Grip frame replace on 3 screw

[gnappi]

I have an opportunity to trade something I don't use for a 4 5/8" 3 screw .41 BUT, to consider it I MUST be able to remove the aluminum grip frame and replace it with steel, stainless or brass or else I'll pass.

Do I have any options?

 

[willicd76]

From your time on the single actions forum, you already know you have options.

 

[gnappi]

From your time on the single actions forum, you already know you have options.

No actually I have no clue about anything about 3 screw revolvers

 

[willicd76]

Then look at RW grip frames for brass or get an OM super frame.

 

[Robb Barnes]

Or an old Army steel grip frame or a new model steel grip frame with a trigger return spring adapter. You actually have several options,

 

[Johnnu2]

Why no aluminum..??
Personally, I would grab a 4 5/8" OM 41Mag even if it had no grip frame..... :)
J.

 

[gnappi]

Why no aluminum..??
Personally, I would grab a 4 5/8" OM 41Mag even if it had no grip frame..... :)
J.

I haven't handled an aluminum framed Ruger that wasn't IMO nose heavy or felt right. I've had a couple (a .357 and .41) NM's with aluminum, both got stainless and I gave the aluminum grip frames away (one in pretty sorry shape) so that future owners of my revolvers can curse or bless me as it may happen :)

On the off chance I'm interested in this one, I want to trade from an informed position.

 

[G2]

RW is your answer with what ever you want to use,,, Gripframes, Triggers, Hammers, he now has ALL the bases covered and you know the quality!
Here is a NM configured Bisley Grip Frame, made by Qualite, ONLY in NM configuration and no longer available but,,, RW can get you one very similar and way better accurate manufacture…. with a Super/ Bisley hump Hammer in OM configuration, with a OM Trigger using a NM a Trigger Return Spring,,,, and this gun has never been as smooth/ crisp, a pleasure to operate.

I really like this,,, a OM Bisley, well curved, wide fully fill the trigger window of a NM Bisley GF, with the spur to be able to use a NM Trigger Return Spring. Really well manufactured and finished. The Trigger used in the gun pictured.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Sad.

I don't want a .41 anything but to turn your nose up at one when you do just because of the type of metal the grip frame is made of means you really don't want one either.

Like I said, sad.

 

[contender]

To answer your questions,, yes, you have options.

And as several have mentioned,, Ronnie can supply you with whatever you desire.

OR,, if you prefer a Ruger NM g/f in stainless,, as noted above,, a very simple trigger return spring adapter can be easily made. I can show you how if you wish.
Of the Ruger OM g/f's,, the Super BKH is steel or you could get an OM brass g/f as well.

Yep,, several options.

 

[gnappi]

Sad.

I don't want a .41 anything but to turn your nose up at one when you do just because of the type of metal the grip frame is made of means you really don't want one either.

Like I said, sad.

To be honest, I see the aluminum grip frame as a painted cost reduced engineering mistake that has no place on a magnum single action revolver. Just because others love / like, accept, tolerate or worship them as it seems some do is no reason for me to settle on one.

And to correct you just a bit, it's NOT because of the TYPE of metal, it's due to the weight of it that makes it unpalatable. If aluminum were as heavy as steel, brass / bronze, or stainless I'd have no issues with it. I'd be trading a 1982 Belgian Browning in minty shape so I'm not taking this lightly but I am unanimous in my decision (Brit Humour) should I make it :)

Tyrone, as usual you're post illustrates that you're a knowledgeable gentleman and your comments are well received. If I get it I'll be sure to be in touch. Thanks much.

PS in the vein of this discussion I "modded" my KBN-455X and I'm 100% able to return it to its original state as will be the .41 should I get it.

 

[contender]

Well, if you do get the OM .41,, and it's not to your liking,, some of us do enjoy them a lot! It could possibly move to a climate that's not so hot as to be uncomfortable! :D

But if you were to need a return spring adapter,, just let me know. I've made several.

 

[gnappi]

Another thing many pointed out elsewhere aside from the weight of the aluminum grip frame, many have an issue with their pinkie dandling off the bottom. The Super Blackhawk and Bisley are the only ones that work for me and others.

 

[BIgMuddy]

Grip frames/grips are highly personal and what works for one may not for another. I think we all know that. I really like the aluminum XR3 and have them on several of my OM’s. Trading a 9mm of any type for an OM 41 mag would be a no brainer for me.

Put a brass SBH Dragoon gf on it and make it an Elmer Keith model. (I believe Brian Pearce owns the original).

Dan

 

[BIgMuddy]

Dan

 

[gnappi]

He replaced a grip frame on an OM, 4 5/8" forty one? Like the one I want mod? I think it's great that one of the preeminent shooters of Ruger SA's did that but I know one reader here who's doubly sad now :)

 

[G2]

I sure enjoy my well used, custom, Qualite/BGF, SBH hammer 4.6" OM .41 cal.

 

[BIgMuddy]

G2, I REALLY like that one!

