Triple threat: Alaskan454 – pinnacle high performance

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 15, 2015, 02:15 PM

Thanks to Mark Hartshorne at Pinnacle High Performance (http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/) this Ruger Redhawk Alaskan has become my favorite hand canon.

Over the past couple of years the Alaskan has been on a journey to become personalized. It just so happened I decided to complete this project after my lovely wife presented me a gift of classy burl grips for Christmas. Full review of the grips can be read about here http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4454

The appearance after the addition of these grips were absolutely amazing. At this point there was only one last thing to do. Turn this revolver into the most versatile revolver I own, capable of being deployed in any situation, I didn't say perfect for every situation but capable of getting the job done in self defense, trail hiking defense and limited range hunting. Since the original purchase, even before the background check was complete I was thinking Triple Threat. A revolver capable of firing 45ACP, 45LC and 454Casull.

Additional pictures of this Ruger Alaskan and Mark's great work can be seen here http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4551

Hunter Customs · February 15, 2015, 07:38 PM

Very nice revolver and should handle any situation you get in where you need a handgun.

As for Mark's work, Mark is a very talented pistolsmith, does exceptional work.
I heard Mark got out of the business, good to hear he's still doing work.

I think the last time I saw Mark and spoke with him was back in 2000 the last of my pin shooting days.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 15, 2015, 08:03 PM

I believe that rumor was started from him moving into a new building. I am guessing as that's what's posted on his website. When I spoke with him I did not ask about that.

seeker_two · February 15, 2015, 11:48 PM

Since it already uses moon clips, will it also chamber .45 Winchester Magnum?

Darker Loaf · February 16, 2015, 12:04 AM

Wow, YOU ARE MY HERO! I've wanted to build a .45 ACP/.454 Casull Super Redhawk for a long time. I am so jealous, but happy to know that it's a possible dream and that someone is living it!

It seems like you've built damn near the perfect all-around revolver. You have .45 ACP for cheap practice (and it's not a bad cartridge by any definition) and you have .454 for hunting/bear.

VERY COOL.

I'd make mine the 7.5" Super Redhawk, but you've basically built my dream, otherwise. You sir, are an inspiration. Heh.

Webleymkv · February 16, 2015, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Since it already uses moon clips, will it also chamber .45 Winchester Magnum?

Unless there is something I don't understand about the custom work, the OP's revolver should be able to chamber and fire .45 Winchester Magnum, .45 Super, .460 Rowland, .45 GAP, and .45 Schofield in addition to the .45 ACP, .45 Long Colt, and .454 Casull cartridges that he mentioned.

Magnum Wheel Man · February 16, 2015, 09:04 AM

interesting... I have a 454 Alaskan... how do the 454's eject with the moon clips ( any difference, with more of the case unsupported ??? ) how are they sizing ??? I assume there is a bulge at the web???

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 16, 2015, 11:27 AM

45ACP only requires the moonclips. The other calibers continue to work as normal without moonclips. I have fired some Factory Hornady 454 rounds out of it and there were no bulge or balooning in the web. I actually prefer firing my 460 than the Hornady 454 loads even in my 460 Xframe they seem to be so hot and there was no buldging.

You gave me a great idea to take a few pictures of the fired cases and post them

jglsprings · February 16, 2015, 11:33 AM

I have only a casual acquaintance with the 454, and none with a short barrel 454. What loads do you typically shoot in this weapon?

The full power loads must be fearsome.

Love the stocks/grips - beautiful grain.

Magnum Wheel Man · February 16, 2015, 11:34 AM

reason I was concerned, is the 454 would have excessive headspace without ta moon clip, & they are such high pressure...

when I 1st bought my Alaskan... the forum consensus was " I was going to whack myself in the head"

so... I strong armed the gun more than needed on the 1st cylinder full, & jumped crimps on 3 out of 6 of the factory loads...

it does have an incredible muzzle blast out of a snubbie...

Hunter Customs · February 16, 2015, 02:15 PM

I'm sure there's a lot of muzzle blast in a snubby chambered in 454.
However if you come up against a big bear and don't hit him you should at least singe his hair.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 16, 2015, 05:09 PM

Magnum Wheel Man

I am not trying to get you to go to my website as I do not benefit from it -- I have no advertisers in keeping with my purpose of unbiased reviews. There you can see other pictures I have taken. Where I tried to do my best to show headspace doesn't change for the other cartridges.The cartridge still headspaces on the rim of the cylinder like normal. There is no need for moonclips on 45LC or 454Casull. I will try and get a good picture when I get home to post here also.

