RugerForum.com

Much confusion surrounds the Ruger Single Action Grip Frames. Lucky for us, Boge Quinn has graciously allowed us to "link" a page from their gunblast.com web site.

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

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Imagine the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured, but not that they are a citizen.

It should be noted that this excellent reference article was written by the Ruger Forum's own flattop44. Good job Bill.

Dan

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Stay true to what you know is right.

Its a start

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"The only two things in life that make it worth livin'
Is guitars that tune good and firm feelin' women"

Not trying to beat a dead horse but, I am very confused! I have a 1986 New Model 357 SS Blackhawk. Looking to replace the factory grips and here is my issue: Grip frame is marked XR-3 on the RIGHT (not the left) side of the grip frame. When comparing the frame to pictures on the Bill Hamm site, my frame looks exactly like the picture of the new model super blackhawk frame but without the squared trigger guard - is this possible? Should I use super blackhawk grips or what?
Thanks in advance for any information provided!
Randy

Hello randyp6 and welcome to the forum.

I don't know the answer to your question but you will get more replies if you start a new thread here in the Revolver section.

Members who have been here longer may rarely look at these "Sticky" items.

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Imagine the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured, but not that they are a citizen.

LuckenbachTexas wrote "Its a start"??

Please, don't leave us hanging!! Man, I am always interesting in learning more about Ruger grip frames and Rugers period. Please feel free to bash my article, point out where I am wrong and/or where I can add more info. Ruger is making different Single Actions faster than I can count 'em so if there is new info on those please let us know and I will try to update the article so folks can be informed.

FT44/aka Bill

Bill's work on that subject is the most complete resource anywhere in the free world. I don't know what the Russians have.
Bill, hopefully you will get to update that before too long!

Jeff

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Jeff Quinn
gunblast.com

" I have a 1986 New Model 357 SS Blackhawk. Looking to replace the factory grips and here is my issue: Grip frame is marked XR-3 on the RIGHT (not the left) side of the grip frame. When comparing the frame to pictures on the Bill Hamm site, my frame looks exactly like the picture of the new model super blackhawk frame but without the squared trigger guard - is this possible?"

Ruger's grip nomenclature has been "out to lunch" for many, many years. It's confused scores of folks, especially those that don't have 26 Ruger Blackhawks in their safe......

Yes, is very likely that the "short barreled" Super Blackhawk grips would fit your '86 vintage .357. The 7-1/2" and 10-1/2" New Model Super Blackhawks utilize the larger grip frame that has the famous (infamous to some) square-backed trigger guard.

The info is there in Mr. Hamm's article and one must carefully read the text and study the graphics.

JMHO,

flatgate
Randy[/quote]

Hi Bill,
Thanks for the great work on this issue. I've observed the following updates:
1. Blue steel NM XR3-RED frame size marked XR-3. I've only seen the alloys marked XRN-3RED.
2. Stainless Steel NM XR3-RED frame size is no longer just KXR-3:
Earliest = KXR-3, Next = KXR-3 with a separate N, Late = K in circle XRN-3
3. Blue steel Old Armies are: XRN-3

Hope that helps,

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Jim
Ruger single action "collector, accumulator, builder and shooter"
NRA Life
CRPA Life
CRPC Life
SASS Life
SWCA
RCA

Thanks Jim, I do appreciate the info. I am going to send you a PM to discuss further off-line.
Bill

Great work guys. Thanks!

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Joe S.
Central MS

"That's what...” -She

Bill's article is indeed a very good technical info resource. But unfortunately too many people try to interpret those ridiculous frame marking just because they want to buy a new pair of grips.

It's not really that complicated. In the 50+ years that Ruger has been in business, they have used basically three sizes of grip frames on their single actions. I'm talking basically plow handle style grips here. There have been a few oddities along the way but not that many were produced and if you have one of those, you should find it in Bill's reference article.

But, to get to the basics, if you want to buy a new set of grips, you can find out what you need by referring to the drawing below. Just draw yourself a three inch square and place one of your stock grips in it. It will fit like one of the drawings below. I don't pay any attention to those frame markings.

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Cary Chapman

B.Q. is a fellow who took time to answer a question i had about a 4 didget ser.# SBH i picked up some time back. much appreciated. WASATCH CHARLIE

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THEMS APACHE OUT YOUNDER, SAVE THE LAST BULLET FOR YOURSELF.

Man o man am I confussed now.

I don't like the new plastic grip panels now being put on the New Model Single Six so I want to have a set of simulated Stag grips made. Ruger is sending me the Ruger medallion that goes in the panels so I can have them installed in the new panels.

The picture below is of a 1977 Single Six that I had these same panels made for about 5 years ago. I no longer have the gun. (Wish I had never sold it.)


My new gun was made in Sept of this year. The only thing the new frame has on it is the number 23. That's it.

Are the two frames the same? The one on the 1977 model and the one on the 2012 model? I need to know before I spend the money for the new grips.

Thanks,
djh

As I showed you with the drawing there are only three sizes of Ruger plow handle type grips. The gun you show in the picture with the black grips has the XR3-RED profile frame on it. Measure the width of it. You will find that it is .500" and not .437".

You want grips that fit the "regular" Blackhawk (not the flattop Blackhawks) or the Vaquero. Note that I said "Vaquero" not "New Vaquero".

Still don't believe me? Draw yourself a three inch square and see how your grip fits in it. It's really not rocket science. I don't know how to make it any plainer than that. Oh yeah, your grip frame is also aluminum. The new XR3 is steel only.

As far as what Ruger marks on their grip frames, don't even look at it. It will drive you nuts.

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Cary Chapman