Ruger Blackhawk help

[Maineboy]

I have a 4 digit SN flat top Blackhawk in 44 mag that needs a set of original grips. Anyone know where I might find one? The grip frame is marked XR3. I'd like to get this gun back to it's original configuration but I don't want to break the bank.

[Bullshop Junior]

I have a 4 digit SN flat top Blackhawk in 44 mag that needs a set of original grips. Anyone know where I might find one? The grip frame is marked XR3. I'd like to get this gun back to it's original configuration but I don't want to break the bank.


We just saw where Ruger has just anounced the reintroduction of the flattop complete with the XR3 grip frame, only the grips are hard plastic, like the old Colts, not wood. But they look very nice. You should be able to get them form Ruger now.... reminds me Mom need to order a set :D

DANIEL/BULL SHOP JUNIOR

[Maineboy]

We just saw where Ruger has just anounced the reintroduction of the flattop complete with the XR3 grip frame, only the grips are hard plastic, like the old Colts, not wood. But they look very nice. You should be able to get them form Ruger now.... reminds me Mom need to order a set :D

DANIEL/BULL SHOP JUNIOR[/quote]

Thanks Daniel, I saw that too. That's what got me to thinking about getting some original grips for my Blackhawk. If I can't find some, I'll look into getting a set new ones from Ruger.

[44man]

Maineboy, I have to ask what happened to the original grips?

[StanDahl]

From what I've read at the Ruger forum [http://www.rugerforum.com], specifically the Collectibles and Revolvers sections, the new grips may not be interchangeable with the old XR-3's(??). I may be wrong because I was just skimming the post.

You could try the classified forum there for a set of grips. I posted a WTB query, someone responded and I got a set of original XR-3 plastic grips for about $75. You could also try ebay or Auction Arms, they turn up occasionally.

[Maineboy]

I don't know what happened to the original grips. I bought this gun 31 years ago, the owner had bought it that way several years before. Here's a picture of it with the oversized grips that came with it. They are cork, and make shooting the peestol more tolerable with heavy loads. They are very ugly though, and starting to fall apart.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/Maineboy/Blackhawkr.jpg

I don't shoot this gun much anymore, and when I do, the loads are pretty tame.
Brownell's lists grips for the XR3 frame, but they are about $60.00. I don't know if they are original or not.

I just found a set of plastic grips on eBay, way outta my price range
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39425&item=7143706 942&rd=1
I once saw a gun like mine with wood grips. Isn't that the way they came from the factory?

[44man]

They came with nice wood grips with the Ruger emblem but I don't remember what color it was, red or black. I think mine were red. Dumbest thing I ever did was to sell my flat top, but they were still making them back then.
If I had your grip frame, I could make you a set, but that is a collector piece and needs the original grips. It needs the emblems.

[StanDahl]

According to Dougan's "Know Your Ruger Single Action Revolvers 1953-63", most of the .44 Flattops came with walnut grip panels as standard equipment from the time they were introduced in 1956. Stan

[RayinNH]

Maineboy... These two links may answer some questions for you as to what is appropriate....Ray

http://gunblast.com/Hamm_44-Flattop.htm

http://gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

[Maineboy]

Maineboy... These two links may answer some questions for you as to what is appropriate....Ray

http://gunblast.com/Hamm_44-Flattop.htm

http://gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

Thanks for the links Ray, it looks like I have a type 2 Blackhawk. The first link shows the type 2 with both plastic and wood grip panels.

[RayinNH]

Maineboy, you're welcome. Right now I'm awaiting the arrival of one of the new 50th anniversary .357 Flattops. It's been ordered for about a month now...Ray

[StarMetal]

Alexander Sturm died in 1951 and to honor his cofounding friend William Ruger changed their emblem eagle from red to black there after. I don't think the 44 mags ever saw a grip with the red eagles. The right ones I believe to be black. Later on they were changed to silver.

Joe