James

I remember the first Redhawk I got to actually handle. It was in a gun shop in St. Joseph MO. I couldn't begin to afford it at the time (final year in college) but told the dealer I would someday own one.

Shortly after graduation with a decent job "someday" came. It was a 7 1/2" SS 44. Traded that one for the first 5 1/2" I saw and took my first handgun deer with that one in 1984. I still have that 5 1/2" as well as two more in 45 Colt. I have had a few other 44's pass through my hands. Had one with cut outs for a scope but just never warmed up to the optic on them.

So to answer your question, YES I like my Redhawks. Anytime I shot a 44 Mag it always had to stack up to the Big Red. Some have come pretty close, but none have surpassed them in my opinion for all of the reasons you mentioned. They are bull strong and can handle just about any load you can assemble. The replaceable front sight is one of its greatest features and like you I have the Bowen taller sight for the heavyweights.

If anything has been a challenge with the Redhawk it is grip selection. The factory grip feels fine until I shoot them.

I have a box full of grips that I have tried for the Redhawk and finally settled on the cheapest of the lot. That would be the Uncle Mike's (Butler Creek) rubber finger groove stocks. Makes them down right comfortable now.

I really like the looks of your blued gun. Have never owned one of those. Always thought a blued 41 would be a dandy.

Dan