Saturday, July 29, 2006

Big Bore...No, Not Kim du Toit...


Crazy Jay reminds me that I disregard a totally efficient handgun caliber, and since this is true I submit the Ruger .480.

410 grains zipping along at 1200 fps is nothing to sneeze at, and for blackbear or similar sized predators the Alaskan is a fine backup weapon to have handy. Discharges a heavier bullet than the .44 magnum, and has none of the wrist punishing recoil of the .454 Casull. Lighter rounds cranked to high velocity will shed their penetrating power far more readily than well constructed heavier ones, or to put it bluntly, a 200 grain will gets lots slower on impact but a 400 grain ain't getting any smaller. I've fired the shorty's in .480 and was pleasantly surprised at the reasonable kick.

Now if Federal would only make an HST version...

More: The gun pictured is the Ruger Alaskan. The Hogue Grips are terrific in taming recoil but I'd recommend a SERIOUS deburring of the trigger guard and ALL areas your fingers come in contact with. They're tanks, yes, but can evince the occasional burr now and again and will draw blood if not dehorned. Crazy Jay is working on a replacement hammer (different springs as well) that will allow the gun to be fanned. For reasons only he and the good Lord are aware of.

No comments: