Single Action Grip Frames Explained

Some of the grip makers make a distinction between stainless and blue steel XRE grip frames not because they're muddled up, but because although they are the same grip frame, in actuality the stainless grip frames do tend to run slightly larger in outline. In my experience, and apparently theirs, it's a factory hand finishing issue rather than a design difference. So if the maker does distinguish, order accordingly.

You're very welcome. My posts are usually written for all readers in general, especially in this particular thread so those who want all the detail and a full understanding will have it. And/or save for future reference if they may have additional confusion. I can't think of a thread subject more prolific than Ruger's confusing grip frames.

caryc said:

I've been making grips for around 12 years now and I've never asked a customer what is marked on their grip frame. Ruger just puts that crap there to confuse people.

There is also one other major difference. The made it 7/16" in width to try and emulate the Colt grip frames. All Ruger's other plow handle grip frames are still 1/2" in width.

As far as I know Ruger has used the new XR3 grip frames on all the flattops it produces.

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Actually the founders marks are for employees rather than customers. It's a way to tell the difference between SS and carbon steel before bluing and the different applications for assembly. Ruger uses part numbers for their customers.

Colt grip frames are 1/2" in width. The 7/16" width is in response to cowboy shooter market demand for thinner 'handles' so both the grip frames and the grips were made thinner for that market.

You're correct in addition to the New Vaqueros, the XR3 size grip frames are supplied on all new model Flat Top Blackhawks, on both the mid size and large size main frames.

P89DC said:

It's clear now, Cary, thanks! Some of the gripmakers make a distinction between stainless and blue XR3 gripframes but after learning from you I expect they have the different gripframes muddled up.

Hondo, thanks for trying to edjucate me but that post has my eyes rolling back. The non-custom grip market is mostly clueless about the mid-sized flattop's relationship to the New Vaquero, all I needed to know is the New Vaquero gripframe is the same as the new flattop.

Let the shopping commence!

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Hondo does indeed have a lot of knowledge on the Ruger grip frames. One can never have too much info on them.

There is a very big difference in size on Ruger's carbon steel and stainless steel Bisley grip frames. The stainless ones are larger around the top of the grip. In my years of grip making I would not even make a pair of Bisley grips unless the customer sent me his grip frame for fitting.

All the new flattops so far have had the new steel XR3 grip frame. That first new steel XR3 first appeared in 2005 on the "New Vaquero".

Hondo44 said:

Old Army steel (OM XR3-RED size) = XRN-3 beginning 1985 with wide trigger slot and is the only OM GF in carbon steel other than the SBH.

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Photo:



Example shown has never been installed.

Are the Single Seven birdshead grip frames the same size as the New Vaquero birdsheads?

All you need to tell anybody is that it's an XR3-RED style frame. It won't make any difference on the gun.

I made and sold Ruger single action grip frames for ten years. I never paid any attention to the marks Ruger put on them. They just put them their to confuse people.

Yep, agree with Cary. Just a XR3-RED for a new model.
FT44

So there appears to be two XR3 grip frames now. At least as I understand it.
My 1970 OM Blackhawk in 41 Mag (aluminum) is marked XR3 and the New Vaquero's also have the XR3 grip frame. It appears, as Im told, the only difference is that the guide pin location has been off set on the newer XR3 frames.
If this is not correct please let me.
I've been trying to find a set of grip panels for the 41 and am having quite a bit of trouble.

Unless someone has changed the grip frame on your 1970 .41 Mag Blackhawk it would have come from the factory with an XR3-RED grip frame. Your comment about the OM XR3 vs the NM XR3 in early cases seems to be correct, locater pin hole difference fixed and grips would usually swap out. I do not know about more current ones and never tried any to see if that was the only difference. Maybe someone else has and will chime in.
FT44/Bill

Update:

Wrangler's use XR3-RED

GR8 info, thanks all.

Bill Hamm's explanation truly is about as thorough an overview as one is going to find, and CaryC's simple 3-inch square text is ingenious for cutting through all the distractions.

The challenge I've found is often on the grip-seller's end. I know I need grips to fit the XR3 frame on my 1957 Single Six. But many sellers, on Ebay and Gunbroker, for example, don't really know what they have. They'll list grips as being for a Single Six, Blackhawk, or Vaquero without having any other knowledge to share. They are certainly not going to be willing to draw a three-inch square and trace the outline of their grip for me. Often, they'll say, "These grips came from an estate" or "We're cleaning out an old gunsmith's shop and found these grips in a box marked 'Ruger'."

So, I usually just ask them to post a photo of the back side of the grips, and I try my best to tell by the position of the pin holes if it's for an XR3.

I'm striking out in my search for a pair of factory walnut XR3 grips; if anyone has a pair they'd like to part with, please DM me. I'm a new member here and still in Classified Purgatory (I have to post 10 times before they'll allow me to post a WTB ad.