There are great pictures to see how the cylinder is milled also.

I also agree with Magnum that you have to learn how to ride with the recoil. It is actually not that bad to shoot it is just the percussion to me, sort of reminds me of throwing hand grenades on the range

while in the Corps.

Magnum Wheel Man · February 16, 2015, 05:18 PM

just an FYI... I'm not doubting that it works, or personally questioning anyone... I only reason as such... that once the firing pin hits the primer, that the fired case is going to be forced back against the recoil shield, under pressure, & if there is clearance for a moon clip, the case has extra distance to travel under pressure of firing... I'd think that this would result in the thickness of the moon clip unsupported at the base of the case, under pressure, until the bullet leaves the barrel...

... perhaps the timing is such, with the snubbie length barrel, that the case doesn't get pushed beyond it's elasticity ??? I wonder if the same would be true of a 6" or 8" barrel???

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 16, 2015, 05:30 PM

Magnum

I did not take offense in anyway apologies if my last post came across that way.

That's what I was saying the other pictures sort of show what I am doing a poor jog at describing. The milling does not change the way the 454 headspaces at all.

There is no space between the recoil shield and the cylinder that has not changed from the original or factory.

I will try to post a picture later.

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 16, 2015, 05:31 PM

22-rimfire · February 16, 2015, 07:07 PM

Very cool. Glad you're happy with it. I bet shooting factory loaded 454's out of it are a handfull. I would love to own a 480 Ruger version of the Alaskan but really have no real use for it. Just would like to have one.

If Ruger made one in 41 mag, I would have to bite.

JayCee · February 16, 2015, 10:42 PM

I put the same set of grips on my Alaskan. The inserts are by Chig's Grips, and they're excellent craftsmanship at a very reasonable price.

The only drawback is that shooting a full power load of 296/H110 isn't very pleasant with these grips. The original Hogue "Tamer" grips do a better job of cushioning the recoil, so I generally stay away from the really heavy loads. My usual 454 "plinking" load is a 255 grain hardcast at around 1400 fps out of a 6 inch Freedom Arms Model 83. I haven't chono'd that load out of the Alaskan, but it's reasonably pleasant to shoot.

I don't have any need for the 45ACP moonclip conversion, since I handload and can load 45 Colt from mild to wild.

A lot of horsepower in a relatively small package...

mellow_c · February 17, 2015, 01:19 AM

Very nice!

I shot one of those once with full power 454's. I did pretty well with it! However I'd end up with only one hand on the gun after every shot thinking "Wow! Time to reset!"

I hope you put a lot of rounds through that gun, your gonna love it!

peggysue · February 17, 2015, 05:50 AM

Only about $200 for the cylinder surgery and clips to add 45ACP to my Alaskan. Got me thinking.

jtmckinney · February 17, 2015, 08:54 AM

Another "Thumbs Up" good job!

If you ever try 45 Win Mag please let us know the results. I have always been interested in that cartridge.

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 17, 2015, 07:18 PM

peggysue $200 where did that number come from?

It was below half that price.

peggysue · February 18, 2015, 05:31 AM

This links http://www.tkcustom.com/content/machine.asp. $150 for machining, $50 for shipping and moon clips. EST. I think it is a good price.

peggysue · February 18, 2015, 07:15 PM

How did you get it done for below $100 Mr Revolver? I would like that...link please...

Darker Loaf · February 19, 2015, 12:16 AM

I've looked at TK Custom myself. It's nice that you can just send the cylinder in. TK Customs must be a legitimate service, too, as they are S&W's standard for moonclips. It's very tempting for .454's or even .460's. It really makes me want to buy a magnum revolver as my next gun.

22-rimfire · February 19, 2015, 08:59 AM

I was visiting Gander Mountain yesterday (believe it or not for the first time since they opened last fall) in my area. Handled the Alaskan in 44 mag to refresh my memory. That is a big hunk of iron! I still lust for one in 480 Ruger, but have absolutely no need or use for it. It would be one of those revolvers that probably gets shot twice a year unless for some reason I saw a future need. In which case, I would practice and get a bit more comfortable with the beast.

