Description
Ever wondered what happens when you take a legendary big-bore revolver platform and chamber it for a classic, high-velocity varmint cartridge? You get something truly unique, and that’s exactly what we’re looking at today.
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-oriented firearms and tactical gear. The Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet is a massive, 8-round, double-action revolver chambered in the potent .22 Hornet cartridge. This combination offers a level of power and precision uncommon in a wheelgun. This unique revolver is in stock and ready to ship for $1606.49, a significant saving from its regular $1784.99 price.
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 2026
Why This Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet Revolver Stands Out
In my years of building and handling custom firearms, I’ve seen a lot of revolvers. Most follow a predictable formula. This Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet doesn’t. It takes the overbuilt, incredibly strong Super Redhawk frame—a design I’ve trusted for handling heavy .44 Magnum and .454 Casull loads—and mates it with the flat-shooting, low-recoil .22 Hornet. The result is a handgun that feels like you could drive nails with it, yet shoots with the mild manners of a target pistol. The 9.5-inch barrel gives that little .22 caliber bullet all the room it needs to reach its full velocity potential, making it a remarkably capable tool for long-range varmint control or just ringing steel at impressive distances. It’s the kind of specialized piece that makes you smile because it solves a very specific problem with overwhelming capability.
Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Double-Action Revolver |
| Material (Frame/Barrel) | Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel |
| Manufacturing | Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
| Hardness/Quality | Investment Cast 400 Series Stainless, Heat-Treated |
| Compatibility | Chambered in .22 Hornet, Uses Super Redhawk-Specific Grips |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to Fire, Double or Single Action |
| Weight | Approx. 53 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions (Barrel Length) | 9.5 Inches |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | Ruger-SRH-22H-95 |
| Capacity | 8 Rounds |
| Sights | Adjustable Rear, Ramp Front (Integral Scope Base) |
How It Stacks Up: Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet vs. The Competition
| Feature | Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet | Budget .22 Revolver (e.g., Heritage Rough Rider .22) | Premium Target Revolver (e.g., S&W 617 .22 LR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Full Stainless Steel Construction | Zinc Alloy Frame, Steel Barrel | Stainless Steel |
| Quality | Overbuilt for extreme pressure; legendary durability. | Functional for plinking; not for high-volume use. | Excellent fit & finish; precision target focus. |
| Compatibility | Unique .22 Hornet chambering; proprietary grip frame. | Common .22 LR/.22 Mag; widely available. | Standard .22 LR; vast aftermarket support. |
| Shipping | Same-day from our San Antonio warehouse. | Varies by retailer; often drop-shipped. | Varies; often on special order. |
| Lifespan/Durability | Will last multiple lifetimes; built for heavier cartridges. | Limited lifespan with regular use. | Very durable for its intended .22 LR use. |
| Price | $1606.49 (Specialized Tool) | $60 – $80 (Economy Plinker) | $900+ (Target Specialist) |
This table shows you’re not just buying a revolver; you’re investing in a purpose-built instrument. The Ruger isn’t competing with cheap plinkers or even standard target guns. It occupies its own niche, offering a level of robustness and chambering that the others simply can’t touch.
Pros and Cons of the Super Redhawk Hornet
What I like about it:
- ✅ Unmatched Durability: The Super Redhawk frame is famously over-engineered. For the .22 Hornet, it’s essentially indestructible, promising a lifetime of service.
- ✅ High-Velocity Performance: The .22 Hornet out of a 9.5″ barrel offers ballistics far superior to .22 LR or .22 WMR, extending your effective range significantly.
- ✅ Excellent Platform for Optics: The integral scope base on the frame is rock-solid. Mounting a pistol scope or red dot turns this into a precision instrument.
- ✅ Manageable Recoil: In this heavy frame, the .22 Hornet’s recoil is negligible, making follow-up shots and long practice sessions easy.
- ✅ 8-Round Capacity: One more round than many standard revolvers, which is a nice practical advantage.
