#5 keith frame comparrison

[Ravenn]

Been looking at the different grip frames Ruger has used through the years and models. I'm curious in folks opinions on which Ruger frame closly matches the #5 Keith Frame?
BTW. My personal Riger Blackhawk is a Bisley.

Thanx
Rich in Ky

 

[NorEaster]

Power Custom makes a Keith style frame that you can fit to a Ruger
http://powercustom.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=787
If you want to go stock Ruger only, I would have to say that the closest thing would be the Ruger Bisley frame.

 

[Ravenn]

Thanx for that info noreaster!

 

[CraigC]

None of them really.

 

[Hondo44]

Yeah, none of the Ruger standard plowhandle grip frames come close to the #5. But the Bisley upper is close to identical. A buddy made his own for an OM SBH. He started with the top half of the Ruger Bisley grip frame grafted to the bottom half of the Ruger SBH Hunter grip frame including round trigger guard. As I recall, that's how the original Grover #5 came about using Colt SAA parts.

 

[Fowler]

As it has been said none of them match that close. Ron Power's #5 grip frame seems to be a pretty faithful copy of the original, it is a bit shorter than a Bisley grip frame but I think the Bisley is the closest match that is factory available.

The Bisley certainly manages recoil better in my opinion, a full Keith load in the Bisley is pleasant and running 100-200 rounds doesnt cause me any issues. Now that same load in the #5 with the carved grips tears up my hand some if I dont wear a thin pair of gloves. But the issue comes more from the carving than the gripframe in my hands at least.

That said I like the #5 grip frame...

 

[VA Shooter]

There is a artical in the months Handgunner abot the #5 Keith grip frame

 

[BIgMuddy]

Ron's #5 grip frame was made from a tracing of the original. I have smooth walnut grips from Blu Magnum on one of mine and it handles the 1200 fps loads very well. I have another that is "in progress" that will have ram's horn from Patrick Grasshorn.

Dan