Ruger Redhawk Instructions Manual

12
FIGURE 3
LOADING THE
REVOLVER.
TO LOAD AND FIRE
Be sure the revolver is pointed in a safe direction and is
never cocked while loading.
1. Press the crane latch and guide cylinder out of frame to the left to its
loading position (See Figure 3).
WARNING – CYLINDER INTERLOCK
➧
When correctly operated, the cylinder
cannot be opened when the hammer is
cocked, and the hammer/trigger
mechanism  is not able to be operated
until the cylinder is locked shut.
However, this safety interlock can be
intentionally...

13
5.DO NOT HOLD THE REVOLVER BY THE BARREL OR CYLINDER WHEN
FIRING.
CAUTION–DOUBLE ACTION FIRING
3. The revolver is now ready to fire, either “double-action” by pulling the
trigger through its complete arc for each shot, or “single-action” by
cocking the hammer and then pulling the trigger for each shot. The
trigger pull is somewhat shorter and lighter when the revolver is fired
single action, and this is the preferred mode for precise shots or target
shooting.
4.DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE...

14
TO UNCOCK (DECOCK) THE REVOLVER
If your revolver is cocked, and you wish to let the hammer down to its
forward position (against the frame), proceed as follows: USE EXTREME
CARE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECOCK THE REVOLVER, AS THE THUMB
SLIPPING DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
DISCHARGE IF THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO THE REAR.
1.Make certain that the revolver is pointed in a safe direction(See Rule 2,
Page 35).
2. Make certain both hands are dry and not impeded in any way – gloves,
bandages,...

15
Practice this important gun handling skill with an unloaded revolver until
you have developed the proper control and ‘touch’ to decock your revolver
safely. The key to safe decocking is having the weight of the revolver
controlled with one hand, while the thumb and forefinger of the ‘shooting
hand’ control the hammer and trigger. Improperly restraining the trigger
during this procedure may result in the hammer not resting fully against the
frame. If this should occur, carefully repeat the procedure...

Always unload a firearm before
cleaning, lubrication, disassembly
or assembly.
Never remove or install a loaded
cylinder – it can fire if dropped or
struck.
16 NOTE: When ejecting fired cartridge cases, position the revolver at a
high angle so the cases will come fully out of the chambers and not slip
under the ejector. This high angle positioning is not necessary when
ejecting unfired cartridges.
4
1
3
2
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE
WARNING – DISASSEMBLY
4
1
3
2
UNLOAD BEFORE CLEANING 

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DISASSEMBLY
Read instructions before disassembling a gun.
1.BE CERTAIN THE REVOLVER IS UNLOADED BEFORE DISASSEMBLY.
2. Using a properly fitting screwdriver,
remove grip screw and lift grip panels
from frame.
3. Cock the hammer. Insert disassembly
pin about one half its length into the
hole at the rear of the mainspring strut.
(The disassembly pin is carried in the
hole in the grip panel locator). Lacking a
disassembly pin, any similar instrument
will serve (See Figure 5).
4. With thumb on hammer...

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6. Pull trigger guard latch to the rear (using mainspring lever) and
simultaneously pull trigger guard assembly, intact, out from bottom of
frame (See Figure 8).
7. Open cylinder and pull cylinder and crane assembly out of frame to the
front.
8. Further disassembly is not essential for normal cleaning purposes. Any
further disassembly should only be undertaken by factory service
personnel.
SPECIAL DISASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
REVOLVERS NUMBERED BELOW 500-09367
The information below applies only to those...

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NOTE: For improved performance the Hammer Link shouldbe assembled to
the hammer with the hook-opening positioned upward (towards the
hammer).
A gun owner can readily change the hammer link to the ‘pointing upward’
position. Use proper size punch to drive out the hammer cross pin. Remove
the hammer link and reposition it. Then, carefully hammer in the cross pin
so that it is flushwith both sides of the hammer. The pin must not protrude
from either side!
For those who would prefer the link to be...

20
3. With the trigger forward, replace
mainspring lever with mainspring
and strut into frame. Be sure that
the front end of the mainspring
strut is properly positioned on the
trigger link at the rear of the
trigger (positioning can be seen by
looking down through hammer
slot). Then replace lever pivot pin
(See Figure 13).
4. With trigger in rearward position, and gun
muzzle pointing upward, slowly insert hammer into frame, paying close
attention to the position of the hook on the hammer link. The...

Firing a revolver with oil, grease, or any
other material even partially obstructing
the bore may result in damage to the
revolver and serious injury to the shooter
and those nearby.
Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on
ammunition. If the powder charge of a
cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it may
not be ignited, but the energy from the
primer may be sufficient to push the bullet
into the bore where it may become lodged.
Firing a subsequent bullet into the
obstructed bore may damage the...