Ruger Alaskan 44 Magnum: Still the top Option for Alaska Bear Defense 

I am not an expert but Hobbits at least in my zip code use 380 caliber. It is important not to confuse the nomes with the Hobbits the nomes use 410 or 22mag. They both cam be uptty and are notorious for being short with people as well as underarmed for cyotes and some larger ferrel cats.

I’m a larger man and this is my everyday carry I absolutely love it!!!!!!!!!

So glad to know that my Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in .44 Magnum wheel gun is still relevant in a world of polymer 10mm, you polymer kids get off my lawn. Thanks for the video. (:

Just use hot .45 Colt in the .454! Hot, but manageable! Hot .45 Colt is pretty near .44 Magnum.. just my opinion!

I have one and love it! I also have a 4” Redhawk in .44 mag. I love the .44 magnum & I chose Ruger for the ruggedness as well. They will hold up better than Smith’s with heavy loads like Buffalo Bore and Double Tap. In some cases the ammo box will say for use in Ruger Redhawk, Super Redhawk only not for use in Smith & Wesson revolvers. That’s the really hot stuff though. In .357 I have a GP100 & SP101 both with 4” barrels. The only correction for the video is the Alaskan grips are actually Hogue grips not Pachmayr and they have a gel insert to cushion recoil from the palm of your hand. They’re so comfortable that I put them on my GP100 as well. They fit because the GP100 & Alaskan both have the same size grip frame extension.

Just picked mine up a few weeks ago and I love it!!! Hands down one of the most versatile weapons I have ever owned. I sold my g29 due to reliability issues with feeding. Absolutely not an issue with this. I'm quickly becoming a revolver dude.

Mine turned out to be a very solidly built revolver that's built like a tank. The lockup and timing is good. It's a very hefty wheel gun and pleasant to shoot when using 44 special ammo. The overall fit and finish is really good. I like the grip a lot just the way it comes from the factory. This is definitely one of those guns that can last a lifetime. A very sexy revolver

I have the 454 model. Lot of fun to shoot.

I really enjoy the revolver analysis and comments. Super impressed with some USA 🇺🇸 ammo manufacturers can produce such high quality +p+ hot loads. Rugar is a great maker of robust guns. Go well

I always wanted the Ruger Alaskan. Never bought one and the reason is because I have the Smith & Wesson 44 magnum 4 inch mountain gun. Sits in Alaskan guide holster. Only black bears in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York. Lately I bring my model 2910 MM on my model 19 2 1/2 inch barrel 357. Great video.

I bought a Diamond D several years ago (on your recommendation) and I love it with my very beefy S&W 500... The larger caliber is necessary here in Florida as the Cockroaches are humongous!

If a person can master it, if they can use it to shoot reasonably quickly and not miss when it counts, the .44 is much more decisive and disabling than the 10mm. A 300+ grain hard .429 bullet will plow through a bear from head to chest or through heavy shoulders in a way that the 10mm just can’t quite match. But it requires no misses and a very cool disposition under stress. Not nearly as forgiving as a Glock 10.

I'll NEVER get rid of mine! Super fun to shoot.

I can see why the chunky look of the Alaskan is appealing and it has been marketed to be so, but IMO and IME I believe in 44 magnum caliber the Ruger Redhawk 4" is a better option. The slightly smaller frame of the Redhawk over the Super Redhawk, makes for a more easily carried Revolver, which is sill capable of firing the hottest 44 mag ammo out there, if you want to. However the real benefit is the improved ballistics (as much as 200fps, depending on the ammo) and reduced muzzle blast and flash that a 4" barrel provides. The Redhawk is more compact and easier to carry despite the longer barrel. The Redhawk also has a nice trigger pull, mine is better in both single and double action than my S&W 29. If you want to go with one of the more powerful rounds than 44 magnum, then the Alaskan makes more sense, but for me 44 magnum gives decent power while still being controllable and accurate, with relatively fast follow up shots. For hip carry I highly recommend the Simply Rugged pancake holster, all day comfortable and works as well for concealed carry, when you return to civilization heading home.

I have a couple of .44 mag guns, 1 is a taurus .44 mag comp with a 61/2" barrel, stainless steel and real handy.

I have the 454 Casull Alaskan with Wolff Reduced power hammer springs, Medium Dot Nightsight and Rear Nightsight with a Diamond D holster. Very comforting when a wall of fur is wandering around the camp site.

Smith and wesson revolvers are classic looking, slim and svelte in classic lines like a beautiful Ferarri. The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan is a stout, chunky and powerful, more like a fully kitted out a armored MRAP vehicle.

