroker.com in the last couple of weeks. There are a couple of good reviews on both the 480 and 454 versions at gunblast.com

I just bought one yesterday at a show.  Haven
I think it would be perfect for the role you describe.  

I don't know if I would trust a 454 or 480 to stop a big bear, especially out a short barrel. It might kill the bear but will it kill it fast enough so it does not kill you before it wonders off and dies??? I'd opt for a 45-70 or larger in big bear country.

A 4 5/8 Blackhawk chambered for the 45 Colt can match the Alaskan and a 5.5 will humiliate it. (at less than 1/2 the price.)

Ive shot the 480. Nice gun pretty accurate and not nearly as bad on the recoil as I was expecting.