Ruger's powerhouse .454 Alaskan: a Pert-near perfect packin' pistol

Guns Magazine, Oct, 2005 by John Taffin

Ain't Yer Grandaddy's Pistol

How well does it shoot? A more relevant question is how well does it shoot in my hands? If I'm feeling really good and if I'm really concentrating and if I'm feeling very relaxed with no stress and if and if and if. If all of those "ifs" come together correctly, I will guarantee four out of six shots in approximately 1" at 20 yards. After four shots, the groups open up and the best 1 will normally deliver is all six shots within about 2 1/2". For what this sixgun is designed for, serious up close encounters, that is entirely adequate.

The accompanying chart provides muzzle velocities of all three level loads as well as some comparisons of velocities with the longer 9 1/2" barrel. The accepted rule of thumb is normally a loss of 50 fps for every 1" of barrel or about 350 fps comparing the Alaskan to the standard Super Redhawk .454. However the loss turned out to be quite a bit less, and I was definitely surprised at the muzzle velocities obtained with such a short barrel. A 260-grain bullet at 1,535 fps or a 300-grain bullet at 1,345 1ps remains a lot of power from such a short barrel. What Good Is It?

The Ruger Alaskan .454 will probably find great favor as a perfect packin' pistol for those who spend much time outdoors in bear country. There are many handguns capable of taking the big bears cleanly and quickly in a hunting situation. However, everything changes when the bear becomes the hunter. No rifle or handgun is big enough when the tables are turned, lf I ever found myself in such a situation, I would hope my life insurance is paid up. I've lived a good life, and especially I would hope and pray to be able to place my shots, or more likely one shot, quickly and in the right spot. The Alaskan carries easily and should be able to deliver in such a situation if everything else is right. I like this big-little or little-big sixgun, however one chooses to view it. Ruger has another big-bore Alaskan--the .480 Ruger, and I hope they also bring out a .44 Magnum version.

.45 COLT FACTORY AMMO PERFORMANCE

LOAD;                     VELOCITY        VELOCITY       DIFFERENCE
(brand, bullet)           (2 1/2"         (9 1/2"         (between
                        barrel, fps)    barrel, fps)    lengths, fps)

BUFFALO BORE 260 JHP       1,155            N/A              N/A
BUFFALO BORE 300 JFN       1,147           1,335            (188)
BUFFALO BORE 325 LBT       1,095           1,332            (237)
COR-BON  P 300 JSP         1,023           1,289            (266)

.45 COLT HANDLOADS

BULLET                    POWDER           CHARGE         VELOCITY
(brand, weight, type)     (brand)     (weight, grains)     (fps)

NEI 325KT                  H110              21             903
OREGON TRAIL 255 SWC      Unique            8.0             708
OREGON TRAIL 250 RNFP    Nitro 100          6.0             688

.454 FACTORY AMMO PERFORMANCE

LOAD;                       VELOCITY         VELOCITY       DIFFERENCE
(brand, bullet)             (2 1/2"          (9 1/2"         (between
                          barrel, fps)     barrel, fps)      lengths)

BUFFALO BORE 300 JFP         1,288             N/A             N/A
BUFFALO BORE 325 LBT         1,318             N/A             N/A
BUFFALO BORE 350 LBT         1,175             N/A             N/A
COR-BON 300 JSP              1,345            1,515            170
COR-BON 335 HARD CAST        1,271            1,508            237
WINCHESTER 260               1,537            1,803            266
  PARTITION GOLD HP

SUPER REDHAWK ALASKAN

Sturm, Ruger, 200 Ruger Road
Prescott, AZ 86301, www.ruger.com

ACTION TYPE:        Double Action
CALIBER:            454 Casull, .45 Colt (tested), .480 Ruger
CAPACITY:           6 Rounds
BARREL LENGTH:      2 1/2"
OVERALL LENGTH:     7 5/8"
WEIGHT:             42 ounces
FINISH:             Stainless Steel
SIGHTS:             Adjustable rear, ramp front
STOCK:              Hogue "Tamer" Finger Groove Monogrip
PRICE:              $819