It’s just perfect, love it ,I have a 44 magnum but it’s a encore carbine with a 12 inch barrel

From Colorado so its a bit overkill here and I usually carry a 357 outdoors, but I had the opportunity to actually fly this bad boy from my collection to Alaska for my honeymoon this summer (yeah, not the norm but was so worth it). Until then, it was just a fun range toy really, but now its got a special place in my heart that will last a lifetime! I did carry in a chest holster with buffalo bore +p+. Personally, I think its super accurate and east to handle. Luckily I never had to use it, but we were close to some grizzlies at various points. Great review, I will have to check out your other videos!

Ya shooting BB 340 grainers through mine is some serious power.

Ruger GP 100, 357 magnum is my choice for Montana. It's right up there with the 10mm power wise. That's what Chuck says anyway.

I've had mine for more than a dozen years. I only ever shoot BB 340 grain HC LFN +P+, but I want to try some of those Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator loads by Underwood. I call it, "Bear Spray".

Awsome choice chuke. Works for up close in personal and packs a big punch and hole

Love the cartridge, I prefer a little longer barrel. Mine is a 5.5.

Just got mine from a local pawn shop. Got a sweet deal too. Can't wait to shoot it!

Great video, Chuke. I will agree with you on loving the beefiness of the Ruger revolvers. I carry a SP101 in .357 around here on the farm, but being in Tennessee, we don't have bears (unless you're in the Smoky's). However, if I was up there and preparing for Alaska bears, I believe I would go ahead and carry a longer barrel. Probably the 629. I like my 10mm Glock but agree that the .44 is probably better. Thanks.

This is my literal dream revolver. I've been born and raised in the rocky mountains of Montana and as soon as my broke college ass graduates, I am going to pick one up. I want one so bad.

A truly gorgeous revolver

I have this exact gun and I love it. Loved it so much I bought the super Redhawk Alaskan in 454 as well. 100% agree with your comment on recoil. My 454 kicks like a mule compared to the 44.

I think this is my fav channel. Right up there anyway. Always click when I see a new one. Keep em coming

I opted for the.454 version. More versatile with the ability to use 45 Colt

Still a great gun! I remember the first video on this revolver, very cool.

Looking forward to this particular video. I have the Ruger Alaskan 44 magnum. I also had the Ruger Alaskan 454 casull. I've shot both extensively, and found the 44 magnum to be a better option. Both calibers are extremely accurate in the 2.5" Alaskan out to 25 yards. I found out, when shooting the 454 Alaskan, I had to grip it super tight, to achieve the same accuracy as when shooting the 44 magnum Alaskan. Follow up shots were also slower. I also can use the 340gr +P+ 44 magnum load to enter the 454 realm if I need to. So being more manageable, and ( less painful), with a wider variety of caliber options both in 44 special and 44 magnum, I decided on the Ruger Alaskan 44 magnum. I also had the Ruger Redhawk Kodiak 2.75" 44 mag which was just as accurate as the Alaskans. However I decided on the Alaskan model, over the Kodiak, because of its more hefty one piece frame design encasing the barrel, and more comfortable grip for shooting.

Great looking revolver.

S&W makes fine 357’s, I have a few, but my 3” GP100 7 shot Wiley Clapp is as smooth as any of my S&W’s and significantly more robust. Same when I compare my Alaskan to my 629’s.

The SuperRedHawk Alaskan is just a cut down SuperAlaskan. The barrel was cut off from the original stepped down design. Just a massive frame that can break someone's skull if you crack it down hard. I have it behind my pillow but loaded woth Hornady .44 Specials as home defense. With .44 specials, it duplicates the. 45 ACP. If I'm out in the woods of Idaho, it rides in a chest holster with MagTech .44 magnum jacketed soft points. In Idaho. We don't have much in the way of big brown bears. So I prefer my 1911 .45 ACP mainly for 2 legged predators.

Honestly if I had found an Alaskan I probably would have bought it. I own a first year 9.5" ruger super redhawk. They're great guns. They also are well built.

Dam right i live in sandusky ohio. Just got me one. Love it.

It’s a work of art congratulations!

I own this revolver and LOVE it. I use it for hunting/backpacking in the western states. It’s a beautiful, refined sidekick. Everyone I’m with wants to shoot it. Thanks for the content.

Love my Redhawk .44 but could only find the 7 1/2". 😆. Never saw the Just In Case holster, beautiful!