Dan

 

[jyo]

I solved all of mine OM grip-frame issues (too small for my large hands) by investing in a Freedom Arms Model 83 stainless 4 3/4" revolver in 454 Casull (plus factory fitted 45 Colt and 45 ACP cylinders)---certainly the finest single-action revolver ever constructed with it's modified Bisley, longer grip, I can get all my fingers on the beast (and you'll need all those fingers to hold onto the thing!)--- a true thing of beauty...!
BTW, I used to collect OM Ruger Flattops (still have a couple), so I appreciate these fine guns, but when I was roaming the woods of Alaska, I wanted that 454 by my side...!

 

[rugerguy]

here is one we redid for our late Navy Seabee friend Fred P. cut it down to 5 inch and added the stainless Old Army grip frame and a stainless ejector housing.........

 

[Joey]

Why no aluminum..??
Personally, I would grab a 4 5/8" OM 41Mag even if it had no grip frame..... :)
J.

What he said.

 

[gnappi]

That begs the question... if you did buy a magnum SA revolver without a grip frame would you seek out another aluminum frame or get something more substantial (IMO) like brass/bronze stainless or blued steel for it?

Be honest not a purist.

 

[Joey]

That begs the question... if you did buy a magnum SA revolver without a grip frame would you seek out another aluminum frame or get something more substantial (IMO) like brass/bronze stainless or blued steel for it?

Be honest not a purist.

If we are talking Blackhawk 3 screw, it would depend on the condition of the piece. Pristine or close, I would have to say purist. For a restoration or rebuild, I would say brass. Love the look of a nicely blued revolver with brass hardware. Original Colt, S&W and others had brass options, and Ruger made Blackhawks with brass gf's.
A friend recently sold me a 3 screw .357, in great shape. When I told him I was putting a ss gf on my .357, I didn't say my NM. He got a bit upset, said it would ruin the value of the gun.

 

[Joey]

RW is your answer with what ever you want to use,,, Gripframes, Triggers, Hammers, he now has ALL the bases covered and you know the quality!
Here is a NM configured Bisley Grip Frame, made by Qualite, ONLY in NM configuration and no longer available but,,, RW can get you one very similar and way better accurate manufacture…. with a Super/ Bisley hump Hammer in OM configuration, with a OM Trigger using a NM a Trigger Return Spring,,,, and this gun has never been as smooth/ crisp, a pleasure to operate.

I really like this,,, a OM Bisley, well curved, wide fully fill the trigger window of a NM Bisley GF, with the spur to be able to use a NM Trigger Return Spring. Really well manufactured and finished. The Trigger used in the gun pictured.
View attachment 61925

G2, do you own any ugly guns? Love this one!

 

[Johnnu2]

That begs the question... if you did buy a magnum SA revolver without a grip frame would you seek out another aluminum frame or get something more substantial (IMO) like brass/bronze stainless or blued steel for it?

Be honest not a purist.

I guess it depends. I rescued an OM FT 44 from a "tactical" gun shop a few years ago (did a whole spread on the restore here on the forum). It had a Super Black Hawk grip frame, and had been converted to the transfer bar "safety" mechanism. I found the correct aluminum XR-3 grip frame and already had the OM parts.... It's "all better now". For ME, grip frames are actually irrelevant. No matter the size, or shape, I shoot'em and never notice the difference. I'm NOT one who notices details.... my mantra has always been "striving for mediocrity" so, I don't 'pay attention'. I do acknowledge that most folk have preferences, and I would never judge or even comment on personal preferences. My original question "why aluminum" was just that: a question that I was curious about.
Now that I think about it, in my younger years hunting in the San Juans, I did prefer my aluminum grip framed Blackhawk 45.... The long days hiking at that altitude kept me very aware of "weight"....beyond that, it doesn't make any difference to me. And now, in old age, I "download" everything and don't shoot that many rounds in any one range session to hurt me... so weight-to-caliber is "meh".



J.

 

[contender]

"That begs the question... if you did buy a magnum SA revolver without a grip frame would you seek out another aluminum frame or get something more substantial (IMO) like brass/bronze stainless or blued steel for it?

Be honest not a purist."

Joey has it right.
A lot depends upon condition of the gun. A minty gun deserves a minty original g/f, and proper grips.
A shooter can be whatever the owner desires.

In my case,, I'd likely use a shooter grade original type g/f & be happy. Of course,, I can shoot all the Ruger g/f's w/o issues.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Personally, I would grab a 4 5/8" OM 41Mag even if it had no grip frame.

My point exactly yet. Never mind.

 

[NitroAcres]

When I finally found an OM .41 4-5/8..the FIRST thing I did was install a Brass Gripframe i'd been saving for just such a project..problem is now I have the empty box the gripframe came in...LOL
(I couldn't afford the price of admission for a Factory Shipped version, they kinda pricey).

 

[woodperson]

A good while back I bought a OM .41Mag in terrible condition. Rusty and all the Al parts were dinged and scratched like it had been carried loose in a tool box. I sent it to Ruger for the conversion and had them install an Old Army grip frame and steel ejector housing and re blue the gun. I then unconverted it when I got it back. I am happy with the results. However, I think I would have been happier with one of the Williams steel framed .41 mags I ran into later. Wish I had bought one of those too.

I guess if you do that now you need to hold on the the proper parts while sending in the gun.

 

[gnappi]

Hang on, if you send an OM in for upgrad it can be stripped b4 u send it?