The revered Ruger Super Redhawk has been around for some 36 years now, being chambered in a series of powerful cartridges such as the .44 Remington Magnum, .480 Ruger and .454 Casull. Adding to the aforementioned options, in these last weeks of 2023 Ruger is offering its rugged and imposing double-action revolver in .22 Hornet too. An interesting but unusual choice, actually, that makes the latest Super Redhawk variant probably the only production handgun in that caliber available today on the market. A few handguns in that chambering were offered by some manufacturers in the past, but if memory serves us correctly, they are all long discontinued. The .22 Hornet centerfire cartridge, first introduced back in 1930, was originally designed as a rifle round, although it is ideal for long-range handgun varmint hunters. It is also appreciated for small game hunting and survival.
Ruger Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet, the varmint hunter revolver
“The Super Redhawk has long been known for its ability to meet the needs of handgun hunters and this offering in .22 Hornet is no exception,” claims the manufacturer. The new Ruger Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet features a Hogue Tamer Monogrip and a 9.5”/241 mm cold hammer-forged barrel with a replaceable HiViz green insert front sight and adjustable rear sight.
Its other virtues are the same as the whole Super Redhawk line, an old acquaintance in the hunting world: in particular, the durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction, coupled to a strong, extended frame with extra metal in the top strap, sidewalls and barrel mounting areas, that allows hunters to handle even powerful hunting loads. The barrel is cold hammer-forged and provides accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning.
The triple-locking cylinder system locks into the frame at the front, rear and bottom for more positive alignment and dependable operation. Cylinder capacity in .22 Hornet is 8 rounds.
The Hogue Tamer Monogrip with an internal recoil cushion positioned under the web of the hand helps reduce felt recoil even when firing powerful loads. In case you want something different, the peg-style grip frame easily accommodates custom grips. As for safety, a traditional transfer bar mechanism provides security against accidental discharge.
In case you want to fit a scope, patented integral mounts are machined directly on the solid-steel barrel rib to provide a stable mounting surface for the scope rings – which are included, by the way.
Price point is somewhat steep, however: in the U.S., the Ruger Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet brings a price of l$1,499. But hey, this is not your usual cheap .22 LR revolver...
Ruger Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet specs and price
| Caliber: | .22 Hornet |
| Barrel Length: | 9.50"/241 mm |
| Barrel Twist: | 1:9" RH |
| Overall Length: | 15"/381 mm |
| Cylinder Capacity: | 8 rounds |
| Grip: | Hogue Tamer Monogrip |
| Finish: | Satin stainless |
| Sights: | HiViz Green front, adjustable rear |
| Weight: | 1,871 g |
| Price (MSRP in the U.S.): | $1,499 |