Points to consider:
- ❌ Heavy and Large: At over 3.3 pounds, this is not a carry gun. It’s a field or bench tool. If you need a compact revolver, see our standard revolvers.
- ❌ Specialized Ammunition: .22 Hornet ammo is not as common or cheap as .22 LR. You’ll need to plan your supply. For a high-volume shooter, a .22 LR pistol might be more economical.
- ❌ Niche Application: This isn’t a general-purpose handgun. It excels at specific tasks like varminting or long-range target work with a scope.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet
Buy it if:
- You’re a varmint hunter who wants the reach and power of a .22 Hornet in a supremely stable handgun platform.
- You’re a revolver enthusiast looking for a unique, high-quality, and conversation-starting piece for your collection.
- You enjoy long-range metallic silhouette or target shooting with a handgun and want a cartridge with a flatter trajectory.
- You appreciate the ultimate in mechanical strength and want a revolver you’ll never have to worry about.
Skip it if:
- You’re looking for a lightweight, concealed carry, or general home defense revolver. The size and caliber aren’t ideal for that.
- Your primary goal is inexpensive plinking. The cost of the gun and ammo makes it a poor fit. Check out our .22 LR handguns instead.
- You want a simple, no-frills first handgun. This is a specialist’s tool.
Common Concerns and Questions Answered
“Is .22 Hornet enough for coyote?” With proper shot placement and within its effective range (out to about 150 yards from this barrel), the .22 Hornet is a capable coyote cartridge. Its minimal pelt damage is a plus for trappers.
“Can I shoot .22 WMR in it?” Absolutely not. Never fire ammunition not explicitly marked for your firearm. The .22 Hornet is a different, more powerful case. This revolver is chambered for .22 Hornet only.
“What scope mount does it use?” The frame has an integral base that accepts Ruger Super Redhawk rings (sold separately). These are some of the strongest rings on the market, a feature I always point out to customers mounting optics on heavy-recoiling guns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet good for beginners?
It can be, due to its very mild recoil, but its size, weight, and specialized nature make it an unusual choice. A beginner would benefit more from a standard .22 LR revolver to master fundamentals before stepping into a niche cartridge like the .22 Hornet.
What is the effective range of a .22 Hornet from this revolver?
With its 9.5-inch barrel, the .22 Hornet can be effective on small game and varmints out to 150 yards or more in the hands of a skilled shooter, especially with a mounted optic. The long barrel allows the cartridge to achieve near-rifle-like velocities.
Can I use a red dot sight on this revolver?
Yes. You will need a base adapter or rings that allow for a Picatinny rail section. Once mounted, the solid frame and low recoil make it an excellent host for a red dot, allowing for fast, accurate shooting.
How does the double-action trigger pull feel?
Ruger double-action pulls are typically robust and serviceable, not target-light. The single-action pull, which you’d likely use for precision work, is generally quite crisp. The heavy frame also helps stabilize the gun during a long double-action pull.
Is ammunition easy to find for the .22 Hornet?
It’s less common than .22 LR but is regularly produced by several major manufacturers like Federal, Hornady, and Winchester. It’s wise to check local availability or plan to order online. I always recommend buying a supply when you see it.
Where can I buy a Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet revolver online?
You’re in the right place. Californiagunshop (californiagunshop.com) has this unique Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet in stock and ready to ship to your FFL from our warehouse in San Antonio, Texas.
What is the main advantage of this over a .22 LR revolver?
Power and range. The .22 Hornet delivers significantly higher velocity and energy than a .22 Long Rifle, making it suitable for larger varmints and extending your practical shooting distance. It’s a step up in performance for the shooter who needs it.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (see our policy for details)
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This Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet represents a fascinating intersection of brute-force revolver design and a refined, high-velocity cartridge. It’s not for everyone, but for the shooter who understands its purpose, it’s an incredibly satisfying and capable firearm. If you’ve been looking for a handgun that breaks the mold while maintaining Ruger’s legendary toughness, this is it.
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