Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet​ in USA

Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Ruger Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet USA

The Ruger Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet is, on paper, an odd pairing: a massive, over-built revolver platform originally engineered around .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger — some of the most powerful production handgun cartridges in the world — now chambered in a mild, century-old bottleneck rifle varmint cartridge. Unveiled at SHOT Show 2024, this genuinely unusual combination has drawn consistent attention (and consistent praise) from gun writers precisely because it shouldn’t work as well as it does. This guide covers the .22 Hornet cartridge’s own history, why chambering a bottleneck round in a revolver was a real engineering challenge, full specifications, and what to know before buying one. Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet​ For Sale USA

Why This Pairing Surprised So Many Americans?

Multiple independent reviewers reacted to this launch with some version of the same thought: “the .22 what?” The Super Redhawk has a well-earned reputation as one of the strongest production double-action revolvers on the market, purpose-built for big-game hunting and large-predator defense in cartridges most shooters would call genuinely punishing. Putting a mild-mannered .22-caliber rifle cartridge into that same platform seemed, at first glance, like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame. But as reviewers dug in, the pairing made more sense than it first appeared — and Ruger has a track record of exactly this kind of unexpected, innovative chambering decision in recent years. Where Can I Buy Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet in USA

The .22 Hornet Cartridge: Older Than You’d Guess

To understand why Ruger chose this cartridge specifically, it helps to understand its own surprisingly deep history.

Origins in the 1920s

The .22 Hornet was developed in the 1920s by a group of experimenters at Springfield Armory, based on the older blackpowder .22 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) cartridge, which itself dates back to 1885. The Hornet essentially took the .22 WCF case and loaded it with smokeless powder instead — a modernization that dramatically increased performance. With a 45-grain bullet, the original .22 WCF produced a muzzle velocity around 1,540 fps; the smokeless-powder .22 Hornet, using the same basic case, pushed that same bullet weight to roughly 2,655 fps.

Winchester’s Official Adoption (1930)

Winchester officially added the .22 Hornet to its factory cartridge lineup in 1930, chambering it in the company’s Model 70 rifle. This made it the first smokeless-powder .22 centerfire cartridge marketed specifically for long-range varmint hunting, and it holds the distinction of being the oldest .22 centerfire cartridge still in production today. Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet Price in USA

A Cartridge That Refuses to Die

Despite its now-antiquated case design by modern cartridge engineering standards, .22 Hornet’s popularity has genuinely grown in recent years rather than fading into obscurity — reviewers consistently describe it as a “fun cartridge with a mild report and very low recoil,” while still carrying enough performance to justify its name (a sting, as more than one reviewer put it).

Prior Handgun Chamberings — And Why They Didn’t Last

This isn’t the first time .22 Hornet has appeared in a handgun. Thompson/Center chambered it in their single-shot Contender pistol, and Taurus previously offered a large-frame “Raging Hornet” revolver in the caliber. Both of those platforms proved impressively fast and capable — but neither picked up enough commercial traction to remain in company catalogs, and both are out of production today. Ruger’s decision to revisit the concept at the end of 2023, releasing the new chambering in early 2024, represents a genuine gamble on a cartridge-and-platform combination with a documented history of not quite catching on commercially, despite its technical merits. Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet Shop in USA

The Real Engineering Challenge: Fitting a Bottleneck Cartridge in a Revolver

This is the part of the story most worth understanding, since it’s the genuine technical achievement behind this product. Revolver cartridges are almost universally straight-wall — the case doesn’t taper or neck down to a narrower bullet diameter the way rifle cartridges commonly do. .22 Hornet, however, is a bottleneck cartridge, with a case that necks down to the smaller .224-caliber bullet. Chambering a bottleneck round in a revolver cylinder is a genuinely uncommon engineering challenge, since revolver cylinders and extraction systems are generally design around straight-wall case geometry.

Several factors made the Super Redhawk platform specifically well-suited to solving this problem:

• Case dimensions fit within the cylinder. .22 Hornet has a maximum loaded cartridge length of 1.723 inches, which fits within the Super Redhawk’s 1.755-inch-long cylinder.
• The thin, tapered case allows high capacity. Because the .22 Hornet case body is notably slim, Ruger was able to fit eight rounds into the Super Redhawk’s large, unfluted cylinder — two more than the standard 6-round configuration used in the platform’s more powerful chamberings.
• Offset cylinder latch notches. To accommodate the bottleneck geometry, the cylinder latch notches are cut slightly offset from the chambers themselves — a specific machining adaptation required by the cartridge’s unusual (for a revolver) shape.
• Sufficient frame mass to work with, even though it’s technically overkill. Despite the Super Redhawk’s four-pound-plus mass being originally engineered for cartridges generating vastly more pressure, .22 Hornet itself isn’t as trivial a pressure level as its mild report might suggest — SAAMI maximum pressure for .22 Hornet runs up to 44,000 psi, actually higher than the .44 Magnum’s 36,000 psi SAAMI maximum the Super Redhawk was originally built around. This means the Super Redhawk is not quite as absurdly overbuilt for .22 Hornet as a first glance might suggest — the platform’s strength is genuinely put to relevant use, just against a much smaller-diameter, lower-recoil cartridge.

