They may be familiar to some, but not every gunsmith knows the ins and outs of drill bits. Here are the basics.

The graceful, light, and distinctive L.C. Smith Hammerless Double sidelock is a favorite of American shotgunners. Here’s how to fix its most common problems. If you own a Smith and want to make it suitable to shoot again, or if you are presented a Smith to repair, here’s what you need to know about the shotgun.

In June 2010, Kahr Arms purchased Minnesota-based firearms manufacturer, Magnum Research, Inc., maker of the Desert Eagle Pistol and BFR Revolvers in .44 Magnum, .45 LC/.410 or .45/70. Kahr Arms offers a selection of other niche-type firearms, such as the “Tommy Gun” and Auto-Ordnance line of M1 .30 caliber carbines. In this video, Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine shows off two of the company’s big-hole BFR wheelguns.

Beretta USA introduced the BU-9 Nano as its entry into the pocket 9mm pistol category last September. Initial shipments of the American-made pistol left the Accokeek, Maryland factory beginning in November 2011, with a suggested retail price of $475. In this video, Gun Tests’ Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine gets a detailed explanation of how easy the Nano is to break down for maintenance. The Nano's modularity provides for simple disassembly and easy cleaning. Safely disassemble the pistol by first engaging the striker deactivator, a patent pending safety mechanism that eliminates the need to pull the trigger prior to disassembly.

Ruger Redhawk KRH-444

Courtesy, Gun Tests

The 4-inch Redhawk shows how strength and consistency can pay off when properly downsized.

Like the Smith & Wesson 629, Ruger’s stout-looking 4-inch Redhawk cut a profile of classic lines unique to its manufacturer.

Only available in stainless steel, the KRH-444 employed a brushed finish. The boxy frame featured a push-button cylinder latch, broad top strap, and a fully adjustable rear sight fixed by a short stem pinned into place.

The ramped front sight was a separate unit also pinned into place. It was black with a plastic orange-colored insert. The front of the unit was beveled for easier holstering, and except for the insert, the edges were lined to reduce glare. We didn’t experience quite as much glare from the insert as we did with the Smith & Wesson, most likely because the ramp was cut at a steeper angle.

The barrel carried just enough underlug to shroud the ejector rod, and the grooved flat top of the barrel was most pronounced. The cylinder offered two lockup points by way of pressure at the rear of the ejector rod and a detent latch located on the crane that interlocked with the frame just below the shroud for the ejector rod. The tip of the ejector rod does not play a part in lockup, and it was not screwed into place. It couldn’t back out and make cylinder release difficult. The timing lugs were cut deeply into the fluted cylinder, and the cylinder stop was taller and more heavily sprung than on the Smith & Wesson. There was no provision for an internal lock.

Ruger has recently begun offering Hogue grips with its Redhawks. Our revolver came with Hogue’s Bantam grip in place. This is the first time we have seen this grip on a large revolver,

Courtesy, Gun Tests

The Ruger mainspring was more complicated than the other two designs, but it was smoother.

Reader Comments

...do we have any detail photos to accompany this?

Comment by: TCole | March 14, 2008

Wow, this is a featured concealed carry choice according to the right column? At 3 pounds and 10" overall, I think I'd have trouble with that.

Comment by: cj | April 8, 2008

way too big and heavy for concealed use. what are you people thinking?

Comment by: CRAIG S | April 8, 2008

To each his own. I prefer to have the large caliber, large gun. So it isn't as easy to conceal but if they know you have it they won't take the chance. Randy

Comment by: randy l | April 8, 2008

I THINK for a defencive handgun its over kill , one should allways consider the projectile leaving the perps' body and injuring an innocent by stander. I have a686 six shooter 6 and 1 half in. barrel . deadly accuarte.

Comment by: greg w | April 8, 2008

I don't see any reference to concealed carry. This is an awesome gun, and it is on my short list for my next purchase.

Comment by: KURT L. H | April 8, 2008

The gun is on the large side for concealment but it could be done with a good holster and dressing around the gun. A person could use 44 special loads for normal carry and switch to magnums for woods etc.

Comment by: CHARLES B | April 9, 2008

I purchased the 444 instead of the shorter barrel model thinking it would be more useful than a 44-Mag snubbie. This is a great gun with very natural indexing considering its weight. And while it is quite comfortable to shoot, I prefer the grip on the Alaskan (I put one on my long barrel Super RH) because it wraps around the entire frame and has an air bladder where the grip meets the web of your hand.