February 15, 2015, 02:15 PM	#1
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	Triple threat: Alaskan454 – pinnacle high performance Thanks to Mark Hartshorne at Pinnacle High Performance (http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/) this Ruger Redhawk Alaskan has become my favorite hand canon. Over the past couple of years the Alaskan has been on a journey to become personalized. It just so happened I decided to complete this project after my lovely wife presented me a gift of classy burl grips for Christmas. Full review of the grips can be read about here http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4454 The appearance after the addition of these grips were absolutely amazing. At this point there was only one last thing to do. Turn this revolver into the most versatile revolver I own, capable of being deployed in any situation, I didn't say perfect for every situation but capable of getting the job done in self defense, trail hiking defense and limited range hunting. Since the original purchase, even before the background check was complete I was thinking Triple Threat. A revolver capable of firing 45ACP, 45LC and 454Casull. Additional pictures of this Ruger Alaskan and Mark's great work can be seen here http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4551 __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

February 15, 2015, 08:03 PM	#3
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	I believe that rumor was started from him moving into a new building. I am guessing as that's what's posted on his website. When I spoke with him I did not ask about that. __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

February 16, 2015, 09:04 AM	#7
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	interesting... I have a 454 Alaskan... how do the 454's eject with the moon clips ( any difference, with more of the case unsupported ??? ) how are they sizing ??? I assume there is a bulge at the web??? __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

February 16, 2015, 11:27 AM	#8
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	45ACP only requires the moonclips. The other calibers continue to work as normal without moonclips. I have fired some Factory Hornady 454 rounds out of it and there were no bulge or balooning in the web. I actually prefer firing my 460 than the Hornady 454 loads even in my 460 Xframe they seem to be so hot and there was no buldging. You gave me a great idea to take a few pictures of the fired cases and post them __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

February 16, 2015, 11:33 AM	#9
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	I have only a casual acquaintance with the 454, and none with a short barrel 454. What loads do you typically shoot in this weapon? The full power loads must be fearsome. Love the stocks/grips - beautiful grain. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

February 15, 2015, 07:38 PM	#2
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	Very nice revolver and should handle any situation you get in where you need a handgun. As for Mark's work, Mark is a very talented pistolsmith, does exceptional work. I heard Mark got out of the business, good to hear he's still doing work. I think the last time I saw Mark and spoke with him was back in 2000 the last of my pin shooting days. Best Regards Bob Hunter

February 15, 2015, 11:48 PM	#4
seeker_two Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2002 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Lone Star State (TX) Posts: 2,169	Since it already uses moon clips, will it also chamber .45 Winchester Magnum?

February 16, 2015, 12:04 AM	#5
Darker Loaf Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2012 Posts: 715	Wow, YOU ARE MY HERO! I've wanted to build a .45 ACP/.454 Casull Super Redhawk for a long time. I am so jealous, but happy to know that it's a possible dream and that someone is living it! It seems like you've built damn near the perfect all-around revolver. You have .45 ACP for cheap practice (and it's not a bad cartridge by any definition) and you have .454 for hunting/bear. VERY COOL. I'd make mine the 7.5" Super Redhawk, but you've basically built my dream, otherwise. You sir, are an inspiration. Heh.

February 16, 2015, 11:34 AM	#10
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	reason I was concerned, is the 454 would have excessive headspace without ta moon clip, & they are such high pressure... when I 1st bought my Alaskan... the forum consensus was " I was going to whack myself in the head" so... I strong armed the gun more than needed on the 1st cylinder full, & jumped crimps on 3 out of 6 of the factory loads... it does have an incredible muzzle blast out of a snubbie... __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust... Last edited by Magnum Wheel Man; February 16, 2015 at 11:44 AM.

February 16, 2015, 02:15 PM	#11
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	I'm sure there's a lot of muzzle blast in a snubby chambered in 454. However if you come up against a big bear and don't hit him you should at least singe his hair. Best Regards Bob Hunter

February 16, 2015, 05:09 PM	#12
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	Magnum Wheel Man I am not trying to get you to go to my website as I do not benefit from it -- I have no advertisers in keeping with my purpose of unbiased reviews. There you can see other pictures I have taken. Where I tried to do my best to show headspace doesn't change for the other cartridges.The cartridge still headspaces on the rim of the cylinder like normal. There is no need for moonclips on 45LC or 454Casull. I will try and get a good picture when I get home to post here also. There are great pictures to see how the cylinder is milled also. I also agree with Magnum that you have to learn how to ride with the recoil. It is actually not that bad to shoot it is just the percussion to me, sort of reminds me of throwing hand grenades on the range while in the Corps. __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use. Last edited by Mr.RevolverGuy; February 16, 2015 at 05:16 PM.