Full Specifications: Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet​ For Sale USA

Specification	Details
Type	Double-action/single-action revolver
Caliber	.22 Hornet
Cylinder Capacity	8 rounds (unfluted cylinder)
Barrel Length	9.5″
Barrel Construction	Cold hammer-forged, stainless steel, bull-barrel profile
Rifling Twist	1:9″
Overall Length	15″
Weight (unloaded, unscoped)	66 oz (4.125 lb)
Frame	Stainless steel, satin finish, squared-off frame shroud extending 2″ over the barrel
Cylinder Lockup	Triple-locking (front, rear, bottom)
Sights	Fixed front blade with green HIVIZ fiber-optic insert; fully adjustable, white-outline rear
Scope Mounting	Integral mounts machined into the solid barrel rib; matching stainless rings included
Grip	Hogue Tamer Monogrip with internal recoil cushion
Safety Mechanism	Transfer bar
MSRP	$1,499

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Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet​ For Sale USA

The Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet is a remarkable representation of American gun-making, expertly combining skilled craftsmanship with exceptional design. Its well-regarded history appeals to enthusiasts, making it a favored option among collectors who value legacy and shooters aiming for precision. In terms of aesthetics, the Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet features elegant lines and intricate details, achieving a perfect mix of sturdiness and sophistication. This firearm goes beyond basic functionality; it is truly an artistic creation that often ignites discussions among collectors and firearm lovers.

Constructed from durable stainless steel, the Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet has a robust frame built to withstand regular use with ease. Its toughness guarantees a long service life and reliable performance, even in challenging conditions. Internally, this model is equipped with a meticulously crafted mechanism that ensures seamless operation and exceptional shooting capabilities. The thoughtfully designed trigger pull enhances the overall shooting experience, enabling users to hit their targets with precision. Whether during a hunting excursion or at a shooting range, this handgun acts as a dependable partner, consistently delivering on performance.

Where Can I Buy Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet in USA?

At the American Firearms Online Shop, you can explore a wide variety of Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet models tailored to attract serious collectors. The selection also includes high-quality accessories, featuring both stylish and functional holsters as well as essential maintenance tools for firearms. Every transaction places a premium on privacy and security, guaranteeing a trustworthy shopping experience supported by a satisfaction promise.

The Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet appeals to a diverse array of users—whether you are a collector looking to enhance your collection, a hunter in search of reliable performance, a competitor aiming for top-notch excellence, or someone needing a dependable option for personal safety. This beloved handgun seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, solidifying its respected position among firearm enthusiasts throughout the United States.

Trigger Feel

Reviewer-measured trigger pulls on the .22 Hornet Super Redhawk have generally landed in the range of approximately 5 lb 3 oz single-action and 15 lb 2.4 oz double-action — on the heavier side, though reviewers have generally described it as manageable, and specifically noted that a trigger this heavy straight out of the box tends to smooth out somewhat with use and break-in, consistent with expectations for a brand-new revolver. Order Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet in USA

Real-World Performance: Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet​ For Sale USA

Independent testing has been consistently positive on the core question of whether this unusual pairing actually works:

Recoil and muzzle control. The combination of the Super Redhawk’s substantial mass and the 9.5-inch cold-hammer-forge barrel was specifically crediting by one reviewer with taming recoil and minimizing muzzle flip — a genuine advantage of pairing an inherently mild cartridge with an inherently heavy, over-built platform.

Accuracy at distance. One reviewer testing at SHOT Show’s Range Day reported the .22 Hornet Super Redhawk easily ringing steel targets set at 50 yards — solid practical accuracy for a handgun cartridge often associated primarily with rifle-length barrels. Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet​ For Sale USA

Sight quality. The HIVIZ green fiber-optic front sight pair with the adjustable white-outline rear sight was specifically praise by reviewers for remaining bright and usable even under overcast test-day conditions.

