We are making three posts with five displays and include a short description. If some displayers want to add more detail, please feel free to use the reply function.
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On display is a Ruger Super Redhawk KSRH-21 (model 5506) chambered in .44 magnum. This revolver was produced in March 2000 at the Newport, NH facility.
The significance of this Super Redhawk is the factory 21-inch barrel. Approximately 125 (likely 103) units were produced and shipped as a distributor exclusive to Viking Arms Ltd., Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. The reason for the long barrel is due to the fact that the UK has strict firearms regulations that mandate a minimum barrel length, typically about 12 inches, in order to limit the concealability of handguns for safety amongst civilians. Because this barrel is quite long, many of these long barreled Super Redhawks were cut down by local gunsmiths to the 12-inch length and then a rod (counterweight or “coat hanger”) is welded to the bottom of the grip [see picture] which extends several inches – returning the overall length of the gun to above the required 24 inches (26 ½ inches in this case).
Super Redhawks with the 21-inch barrels were not sold retail here in the United States. According to the letter from the Ruger factory, the units produced were shipped to the UK. This particular KSRH-21 has survived the barrel cutters made the return trip back home to the United States. On the base of the barrel and bottom side of the frame are the British proof marks [pictured below]: London Proof/date code LP/MM – signifying the year proof date of 2000; London Definitive Proof – GP interlaced in cypher surmounted by a Crown; and Definitive nitro (smokeless) powder proof - NP letters surmounted by an Arm Dexter in Armour Embowered, holding a scimitar.
It is unknown how many KSRH-21 Super Redhawks have/have not been cut down, but finding any one of the 103 .44 magnum KSRH-21 is rare, let alone one that has NOT been cut down!
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CALIBER
THE .300H&H
The .300 H&H Magnum cartridge was introduced by the British company Holland &
Holland in June 1925. The case was belted like the .375 H&H Magnum having a narrow
slope rather than the actual shoulder that the more modern Magnums continue to
practice today.
This cartridge was used by American shooter Ben Comfort to win the 1,000-yard
Wimbledon Cup Match at Camp Perry in 1935 and was used again to win the
international 1,000-yard competition in 1937.
The .300 H&H is a fine African plains game cartridge and suitable for all but the most
dangerous big game, it is my go-to caliber for Elk hunting for many years.
STURM RUGER has built some very fine rifles in .300 H&H since 1990 as shown here
on the display are 4 Elegant examples of the fine craftmanship & style.
1 st . Ruger No.1 serial #132-88988 was produced in April 1990 in the Newport, New
Hampshire Facility.
The rifle is designated as a model 1-S and is chamber in .300 H&H shipped in May
1990.
2 nd . Ruger No.1 serial #CB3-00027 was produced in December 2008 in the Newport,
New Hampshire Facility.
The rifle is designated as a model 1-S-KUDU and chamber in the .300 H&H caliber
shipped the same month.
This No.1 is part of the Craig Boddington KUDU series, ‘Hawkeye matte blue, 26”
barrel, Circassian Walnut Stock & African Express Sites. This is Number 3 of 4 in the
special series of Boddington No.1’s.
3 rd . Ruger No.1 serial #134-34088 was produced in April 2011 in Newport, New
Hampshire Facility.
The rifle is designated as a model 1-S chambered in .300 H&H & shipped in
September 2011.
4 th . Ruger M-77 Mark II Rifle Serial #750-01854 produced in September 1998 in
Newport, New Hampshire Facility.
The Rifle is designated as a Model M-77RSM MKII and is chambered in .300 H&H.
It was shipped to Hank Williams, Jr. in Paris, TN in September 1998.
This was a special order for Hank Williams, Jr. in 1998.
And approved to build by Bill Ruger Jr.
Factory Letters & Notes included on this display.
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Seems 50-years ago, France approached Ruger to make for them, the Speed Six and/or Security Six chambered in 9mm but with an extractor that could extract the empties without the use of moon clips or half-moon clips. The idea was sound, but France and Ruger could not get together on a cost agreement, and apparently, since French engineers designed this extractor, Ruger was not willing to give them a royalty on domestic sales. The design was doomed from then on. We know of five of these examples existing in the U.S. I will be showing one at the upcoming Boise Show.
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I have a pair of 60th Anniversary Vaqueros, next is a “Guns and Ammo” Vaquero serial number 14. I have two “Subscription Guns” Vaqueros, serial numbers 18 & 20. Then I’ve got both of Randy Travis’ Vaqueros serial numbered 61. Followed by the only known N.W.T.F. Vaquero. To finish up I’ve included a pair of the Engraved Vaqueros from the late 1990’s. Enjoy, Hank G.