Comment by: ROBERT W | April 9, 2008

I'd love to try it out, and not claiming it CAN'T be concealed (by the way for those wondering, at the moment if you select 'concealed carry' under the special purpose list in the right column, this is listed as the concealed carry revolver of choice).

All that said, I'd love to have one, I just won't be sticking it IWB!

Comment by: cj | April 9, 2008

...This is a great debate on the size limits of concealed carry. Speaking for the editors, we select all the use categories that a firearm "could be" used for, not "must be" used for, when we attempt to define the purpose of a firearm. After all, for a large individual who wears a shoulder holster under a blazer, the Ruger KRH 444 might be just the ticket. If you carry in a waist band or a fanny pack, this solution might be overly large. The differences of opinion make this dialogue interesting and helpful...the Editors

Comment by: TCole | April 9, 2008

...Another point...Readers interested in finding a revolver more suited for concealed carry can use Gun Reports' "compare tool" in the top navigation bar. Click on 'revolver' at a low price point, then 'caliber of choice,' say .38/.357. Then sort the results by frame size. You can then compare snub-nosed revolvers that might be more suited as a carry solution for some individuals...the Editors

Comment by: TCole | April 9, 2008

I own both this one and the Alaskan, love them both but this one is a fantastic gun! Shoots to point of aim with my factory and reload .44 Mag. Comfortable and ergonomically correct. I carry it in a Maxpedition Briefcase with a holster pocket and it is a great match up for that type of carry. I had a excellent local gunsmith do an action job on it and now it rivals my 629 Classic in the trigger, maybe even a touch nicer. I have not tried .44 specials yet as I have not found this gun to be abusive in recoil at all. Using Hornady "Leverevolution" 225 gr FTX rounds currently but will probably switch to .44 specials for carry soon. I can't imagine a more solid pistol, this thing just feels like it will last a lifetime. I couldn't be happier with it.

Comment by: JAMES L | April 11, 2008

Thanks, James, for your input. Between Gun Reports hands-on, from-the-range information and the real-world experiences of our readers, Gun Reports offers a powerful tool to inform most purchase decisions. We're adding to our 1,000-gun database all the time. Stay tuned...The Editors

Comment by: TCole | April 11, 2008

Personally, I like the gun. I have a couple of S&Ws and a Dan Wesson. I had a Ruger years ago but got rid of it because the barrel was too long. I will probably get one of these.

Comment by: Spooky | May 31, 2008

Probably the best price-quality ratio in any 44magnum revolver going for sale!

Comment by: 17poundr | October 27, 2008

I have been carrying since about 1990, and as we all have done, I have been trying to find the perfect balance of power to concealability. For years my preferred carry was a Colt .45 Govt on a shoulder holster, but when my back started going out the weight was just a litle much to carry all day. I have had, over the years quite a number of handguns, 9mm, 357, 44 mag, 45, and .40. Late last year (08) I went to Cabellas in Phoenix (awesome place) to try & find something easier to carry. I stumbled accross the S&W M&P .40 Compact, and being used to having at least 1 safety on my gun I was weary since the .40c has none (except the Glock like trigger safety), it's just point & shoot. The weight, at 21.9 oz is still well balanced and I can't even feel it on me after a full day. This exceptional handgun also slides comfortably in my inside left boot (without any holster) and stays there all day with no discomfort. I also wanted something in the LARGEST possible caliber that I could carry concealed. My S$W 44 mag 626 was great, but to big & heavy. I found the gun of my dreams. The Ruger SuperRedhawk .454 Casull Alaskan. With a 2.5in barrel, the 44oz monster sits comfortably inside my Coranado concealed carry vest for all day wear. Yea, it is a little heavy, even with the vest, but even with my back (with Degen arthritis) I am able to carry the .454 in the vest AND the M&P.40c in my boot. The one change I did do to the .454 was change the spring (total of about $10 with shipping from Wolf Springs) from the factory 15lb to a buttery soft 9lb. The .454 can fairly easily be completely stripped for cleaning & replacing the spreing was a snap. Those are the 2 I carry every day, hope you enjoyed my litle rant. Be safe, be aware..

Comment by: PathinAZ | February 19, 2009

Oops, I forgot one little thing. The Alaskan .454 takes 45lc as well so you don't have to go bankrupt shooting the .454 round that go for $1-$2 PER round. I do carry the .454 rnds for defense, since even a pcp'ed out bad guy wouldnt tolerate the impact of a 300gr round with around 1700-1900 FOOT LBS.(1600 feet/ps) Yea, it's overkill, but one doesnt shoot in defense to hurt, when my lifes in danger...one shot one kill..

Comment by: PathinAZ | February 19, 2009

In Italy the law that regulates the amount of handguns held by a person, are the highest of: N ° 3 towns (for defense) and N ° 6 Sport (for competitions). That said, The Ruger Redhawk KRH 444 in Italy is "omolgata" as "sporty" and this is "easier" to be included among "the 6 sports. Also in Italy, this model uses the training grounds and fields of fire, but not authorized for Armed Services, they go hunting. This "sport" can instead be used for personal defense and defense of his home. IMHO this KRH 444 with the barrel 4 "fits very well to the true self-defense, with the advantage that" it is a sport "shall be a lover of REVOLVER RUGER, and that I missed just 44.

Comment by: Aktarus | November 1, 2009

Well, I got one and it is now my favorite .44 revolver. My S&Ws may be for sale soon.

Comment by: Spooky | November 1, 2009

My 444 has finally arrived! I'll go withdraw 12.23.2009. Is the gift that Santa brought Christmas to me ;-) ;-) not really nice? I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas to you all ... Walter :-) :-)

Comment by: Aktarus | December 15, 2009

I have had my 444 for nearly a year now. It has become my go to carry gun for all outdoor activities. I carry both IWB and OWB (right hip and crossdraw). Crossdraw is the most comfortable when on the ATV or snowmobile. Regular belt holster for most other events. It has been flawless in operation and a joy to shoot with 44Specials. A box of hunting grade magnums makes the palm start to sting. I recommend this revolver.

Comment by: Konaseven | December 20, 2009

I have used a customized Redhawk cut down to 4.5 inches since the 5.5 inchers came out, perhaps close to 20 years now, cannot remember. I wish they had this when I bought mine, would have saved some time and money at Mag-Na-Port. It can be carried concealed, but it takes real commitment to do it, and you need enough clothes to do it. It is a cold weather CCW if used that way. Take my word for it, I have done it.

Comment by: Shannon D | March 25, 2010

For defense against the intrusive Grizzly or Brown Bear entering your tent or campsite at night, other than a sawed off 12 or 10 gauge, I'd feel mighty glad to have the Redhawk 444 inside my sleeping bag. I cut my teeth on a Ruger .44 mag Super Blackhawk in the early 70s, the old Hawes .44 mag, and have owned the Smith 29 in 4" as well as the Dan Wesson .44 mag pistol pack (4 barrels). To me, this revolver looks like a well-muscled pitbull. The price doesn't seem that bad, managable on my budget (and I hope others as well)... so for those hunting and camping trips I go on, a custom-made shoulder/chest holster will keep it tight and centered, very available, with it's weight supported better than a belt holster. My humble opinion. Now,. ... to get it past the wife. :-)

Comment by: GREG L | March 25, 2010

Heavy artillery ... If I ever do buy a howitzer it'll be a Ruger.

Comment by: blue88 | March 25, 2010

As Doc Holliday would say, "Isn't that a Daisy?"

blacktalon

Comment by: blacktalon | March 26, 2010

Unforunately Ruger is not making the Redhawk in .41 Magnum. They did when they first put it in production. I don't remember who said it, But the quote was, "If you are going to shoot a bear with a 44 Magnum you better save the last shot for yourself".

Comment by: Izrac | April 25, 2010

I've got the 7 1/2" stainless. It is a pleasure to shoot and very accurate, I think I might step up to the Hogue grip though. I grew up learning on a Super Blackhawk and, remarkably, a Hawes, in .357 though. (That is a name you dont hear very often.) At 46 ozs, I guess you could pack it everyday, but why would you unless you worked outside in bear country or had a T-Rex infestation in your yard? There are more efficient choices out there. A shoulder rig would be my choice for hunting.

Comment by: aceinyerface | September 2, 2010

hard to conceal yes, but effective!

Comment by: oldbuck | September 9, 2010

Ask Peter Gunn, he will give you the right answer: Snub nosed .38

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