Overall reviewer sentiment. Coverage across multiple major outlets — American Rifleman, American Hunter, Guns & Ammo, Guns.com, and Shoot On — has been consistently positive, generally framing this as a genuinely clever, well-executing niche product rather than a gimmick, even while acknowledging its commercial prospects are uncertain given the format’s history with the Contender and Raging Hornet.

Who Should Buy a Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet?

Varmint hunters who want a handgun option — .22 Hornet has a long, well-established reputation specifically for small-game and varmint hunting, and this platform brings that capability to a serious, scope-ready revolver.

Shooters who want very low recoil with genuine reach and accuracy — the combination of a long, heavy barrel and a mild cartridge produces a notably easy, pleasant shooting experience compared to the Super Redhawk’s more traditional big-bore chamberings.

Ruger enthusiasts and collectors who track the company’s more unusual, innovative releases — reviewers have specifically framed this launch as part of a broader pattern of Ruger leading the industry with unexpected chambering decisions in recent years.

High-capacity revolver shooters — the 8-round cylinder is a genuine practical benefit over the 5-, 6-, or 7-round cylinders used in the Super Redhawk’s other chamberings.

Buyers specifically wanting a traditional big-bore Super Redhawk for hunting dangerous or large game should look at the .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, or .480 Ruger versions instead, since this chambering serves a genuinely different, much milder-recoiling role.

Frequently Asked Questions by Americans

Is .22 Hornet a new cartridge?

No — it dates to the 1920s and was officially adopted by Winchester in 1930, making it the oldest .22 centerfire cartridge still in production today.

Why is chambering a revolver in .22 Hornet a challenge?

.22 Hornet is a bottleneck cartridge, while revolver cartridges are almost universally straight-walled. Ruger had to specifically engineer around this, including offsetting the cylinder latch notches from the chambers to accommodate the case geometry.

How many rounds does the cylinder hold?

8 rounds — more than the Super Redhawk’s other chamberings, made possible by .22 Hornet’s slim, tapered case.

Has a revolver been chambered in .22 Hornet before?

Yes — Thompson/Center’s Contender pistol and Taurus’s Raging Hornet revolver were both previously offered in the caliber, though both are now out of production, having not maintained enough commercial traction to stay in their manufacturers’ catalogs.

Is the Super Redhawk too much gun for .22 Hornet?

Less than it might seem — .22 Hornet’s SAAMI maximum pressure (44,000 psi) actually exceeds the .44 Magnum’s SAAMI maximum (36,000 psi), the cartridge the Super Redhawk was originally engineered around, so the platform’s strength is genuinely relevant even though felt recoil is much milder.

What’s the barrel length and overall length?

A 9.5-inch cold-hammer-forged bull barrel, with an overall length of 15 inches.

Does it come with a scope mount?

Yes — like other Super Redhawk models, it uses Ruger’s integral mounts machined directly into the barrel rib, with matching stainless scope rings included.

How much does it cost?

MSRP is $1,499.

Ruger Super Redhawk .22 Hornet Maintenance Tips

• Clean after every range or field session, with particular attention to each individual cylinder chamber, since the bottleneck case shape can require slightly more careful attention during cleaning than a straight-walled cartridge.
• Expect the trigger to smooth out with use — reviewers have specifically noted the factory trigger pull eases somewhat after break-in.
• Care for the Hogue Tamer Monogrip’s internal recoil cushion, a functional component rather than just a comfort feature. Buy Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet in USA
• Torque scope rings properly if mounting an optic, following Ruger’s guidance for the integral scope base system.
• Store properly, with a light coat of gun oil on exposed metal surfaces and dry, secure storage to protect the satin stainless finish.
• Leave anything beyond routine cleaning and basic maintenance to a qualified gunsmith, particularly work involving the triple-locking cylinder mechanism or internal lockwork.

Conclusion

This is the pairing that shouldn’t have worked and did. On paper, chambering a mild 1920s bottleneck varmint cartridge in a revolver built around .44 Magnum and .454 Casull reads like a novelty. In practice, it’s a legitimate engineering solve — Ruger had to offset the cylinder latch notches just to make a bottleneck case function in a format that’s essentially always been straight-wall, and the payoff is a genuinely unusual 8-round capacity that the platform’s other chamberings can’t match. The twist that makes this more than a gimmick: .22 Hornet actually runs higher SAAMI pressure than the .44 Magnum this frame was build for, so the Super Redhawk’s overbuilt reputation isn’t wasting here — it’s just pointing at a different problem than recoil. Ruger Super Redhawk 22 Hornet Near Me USA