New Model Grip Frame to Old Model

Have about completed gathering parts for 2 Old Model Blackhawk customs. One will receive a blue steel grip frame from a New Model (was marked Old Army, but doesn't have the hole for trigger return spring and plunger) and one will receive a Birdshead grip frame. I know there is an adaptor to use the Old Model trigger plunger and return spring, but checking Brownells and Midway I've thus far been unable to locate them. Also, will the Old Model main spring and strut work or will I also need an adaptor here. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Thanks!!

No company sells those adapters so you have to make them yourself or the easy way is to buy one of David Clements hybrid triggers for old model guns but uses new model trigger return springs. The main struts should be the same as long as you are not using an internal locking main strut grip frame.

As noted above,,, you either have to make the adapter or get the kit Robb mentioned.

I've made several of these adapters. Brass or aluminum will work the best. I'll see if I have a picture to add in a minute.

Here you go.

I've seen the little adapters for sale but cannot come up with a link right now.

They aren't too hard to make with simple hand tools. As mentioned . . . make them out of aluminum, it's way easier than steel. JMHO

Previous thread . . . https://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=267999

Robb Barnes said:

No company sells those adapters so you have to make them yourself or the easy way is to buy one of David Clements hybrid triggers for old model guns but uses new model trigger return springs. The main struts should be the same as long as you are not using an internal locking main strut grip frame.

Click to expand...

Even if you have a NM grip frame with a lock, it and its spring w/strut can be used with or w/o lock.

If you don't want the lock, just substitute the Bearcat spring retainer. Ruger will send you one for free, part # PR5, 336-949-5200.

An even simpler alternative is just a flat piece of steel with an oblong hole for the spring strut that will work; the spring tension will keep it in place:
Back in 2007 I had my Bearcat apart and noticed that its spring seat is the longest seat made for any of the Ruger single actions, go figure!! It just bridges the gap in the grip frames made for the internal lock and I posted its use as a replacement for the lock, on the other Ruger forum at the time.

It's an inexpensive Ruger part, that's all I use now, and quit making/selling my own.

The beauty of the Bearcat spring seat is that it disassembles the same way as the lock with the disassembly pin hole right below the spring so the spring never has to be dismounted from its strut, which can be a gruesome task for many.

The spring does not need to be dismounted from the strut like Ruger SAs w/o the lock, where the disassembly pin is inserted below the spring seat which is captured on the strut along with the spring.

Another alternative is just a flat piece of steel with an oblong hole for the spring strut that will work; the spring tension will keep it in place.