Aluminum Grip Frames

[Spec.-K]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking for an aluminum grip frame for a project, but can't quite determine which grip frame to get.

In some forums, I've read that new Vaqueros have aluminum frames, but I can't find any up for sale, knowing many people prefer to change out to steel grip frames.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.
-K

 

[Tellico]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking for an aluminum grip frame for a project, but can't quite determine which grip frame to get.

In some forums, I've read that new Vaqueros have aluminum frames, but I can't find any up for sale, knowing many people prefer to change out to steel grip frames.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.
-K

Not quite sure what it is you want? A full size Blackhawk Alloy GF? With or without lock?

 

[Spec.-K]

Yes, I'm looking for an aluminum BH frame, not sure if I want the lock or not (probably no lock)...
I'm a BH newbie and a major materials nerd, and am trying to build a lightweight BH.
I'be read there are aluminum frames and wanted to give it a try.

Can you please explain the difference with lock or no lock...?
-K

 

[Tellico]

Mr Quinn can explain it better than me. Look here.
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

 

[flatgate]

Mr Quinn can explain it better than me. Look here.
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

Oooh, that's a slam. Mr. Hamm wrote the article for both Mr. Quinn's (Jeff and Boge) web site...

flatgate

 

[flatgate]

In some forums, I've read that new Vaqueros have aluminum frames
-K

Not that I've seen. Ruger's Vaquero sports a Steel Ruger designed XR3-RED grip frame and the Ruger New Vaquero has a Steel Ruger designed XR-3 grip frame.

XR-3's emulate the shape of the Colt SAA trigger guard and backstrap assembly. XR3-RED's are "truncated" Ruger Super Blackhawk grip frames with round trigger guards. Both Ruger grip frames are One Piece, un-like the two piece Colt design.

flatgate

 

[Spec.-K]

So I think I need an XRN-3RED.
I found one for a Single Six, but would that still work with a Blackhawk 44 or 45...?

Sorry for the rookie questions, I'm more of the SR556 type, but I've found a major craving of the BH45 lately and want to build a couple of customs.

All the info helps, as the article is a bit dated.
Thanks.
-K

 

[Tellico]

Mr Quinn can explain it better than me. Look here.
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

Oooh, that's a slam. Mr. Hamm wrote the article for both Mr. Quinn's (Jeff and Boge) web site...

flatgate

My apologies to Mr Hamm. This is why I usualy do not write much on forums, I am wrong most of the time. I will just continue to lurk and learn!

 

[flatgate]

So I think I need an XRN-3RED.
I found one for a Single Six, but would that still work with a Blackhawk 44 or 45...?

-K

Yessir, it should be just fine. Ruger was a wiz at keeping the costs down....

flatgate

 

[caryc]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking for an aluminum grip frame for a project, but can't quite determine which grip frame to get.

In some forums, I've read that new Vaqueros have aluminum frames, but I can't find any up for sale, knowing many people prefer to change out to steel grip frames.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.
-K

I'm just a little curious here. You mentioned "project". What's the base gun you are starting with?

 

[Spec.-K]

I'm starting with a 45 Blackhawk NM, and want to lighten it down some, and do some custom metal finishing.
I'd also like to do a 44 and 357 in the future.
-K

 

[caryc]

A regular NM Blackhawk would already have aluminum grip frame on it. Unless it's a flattop.

 

[Spec.-K]

I should have been more clear.
The host gun is a new production SS Blackhawk Convertible 45.
I live in a pretty damp climate, so I tend to stay away from blued guns.

I don't seem to see any new aluminum grip frames for sale...are they called something else....?
-K

 

[rugerguy]

Tellico, don't you dare sit back and 'lurk' we kinda like the input anyone has to say, we knew the site was right, (as they say right church, wrong pew...)
oh well, won't be the first "faux pas" ANY of us has written........
Spec-K, looked throgh our stuff and no "new model' aluminum alloy frames to be found...just place an ad in the classifieds here on trhe forum, Im sure someone has one of them frames, doesnlt matter the condition , as to nicks, or fading of the anodized finish, you can p[olish it all off to match your stainless gun anyway, you say its gonna be a "project", then make it one. :wink: