Hey Ben,
Sorry to hear about your experience you had with your SSRedhawk 8-shot, specifically with a loose or end-shake problem, which can certainly affect performance and accuracy. I have shot both of these firearms at our local range and had a great experience with both. Talking with staff here at the range it seems like the Ruger Super GP100 is widely regarded as a superior revolver in terms of precision and quality control, especially compared to the Redhawk. It should provide a better experience, especially if you are concerned about issues like end-shake or a large barrel/cylinder gap.
As for quality control: The Redhawk is often seen as a more utilitarian, heavy-duty revolver designed for hunting and heavy loads, while the GP100 is focused on precision and performance. As a result, the GP100 generally has better overall build quality in terms of fit and finish, and it's less likely to have the kinds of issues you encountered with the Redhawk.
Hope this helps Ben and may you and your family have a wonderful Happy Holidays!!

Hi Ben, from what I am reading, Ruger's QC is not what it used to be >>> rugerforum.net/threads/ruger-revolver-quality-control-non-existent.418384/
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rugerforum.net/threads/am-i-just-expecting-too-much-quality.414362/

Hi Ben and welcome. Likely a factory specimen that slipped through quality control. Since Buds does not open new firearms packages, this would be entirely on Ruger. There is no way to know on any new firearm, so inspection is your best recourse (and refusal is anything is awry) as you have already done is best. Chances are good you would have no issues. Cheers, stay safe and enjoy!

Hey Ben,
Sorry to hear about your experience you had with your SSRedhawk 8-shot, specifically with a loose or end-shake problem, which can certainly affect performance and accuracy. I have shot both of these firearms at our local range and had a great experience with both. Talking with staff here at the range it seems like the Ruger Super GP100 is widely regarded as a superior revolver in terms of precision and quality control, especially compared to the Redhawk. It should provide a better experience, especially if you are concerned about issues like end-shake or a large barrel/cylinder gap.
As for quality control: The Redhawk is often seen as a more utilitarian, heavy-duty revolver designed for hunting and heavy loads, while the GP100 is focused on precision and performance. As a result, the GP100 generally has better overall build quality in terms of fit and finish, and it's less likely to have the kinds of issues you encountered with the Redhawk.
Hope this helps Ben and may you and your family have a wonderful Happy Holidays!!