First Post. Which option to go...

[stewmagoo]

Guys and Gals, thanks for acceptance to your forum. Joe S invited me and it is a very informative place. I have a couple of Ruger single actions now but of course I want more...

Heres my dilemma, I want a Birdshead gripped pistol. My FFL has a Talo version Birdshead Vaquero in stock for me in 45 Colt, which is a caliber that I love. But, I love a Blackhawk in 4 5/8'' that I have seen with a Birdshead grip frame.

Do I buy the Vaquero, and then add a 45 ACP cylinder, or would it be easier and more cost effective to purchase the convertible Blackhawk and hope I can find a Birdshead grip and frame to add to the convertible. I like the adjustable sights of the Blackhawk, but I am no gun smith and I have never attempted a frame swap before.

Thanks again.
Stew

 

[princeout]

Welcome to the forum, Stew!
Grip frame swaps are fairly simple. Used, take-off birdshead grip frames turn up occasionally or you can place a wanted to buy ad in the Classifieds. Fitting those would be simply remove/replace and the fit might well be acceptable. Unfitted birdshead grip frames are available from time to time from Midway/Brownells/Ruger. They require file work, sanding, polishing and, if not stainless, bluing. Not too tough if you take your time.
Good luck!
Tim

 

[JPGLSG]

Stew....why not just purchase a convertible Vaquero 45LC & 45ACP with a 4 & 3/4 plow handle and chase down a birdshead grip frame. I have found many grip frames from other Forum Members. That might be your least expensive way to get what you are looking for, just my 2 cents.

 

[Hondo44]

Hi Stew,

Welcome to the forum.

I agree with princeout. Much simpler to get the Blackhawk convertible than finding and fitting an ACP cylinder to add to another gun. Plus you'd rather have the adj sights. Then find a "take off" birdshead grip frame and grips. 5 screws to dismount and mount a grip frame plus a paper clip for the mainspring. If it's not a new one and has already been on a gun, it will be a pretty darn close fit, no work needed. Might cost up to $150 with grips.

See how easy with these Videos:

Good New Model Ruger disassembly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfOXBa8K8Ow

NM Reassembly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zEKDqwkgEs&feature=related


Hope that helps,

 

[stewmagoo]

Thank you folks, for the insight. Let me throw one more kink in the chain, the limited numbers and the investment standpoint of the Talo Birdshead vs a convertible Flat Top BH.

 

[dougader]

You can get a blackhawk anytime. The limited release gun is harder to come by.

I'd get both, but the Talo first.

 

[princeout]

Get what you want to shoot!! Investment is secondary to me - I want to shoot them. If you take care of them, your heirs will get your money back!
Tim

 

[Hondo44]

Good advice princeout! Seldom do limited editions make that good of an investment, especially of you use it. If you don't use it, might as well invest the money in your portfolio, it'll do much better over the same length of time.