44 mag just plain works. It's just such a perfect balance of everything. It hits hard, doesn't beat you up too much on recoil. Has good frontal diameter and bullet weights. The ft-lbs are great for a pistol. And follow up shots arent horrible. I love my sw629

Real fun and accuracy when you shoot 44 SPL in it =love it

Got 4 mins into this and subscribed! Love your demeanor, love your way, love your resolute, subscribed

Chuke's a good dude but a horrible shot, I can hit a soup can at 100 yards with a smoothbore 12 gauge slug. Only takes me 200 shots 🤣

Thanks. I love this Redhawk. I Inherited one from a friend. I'm practicing at 25 ft. Slower is better. Great video. Subed ,like, commented. Sea you out there ⛵

I have a s&w model 69 4.25" 44 mag and its awesome. Accurate at distance and I only shoot double action one handed. I think the excellent trigger really makes that sort of confident 1handed double action accuracy possible. I'm sure the ruger alaskan's extra redundant metal helps with negating ultra powerful +p+ frame strain and recoil, it looks like a fine gun. I tested the alaskan in a gun store and hated the trigger though. My s&w is built strong enough to handle very powerful 44 mag, fast and accurately. The tradeoff is 5 shots of 44 vs the usual 6, but realistically, I doubt I'll need more than 1 or 2 44 magnum shells against any bear encounter. *edit* I'm a hunter in black bear and occasional brown bear country, for what it's worth.

Awesome gun, awesome video!

I have one in .480 Ruger. No bears or mountain lions where I live, but a number of other predatory types abound. In the woods or on the trail. I got it covered!

10 mm is not enough for a Grizzly. Inexperienced people are hung up on having a magazine with 15 bullets. If a grizzly charges, it would be a miracle to get one or two accurate shots. If using a semiautomatic and you misfire or have to clear the jam, your dead. So go with a 44 mag revolver.

I love the DA on my SP101

I love my 44 Magnum Bob Elkhart Indiana🇺🇸👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

This gun will always shine on the map no matter what‼️Of the guns, I fired a 44 Magnum was never 1. At the moment I am curious to know the power first hand ✔️✔️

I began with and learned handgunning with a Redhawk. Never got around to buying Super Redhawk, though it has a cosmetic appeal that speaks power n durability. When seconds count and there's only time for 2 or 3 shots, I'd prefer the .44Mag over 10mm every day of the week. (Who cares at that point if you have three left over or 10?) The Ruger's dual coil linear trigger springs are better to my feel vs the leaf spring construction of my M629. The difference is a flatter graph of the pull weight in double action vs the stacking S&W revolvers are known for. Both are my favorite, if that's possible.

I love these but that toklat is probably my favorite main carry in bear county with 10mm on my side

Love it!!!

Absolutely

That beautiful tool is great. Even in 454 casull. 🔥🔥💪💪🇺🇸🇺🇸

I have one and really like mine ! For home defense i use 44. Special , i has the stopping power and wont go through wall and kill a neighbor like the magnum would . I keep a speed loader full of magnums rounds for bigger problems , mainly black bears

This gun is a Beast.

It's always been said that if you find yourself bored in a deer stand if you've got a Ruger you can just read your gun..... WAY too much stamped on a Ruger.

I have the ruger super redhawk Alaskan in 44mag and the redhawk 44mag 4.2 inch barrel and the g20 the Alaskan for edc I only shoot underwood ammo great stuff I would take the Alaskan and the redhawk over the glock g20 anyday I shoot xtreme penetrators in it

I certainly wouldn't argue with you bout it being a keeper but personally I'll stay with my 629 & a 4-inch barrel 👍

Back to the original

The awesome thing about revolvers is that they don't have a safety, just like a glock.

The 454 Casuall is more powerful than the 44mag. However, Buffalo Bores 44 magnum +p+ is very close to the 454 Casuall at upper levels' I would be very comfortable in bear country with the 44 magnum +p+ load

love having a lil Alaska here in Ohio.... 🙏

I love my w&s 44 mag

Personally I Chose my 5" BARRELED Ruger REDHAWK in .45 Colt... Because I handload I can load a vast amount of Hard hitting or soft loads....you could do the same with the .44 mag but the 340 grain Hammer Head Hard Cast out of my COLT load will do the trick for large BEARS or ELK at close RANGE.

The "trigger feels like a giant staple gun" comment made me laugh. I may steal that (with attribution to you).

I'd take .44 magnum over 10mm... In my opinion if a bear is charging you you're lucky to get off 2 to 3 rounds... I'd rather have those rounds be .44 Magnum or 454 casull.. yes 10mm you have more rounds but that just means you will die with more rounds in your gun... Two to three rounds of 44 magnum versus 10 mm I'll go with the 44 Magnum

The Ruger Super Alaskan is such a beautiful revolver. I always wanted one but they cost a lot and I live in Ohio so I have no use for it here other than a range toy and I won't spend that much for a range toy. I had a buddy who had a Super Alaskan in 480 Ruger but I prefer it in 44 mag. I think Smith & Wesson revolvers look better but the Ruger Super Alaskan outdoes S&W on looks. I don't like the big Super Alaskan on the side of the barrel though. I've hated Smith & Wesson revolvers since the early 2000's when they started putting that stupid Hillary hole key lock in the frame. I haven't bought a S&W revolver since.

