New Ruger Kodiak Backpacker 41 Magnum
Jan 17, 2017 22:52:20 GMT -5
boatswainsmate, paulg, and 5 more like this
Post by cmonti77 on Jan 17, 2017 22:52:20 GMT -5
Picked this up from my FFL the other day:
I bought one the 4.2 inch 41 magnum Redhawks last year, and really took a liking to the caliber. So after hemming and hawing a bit about this version, and seeing that Buds Gun Shop finally had them in stock, I went ahead and bought one. I haven't gotten it to the range yet, but I'll share my initial impressions:
[img src="s20.postimg.org/xqez8yjq5/IMG_0874.jpg" style="max-width:100%;"]
For some reason, my revolver came with the checkered & stipled grip panels that are standard on the 45LC/45ACP Redhawks, as opposed to the smooth panels found on the 44 magnum version of the Kodiak Backpacker. Whether it was an irregularity from the factory or an intentional change from Ruger, I'll take it. I really like these grips better than I thought I would.
Similar to what I had read in a review on another forum, the fit and finish on this one is a little rougher than that of the 4.2 inch version. On my revolver, there is rough circle around one of the pins on the right hand side of the trigger. The rough spot is only cosmetic though, and has absolute zero effect on the trigger pull or reset.
Also similar to what I had read in the aforementioned review on another forum, the crane to frame gap is a little uneven. I assume that is going to be a recurrent issue with this model, just as i properly torqued barrels were particular to certain S&W revolvers in the recent past. The gun locks up tquite tightly though, and the gap, like the rough spot on the trigger is merely an aesthetic flaw.
The was a splotch of copper fouling on the forcing cone, which I assume was from proof-testing before leaving the factory, because the gun shows no other evidence of having been fired. I will keep an eye on this when I take it to the range, to make sure there isn't a rough spot or problem with the forcing cone.
All in all, I really like this gun. The flaws I detailed in the fit and finish aren't of great significance to me because I bought specifically to be an everyday carry piece, and leave range work and ammo testing to the larger 4.2 inch model. This one is compact, feels perfect in the hand, and while definitely substantive in the weight department, it noticeably lighter than it's bigger sibling. I can forsee no problems carrying this one every day.
So those are my first impressions. I'll post an update after I get it to the range later in the week.
I bought one the 4.2 inch 41 magnum Redhawks last year, and really took a liking to the caliber. So after hemming and hawing a bit about this version, and seeing that Buds Gun Shop finally had them in stock, I went ahead and bought one. I haven't gotten it to the range yet, but I'll share my initial impressions:
[img src="s20.postimg.org/xqez8yjq5/IMG_0874.jpg" style="max-width:100%;"]
For some reason, my revolver came with the checkered & stipled grip panels that are standard on the 45LC/45ACP Redhawks, as opposed to the smooth panels found on the 44 magnum version of the Kodiak Backpacker. Whether it was an irregularity from the factory or an intentional change from Ruger, I'll take it. I really like these grips better than I thought I would.
Similar to what I had read in a review on another forum, the fit and finish on this one is a little rougher than that of the 4.2 inch version. On my revolver, there is rough circle around one of the pins on the right hand side of the trigger. The rough spot is only cosmetic though, and has absolute zero effect on the trigger pull or reset.
Also similar to what I had read in the aforementioned review on another forum, the crane to frame gap is a little uneven. I assume that is going to be a recurrent issue with this model, just as i properly torqued barrels were particular to certain S&W revolvers in the recent past. The gun locks up tquite tightly though, and the gap, like the rough spot on the trigger is merely an aesthetic flaw.
The was a splotch of copper fouling on the forcing cone, which I assume was from proof-testing before leaving the factory, because the gun shows no other evidence of having been fired. I will keep an eye on this when I take it to the range, to make sure there isn't a rough spot or problem with the forcing cone.
All in all, I really like this gun. The flaws I detailed in the fit and finish aren't of great significance to me because I bought specifically to be an everyday carry piece, and leave range work and ammo testing to the larger 4.2 inch model. This one is compact, feels perfect in the hand, and while definitely substantive in the weight department, it noticeably lighter than it's bigger sibling. I can forsee no problems carrying this one every day.
So those are my first impressions. I'll post an update after I get it to the range later in the week.