I just picked up a Ruger Redhawk .44mag w/7-1/2" barrel,about a month ago, myself. I've already put 150 round through it shooting it, and am having a blast. I just got the same Leupold scope, (2x20), on it that Ray has. I can't wait to take it to the outdoor range and get it sighted-in correctly.
I have never shot a handgun anywhere near that big before I shot my friends Dan Wesson .44mag, about 2 months ago. I found that after the first couple of shots, I have to set the gun down and relax, and take deep breathes to try and give my body time for all the adrenilin to subside. Shooting that gun causes me such an adrenelin rush through my body, I can't hold the gun steady. Anybody else have that problem? I've gotten more used to the gun and relax more between each shot, and can control the gun better now, but it's still amazing the way it just happens naturally, and I have to consciensously try and get it under control...