Blued Ruger Old Army Grip Frame Question

[Rclark]

Did the blued ROA always come with the aluminum grip frame? Mine is a '74 and has the aluminum frame XR3-RED. Just curious.

 

[Bob Wright]

Did the blued ROA always come with the aluminum grip frame? Mine is a '74 and has the aluminum frame XR3-RED. Just curious.

Some Old Armies were factory fitted with the brass Dragoon style grip frme, and the later guns had steel grip frames. I have heard these are no longer available as parts to prevent use on converted three-screw guns.

Pity.

Bob Wright

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I'm curious as well.

Why would the steel or brass grip frames be "no longer available as parts to prevent use on converted three-screw guns"?

The grip frame is not involved in the "safety conversion" on three-screw guns. Only the "internals" are changed.

Help me out here, please.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

It's just Ruger logic. They want all the 3 screw models off the market do to their safety concerns. Which equates in their mind to, no spare parts, no repairs, no repairs, no longer on the market.
They have a nasty habit of stealing...er a...keeping customers guns that are sent in for repair by declaring them unrepairable. Then to add further injury, they'll offer a slight discount off of a new comparable model, all the while keeping your property.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Well, I know they won't sell Old Model "internals" any more, just the "safety conversion" stuff that they install any time they get an Old Model in for any work. Doesn't make much sense on the grip frames, though.

And I kinda doubt they do much "stealing" of Old Models, or no one would be sending them in for the free conversion. I don't buy that argument at all. I'd have to see documentation.

We have seen a couple of instances where the original "internals" weren't returned after a conversion, but these are by far rare, and likely not intentional.

JMHO

 

[lark63]

Just bought a NOS Old Army Stainless grip frame from Numerich in the last few months-They sold out fast

 

[Rclark]

Thanks guys... I stripped down my Blued ROA for its first cleanup after use last night and realized the grip is very light..... I was under impression that the ROA was all steel. Thanks for clearing this up for me!

BTW, I found the Old Model internal workings are much easier to put back together than the the New Model workings.... Just my observation... And boy, does that BP get 'everywhere'. Will be tearing it completely down every time after shooting... I can see that!

 

[Bob Wright]

To explain a point: The converted old models retain the aluminum grip frame, while many who put them back in original condition prefer (as I do) to replace the aluminum with a steel grip frame. Hence, Ruger prevents this with their policy.

Fortunately, I got in under the wire!

Bob Wright

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks guys... I stripped down my Blued ROA for its first cleanup after use last night and realized the grip is very light..... I was under impression that the ROA was all steel. Thanks for clearing this up for me!

If a blue ROA has a skinny trigger, it has an alloy grip frame. If a wide trigger it's a blued steel frame.

 

[Hondo44]

I think the ROA grip frames are no longer made because the guns have been discontinued. I see no logic for them to be connected with conversion of OMs. NM grip frames can be used with a Dave Clement's adapter trigger or a homemade trigger return spring adapter with the original trigger.

 

[rugerguy]

as well as "How often" has any Old Army over the years been cannibalized for its 'old style, heavy frame, and a later, lighter often more worse for the wear 'spare' frame put on it...I lost count years ago how many we took off ,, as well as brass frames from "shooters" that went beyond "character" in their condition, did 3 of those just the past 6 months, so they are OUT THERE............
but as noted above, if they are discontinued, and no longer "supported" by any factory service, there is NOT going to be any more parts made by them, the "parts" guys will now make out, and the prices will only go UP......... :roll: