Making a Raging Bull lighter , lightening the raging bull

[markb5446]

I have 2 raging bulls, a 454 and a 480 on the way. I am considering selling my 480 Ruger Super Redhawk as I think the Raging Bulls have a stronger action (stronger lockup in my opinion). I have compared the Raging Bull to the Super RH and I believe the only reason the Raging Bull is about 6 oz heavier for similar barrel length is the full underlug barrel. I wouldn't want the 454 any lighter, but I don't think the 44 mag and 480 Ruger Raging Bulls need to be as heavy as they are. Was considering having a shop trim some metal just below the logo, or maybe drilling a hole down the under lug to make it hollow. That wouldn't reduce stiffness much at all. Anyone ever considered this? If that has been done successfully, I'd likely sell the SRH. Any ideas?

[8emem]

It would make far more sense from a purely financial perspective to sell the Raging Bull intact, and buy something lighter like a Smith & Wesson Model 29 or 629. The modifications described will not be cheap, may require refinishing, and will sharply reduce the amount that you could sell it for after the modifications. The lighter Smith will be able to do anything that the Raging Bull can do.

[Lindenwood]

I'm sure it would work, though I doubt anyone has done it as it would probably be quite expensive, ESPECIALLY if a gunsmith does it rather than a standard machinist.

However, if you've got the 8" Raging Bull, you might look into trading it toward a M44 of the same barrel length, as that will give you back about 6oz. The shorter lengths don't really have much of a difference, though.

[markb5446]

I like the lock up system of the raging bull, just picked one up in 480 Ruger. I'm thinking it could lose 4-5 ounces and still be very controllable. The gun was designed for 454 Casull. Someone could get it shaved flat along the bottom just below the "Raging Bull" lettering from the end to about 1/2 inch in front of the cylinder rod. I think it would still look good, not running out do have it done yet, just getting ideas. Further lightening along the bottom would make someone want to get the Raging Bull writing removed. It is a very barrel heavy gun, not that that is a bad thing.

[Lindenwood]

Drilling down the underlug would probably cost about the same and wouldn't sacrifice anything, aesthetically. A 5/16" hole 6" deep would shave about 2oz.

[kubelkampf]

Let's see. You want to LIGHTEN a revolver which shoots the 454 Casull cartridge ??? There is a reason that the gun is as heavy as it is. Less weight will simply equal more recoil....and less control. Even if you are a very experienced shooter, I cannot see why in the world you would try to shave an oz or two from such a weapon. Seems foolish, in the extreme.

But, to each his own.

Sorry if that sounds mean, I do not intend it that way - but I do feel that such an enterprise is a BIG mistake. I have NEVER seen an improvement in my accuracy, with ANY gun that I've ever owned, after modifications that lighten the weapon. My experience is almost all with rifles, it must be said, but the same concepts apply. I think more so with handguns. Easier to point, quicker on target, yes.... but NEVER more accurate, especially for follow-up shots. Even if shooting from a rest exclusively, lightening a gun firing such a hard-kicking cartridge WILL only lead to less control - and that equals less accuracy.

[Lindenwood]

He is intending to lighten a .480 Ruger, not a .454 Casull . The .480 is less powerful, though IMO in its full potential is still more than most can readily handle.

In any case, it's his money and his gun, so if he doesn't think it will affect how it shoots, it's his decision .

[kubelkampf]

Well, of course, Lindenwood. No need to state the obvious. I was merely stating my considered position on the matter - which is what everyone here does - backed by sound practical reasoning in this case, I might add. Ultimately, it is "no skin off my nose" what anyone does with his/ her own property.

Standing by with nothing to say while the OP screws up his gun, especially since he brought up the issue on this forum, would be doing him a dis-service, I think. Was it expected that no one might have an opinion counter to the "sure, drill the c*#p out of that sucker - that'll make it better" position ? He can do whatever he wants, obviously - but this would not be much of a FORUM if everyone simply falls into line and does the "yes man" thing, ignoring evidence to the contrary, now would it ?