Ruger 454 Alaskan Review - The Beast With a Dark Secret

Published on June 7, 2016
Duration: 7:12

This review of the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan, presented by Brett, highlights its potent .454 Casull/.45 Long Colt capability for self-defense against large predators. While powerful and versatile, the review details a potential 'dark secret': crimp jump, where recoil can cause bullets to dislodge and lock the cylinder. Brett provides a practical demonstration on how to clear this malfunction, offering a balanced perspective on the firearm's strengths and weaknesses.

Quick Summary

The Ruger 454 Alaskan, chambered in .454 Casull/.45 Long Colt, is reviewed for its self-defense capabilities against large predators. A key concern is 'crimp jump,' where recoil can dislodge bullets, locking the cylinder. The review demonstrates a clearing technique involving the half-cock hammer position and manual cylinder rotation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction of Ruger 454 Alaskan
  2. 00:34Intended Purpose: Predator Defense
  3. 01:25Caliber Versatility: .454 Casull & .45 Long Colt
  4. 02:02Pros and Novelty
  5. 03:10Cons: Trigger and Price
  6. 04:01The 'Dark Secret': Crimp Jump Explained
  7. 05:41Clearing Malfunctions Demonstration
  8. 06:18Final Rating and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the Ruger 454 Alaskan?

The Ruger 454 Alaskan is primarily designed for self-defense against large, dangerous predators like bears and moose in wilderness environments. Its powerful .454 Casull caliber and robust construction make it suitable for such extreme situations.

What is 'crimp jump' and how does it affect the Ruger 454 Alaskan?

'Crimp jump' occurs when recoil causes the bullet to slide forward out of the cartridge case in unfired chambers. This can prevent the cylinder from rotating, locking up the revolver, a potential issue highlighted in the review of the Ruger 454 Alaskan.

How can you clear a cylinder lock-up caused by crimp jump on the Ruger 454 Alaskan?

To clear a cylinder lock-up from crimp jump, bring the hammer to the half-cock position. Then, gently rotate the cylinder clockwise (to the right) to align the next chamber, allowing you to extract the problematic round or cycle the action.

What are the advantages of the Ruger 454 Alaskan over other large revolvers?

The Ruger 454 Alaskan offers a higher capacity (6 rounds) and a more compact footprint compared to revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 500 or 460, making it a more manageable option for its immense power.

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