These Alaskans are built like a tank. These revolvers in my opinion are worth having for their "big ass revolver" cool factor alone. The Alaskan is a good utilitarian revolver and it does hold up but the key word here is utilitarian. I do understand what their purpose is, but I also wish Ruger had refined these a bit more because they are worth that. The trigger on this thing is terrible, especially the double action pull and its made worse by the really thin trigger shoe. The slop in the cylinder lock up absolutely drove me nuts which is surprising because this thing has 3 locking points for the cylinder. The Satin Stainless finish isnt terrible, but its not great either. Oh and did I mention I absolutely hate the hammer on this revolver. Surprisingly enough though, I still really like this revolver. Since I like it so much, I had to get all these little flaws worked out, so I got in touch with Gemini Customs. We had a couple long conversations and I sent my Alaskan out to them for lots of refinement and a few changes. I really hope I get something back that Im in love with because this shit is costing me a bunch of money, but I do think these Alaskans are worth it.

Beautiful gun but I think this would be perfect with a 3.5 inch barrel .

Great revolver and I'd love to have one. Might be a little overkill for where I live though...

That's a nice carry gun for Alaska, I'd pair it with a .460 Rowland Glock.

LOVE mine Built like a brick s**thouse, eats everything I can load into it, and throws basketball size fireballs Whenever anyone wants to shoot a "real gun" or wants to be Billy Badass at the range, I hand them this "Count Chonkula" always humbles them haha

Good vid Chuke. Do you still pick the 480 Alaskan over the 44 mag?

We have one in stock at 3 Bears in Palmer

I don't have the Alaskan, but my 7.5" is at Wild West Guns getting a cut and crown down to 5" and a trigger job. Not a fan of the Alaskan and the 7.5" is just not comfortable for all day hikes for me. Ruger makes some awesome stuff though, and all things considered they don't really charge that much for what you actually get.

The Smith 629 3inch de luxe is the one I like as far as a snubbie 44 goes. That Ruger is lovely though, teeny bit heavy and the barrel could be a little longer. If only the 3inch GP 100 44 special was a mag.

Only thing I find wrong with short barrels is they are flame throwers. Can blind you in bad light conditions. Solid, almost indestructible firearm.

I prefer the Glock 10mm because I can hit a target 3 times in the time it takes me to hit one with a revolver. No doubt the 44 mag is better if you can only get one shot off.

Bought one last week

I don't know what the Ruger cost ,but for the best budget 44 I like The Tauras Ti ,light weight ,hang on tight!

Love it, except for the grips. Looks great with gp100 wood insert rubber grips.

I love mine in 44. I just don't know what to do with my 480 Alaskan as ammo is not available, anywhere I look.

Nice pistol, but I'd rather a 45acp+p. Just my preference.

OKAY, OKAY!! I'll get one of these to go with my Ruger Security 6 and XDM 10mms!

454 is great until you miss the charging bear that snuck up on you.

What would be your thoughts on The 41. Rem. Magnum for bear defense...???

you cannot hand a 454 pistol to anyone to use in an emergency and expect the gun to NOT go flying upon one pull of the trigger, and in a feeble/injured /bear attack scenario, the owner might lose control with one shot also.

Not going to go to the Bear's house and shoot him for being there! I understand bear defense but I think the Redhawk belongs in your favorite inner city!

I run S&W 629 5inch. Changed springs and much better trigger

The Ruger Alaskan 44 with Remington UMC 180’s is a fun to shoot! The fireball is visibly orange and about 3 feet in diameter. It goes 3-5 yards and cardboard targets in adjacent lanes will move! Recoil is a bit hard and I use it to cure people of flinching when shooting their Glocks in 9mm.

Dude beautifull pistol. Nice!!

Thanks!

The gun looks deceptively small when sitting by itself. Surprised me to see how it dwarfs the hand that holds it.

The 44 Mag is very nice in the Alaskan....the 454 a bit much with full power loads though you can download to hot 45 Colt's...but that kind of defeats the purpose. A good hard cast 44 mag at full power is going to be very hard for anything alive to shrug off and should penetrate deep enough to do what needs done if you put the bullet in the right place. That's my issue with the 454...in the smaller Alaskan I find it very hard to control fast DA where the 44 Mag is much easier to make good hits quickly. In the full size Super Redhawk the 454 is still a bit lively to do fast DA work...but compared to the Alaskan it's a pussycat.

Very nice firearm!