I recently got my hands on the Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot and took it out for a spin at the range. Man, it was an experience. Now, don’t get me wrong, Ruger usually offers quality firearms. But, oh boy, did I encounter some Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot Problems that left me scratching my head.
I’ll talk about weight, firing issues, those frustrating “failure to fire” moments, and even the issues with the trigger, cylinder, and grip.
I want to ensure you know what you’re getting into with the Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot.
Overview of Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot & their Solutions
| Problem | Solution Instruction |
| Weight Issue | Use shooting gloves and invest in a sturdy holster |
| Firing Issue | Go to a gunsmith for fine-tuning |
| Failure To Fire | Change ammo and consult a gunsmith if needed |
| Problem with the Trigger | Swap out for a custom trigger |
| Cylinder Problem | Regular cleaning and gentle handling |
| Grip Problem | Replace the grip with one that suits you |
Top 6 Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot Problems & Solutions
1. Weight Issue
Let me tell you, the moment I picked up the Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot, I knew I was holding something substantial.
This gun clocks in at almost 50 ounces, folks. That’s heavy, especially if you plan to carry it around all day. Ruger designed it to be a mountain gun, and yeah, it’s as tough as nails.
But if you’re like me and feel the weight pulling on your arm during extended use, you’ll want a fix.
Solution
So, you can’t shave off pounds from this tank of a gun, but I found a couple of things that help with the heft. First off, shooting gloves.
A good pair really helps you get a better grip and eases the strain on your hand and wrist. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Secondly, don’t skimp on a holster.
You need a sturdy one that can comfortably distribute the weight. When I upgraded to a quality holster, it made all the difference in the world.
2. Firing Issue
Alright, here’s something that caught me off guard. I had a couple of instances where the Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot failed to fire.
Light primer strikes were the culprits, and trust me, that’s not something you want to happen when you’re relying on a gun, especially in high-stress situations.
This issue seemed more prominent when using the gun in double action. Not something you expect from a gun built like a tank, right?
Solution
So, what did I do? First, I tried different ammo, thinking maybe the issue was there. But the problem persisted. Then, I considered adjusting the firing pin, but unless you’re a seasoned gunsmith, don’t tinker with the hammer yourself.
I went to a professional gunsmith for some fine-tuning. After shaving off a tiny bit from the face of the hammer, the problem was gone.
If you face this issue, my advice? Head straight to an experienced gunsmith. It’s the safest and most effective route.
3. Failure To Fire
So here’s another layer to the “failure to fire” issue. Sometimes, it’s not just about the gun’s mechanics; it’s about the ammo, too. I found that pulling the trigger didn’t always guarantee a shot.
Even worse, there were instances where the cartridge was jammed in there. Can you imagine? A bullet stuck halfway down the barrel—that’s a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful.
Solution
First things first, I changed the ammo. Surprisingly, this solved the problem for the most part. Seems like the primer was the issue.
So, if you find yourself in the same boat, switch out your ammo. But if that doesn’t work, it’s time to dig deeper. I had the gun looked over by a gunsmith to rule out mechanical issues like the firing pin, hammer, or cylinder being off.
If there’s a problem that changing ammo won’t fix, a skilled gunsmith should be your next stop. They can repair it themselves or send it to Ruger for professional service.
4. Problem with the Trigger
Here’s another one that got under my skin—the stock trigger. Listen, if you’re going to build a gun as robust as the Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot, the least you can do is make the trigger reliable.
I found that pulling the trigger felt awkward and inconsistent. That little bit of lurch was enough to mess with my aim, and, well, you don’t want that.
Worse still, this sometimes led to a fire failure because the transfer bar wasn’t properly aligned.
Solution
So, what to do? First, I gave it time. The double-action trigger needs a moment to reset, and you’ve got to adapt to that. But if you’re still not happy, let’s talk tweaks. I started by changing out smaller parts like the hand, rebound lever, and mainspring.
There was some improvement there, but not enough for me. So, I went the extra mile and swapped out the entire stock trigger for one I preferred. If you’re as picky as me, just go straight to a custom trigger. It’ll save you a lot of headaches.
5. Cylinder Problem
In the heat of the moment, the last thing you want is your cylinder locking up, right? But that’s exactly what happened to me with the Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot. I’m at the range one minute, and the cylinder’s jammed the next.
It felt like a betrayal, honestly. When I looked into it, the likely culprit was carbon buildup on the cylinder face.
The way the forcing cones and chambers have to line up, even a small issue can lock the cylinder. Frustrating, to say the least.
Solution
The solution wasn’t too complicated, fortunately. Step one, clean that gun like your life depends on it—because sometimes it does.
Regular maintenance is key. I even put it on my calendar so I wouldn’t forget. The other thing don’t go throwing your gun around. I learned that hard impacts could mess up the internal components. So, be gentle with it.
After I kept up with cleaning and treated my gun with more care, the cylinder issue vanished.
6. Grip Problem
Ah, the grip issue. Trust me, I was stoked to try out the Ruger Redhawk, but I couldn’t shake the discomfort while holding it. Twenty rounds in, and my hand was begging for a break.
It was like the left panel of the grip was poking a nerve or something. It felt like trying to write with a pencil that’s too small—you can do it, but why would you want to? And I knew I couldn’t be the only one facing this.
Solution
Let’s cut to the chase. If the grip’s not working for you, change it. Easy as pie. I went for the Pachmayr Presentation and also gave the Gripper Decelerator a whirl.
Both were good, but the Gripper Decelerator was like a hug for my hand, especially when firing heavier loads.
Trust me, swapping the grip was a game-changer. If you’re after a comfortable shooting experience, look no further. Change that grip, and keep on shooting!
Verdict
Alright, let’s wrap this up. The Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot is a beast, no doubt about it. Its sturdy build is both a strength and a weakness; it’s heavy but reliable.
However, my time at the range revealed a series of issues, from weight to firing inconsistencies. Good news? All these problems have solutions. There is a little tune-up here, a grip change there, and this gun goes from frustrating to fantastic.
While it’s far from a plug-and-play experience, investing the time and resources to tackle its shortcomings can result in a firearm you’ll trust and enjoy using.
FAQ’s
Does Ruger make an 8-shot 357 Magnum?
Yes, Ruger makes an 8-shot 357 Magnum, specifically the Ruger Redhawk 357 8 Shot.
Is it bad to shoot 38 out of a 357?
No, you can safely shoot 38 Special cartridges in a 357 Magnum gun.
Is a 357 more powerful than a 9mm?
Yes, the 357 Magnum is generally more powerful than a 9mm, with higher muzzle energy.