February 16, 2015, 05:18 PM	#13
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	just an FYI... I'm not doubting that it works, or personally questioning anyone... I only reason as such... that once the firing pin hits the primer, that the fired case is going to be forced back against the recoil shield, under pressure, & if there is clearance for a moon clip, the case has extra distance to travel under pressure of firing... I'd think that this would result in the thickness of the moon clip unsupported at the base of the case, under pressure, until the bullet leaves the barrel... ... perhaps the timing is such, with the snubbie length barrel, that the case doesn't get pushed beyond it's elasticity ??? I wonder if the same would be true of a 6" or 8" barrel??? __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

February 16, 2015, 05:30 PM	#14
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	Magnum I did not take offense in anyway apologies if my last post came across that way. That's what I was saying the other pictures sort of show what I am doing a poor jog at describing. The milling does not change the way the 454 headspaces at all. There is no space between the recoil shield and the cylinder that has not changed from the original or factory. I will try to post a picture later. __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use. Last edited by Mr.RevolverGuy; February 16, 2015 at 05:50 PM.

February 16, 2015, 05:31 PM	#15
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	Follow up to try and answer the headspace question __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

February 16, 2015, 07:07 PM	#16
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	Very cool. Glad you're happy with it. I bet shooting factory loaded 454's out of it are a handfull. I would love to own a 480 Ruger version of the Alaskan but really have no real use for it. Just would like to have one. If Ruger made one in 41 mag, I would have to bite.

February 16, 2015, 10:42 PM	#17
JayCee Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2001 Posts: 494	I put the same set of grips on my Alaskan. The inserts are by Chig's Grips, and they're excellent craftsmanship at a very reasonable price. The only drawback is that shooting a full power load of 296/H110 isn't very pleasant with these grips. The original Hogue "Tamer" grips do a better job of cushioning the recoil, so I generally stay away from the really heavy loads. My usual 454 "plinking" load is a 255 grain hardcast at around 1400 fps out of a 6 inch Freedom Arms Model 83. I haven't chono'd that load out of the Alaskan, but it's reasonably pleasant to shoot. I don't have any need for the 45ACP moonclip conversion, since I handload and can load 45 Colt from mild to wild. A lot of horsepower in a relatively small package... __________________ “You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.” – David Crockett “If I owned Texas and hell, I'd rent out Texas and live in hell.” - General Phillip H. Sheridan

February 17, 2015, 01:19 AM	#18
mellow_c Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,862	Very nice! I shot one of those once with full power 454's. I did pretty well with it! However I'd end up with only one hand on the gun after every shot thinking "Wow! Time to reset!" I hope you put a lot of rounds through that gun, your gonna love it!

February 17, 2015, 05:50 AM	#19
peggysue Junior member Join Date: May 20, 2014 Posts: 1,835	Only about $200 for the cylinder surgery and clips to add 45ACP to my Alaskan. Got me thinking. Last edited by peggysue; February 17, 2015 at 06:00 AM.

February 17, 2015, 08:54 AM	#20
jtmckinney Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 490	Another "Thumbs Up" good job! If you ever try 45 Win Mag please let us know the results. I have always been interested in that cartridge. __________________ “Government does few things well but it does them at great expense” Cal Thomas “When Government Can’t Be Trusted” 6/11/2013 When I am weaker than you, I ask you for freedom because that is according to your principles; When I am stronger than you, I take away your freedoms because that is according to my principles. Frank Herbert "Children of Dune"

February 17, 2015, 07:18 PM	#21
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	peggysue $200 where did that number come from? It was below half that price. __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

February 18, 2015, 05:31 AM	#22
peggysue Junior member Join Date: May 20, 2014 Posts: 1,835	This links http://www.tkcustom.com/content/machine.asp. $150 for machining, $50 for shipping and moon clips. EST. I think it is a good price. Last edited by peggysue; February 18, 2015 at 05:37 AM.

February 18, 2015, 07:15 PM	#23
peggysue Junior member Join Date: May 20, 2014 Posts: 1,835	How did you get it done for below $100 Mr Revolver? I would like that...link please...

February 19, 2015, 12:16 AM	#24
Darker Loaf Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2012 Posts: 715	I've looked at TK Custom myself. It's nice that you can just send the cylinder in. TK Customs must be a legitimate service, too, as they are S&W's standard for moonclips. It's very tempting for .454's or even .460's. It really makes me want to buy a magnum revolver as my next gun.

February 19, 2015, 08:59 AM	#25
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	I was visiting Gander Mountain yesterday (believe it or not for the first time since they opened last fall) in my area. Handled the Alaskan in 44 mag to refresh my memory. That is a big hunk of iron! I still lust for one in 480 Ruger, but have absolutely no need or use for it. It would be one of those revolvers that probably gets shot twice a year unless for some reason I saw a future need. In which case, I would practice and get a bit more comfortable with the beast.