Frames, Ejector Housing, Grips

[broknprism]

Howdy. I just bought a 1972 Blackhawk in .357. It's a non-transfer bar gun and has a very satisfying 4-click hammer pull, and a glassy, clean breaking trigger.

The aluminum parts show white I'd rather not see, so I went in search of steel replacements (or even aluminum -- Numrich is out). Brownell's seems to have an ejector rod housing for every barrel length except mine -- 6.5". As for looking for a replacement steel gripframe (if they exit), I don't know the difference between an XR3 and an XR3-RED frame, or which I have.

Has anyone been on this quest before, or, if not can someone school me about what I have and should look for? Do I have an XR3 or XR3-RED? Does anyone even make steel grips frame for Blackhawks? Would a SBH frame work? Do all Blackhawk grips fit all Blackhawks? I started down this road because a previous owner beat the hell out of the ejector housing trying to get the cylinder pin out. The rest of the gun is in great shape.

Thanks in advance of helpful answers, or, in spite of eye rolling because this may be the millionth time it's come up. : ) Searching the forum didn't help.

 

[CraigC]

It is the millionth time but that's okay. Education is what it's about. Except for the early studded, 10" Super Blackhawk and Hunter versions, ejector housings are all interchangeable. I don't have the part number on hand but the current blued steel ejector housing for a Vaquero or sub-10" Super will fit. Should be around $35.

More than you ever wanted to know about grip frames.

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

 

[Rainman]

Welcome to the Forum broknprism. We all have had the same questions in the past so don't feel bad about asking them. This froum has lots of helpful folks always willing to share info. Overall it's a pretty nice bunch.

CraigC gave you a great link above written by our own flattop44. That Gunblast article covers all the frames and grips in detail.

Dan

 

[broknprism]

Duplicate post

 

[broknprism]

Thanks you guys. I surfed the web and learned a lot -- should have done that first. I learned I have the XR3-RED frame.

Did I read correctly that a current Vaquero housing will fit an Old Model BH, that it's steel, and that barrel length doesn't matter? If true, that's good news. Thank you.

I read that the Vaquero (not the New Vaq) shared the XR3-RED frame -- does that mean that if the Vaq frame was ever made in steel, it would fit an Old Model BH?

 

[flatgate]

........ I have the XR3-RED frame. (Introduced in late '62, replacing the Colt SAA sized XR-3. The XR-3 has a "straight" backstrap whereas the XR3-RED has a "curved" backstrap. An interesting fact is that the XR3-RED is actually a "truncated" Super Blackhawk grip.)

Did I read correctly that a current Vaquero housing will fit an Old Model BH, that it's steel, and that barrel length doesn't matter? (Yes, it should work but I've not tried it.)

I read that the Vaquero (not the New Vaq) shared the XR3-RED frame -- does that mean that if the Vaq frame was ever made in steel, it would fit an Old Model BH? (Yup, the screw holes will line up, however the rest of the grip frame will likely require some fitting to match the width dimensions and the "height of the ears" dimensions. In addition, the trigger's return spring set up is VASTLY different when comparing the New Models with the pre '73 Old Models. This is NOT to say the swap can't be done but, it's just a bit more complicated. The Vaquero and the New Vaquero's have steel grip frames. Either can be modified, not real easy but it can be done at home, to work on a Old Model.)
flatgate

 

[broknprism]

Thanks Flatgate. The grip frame isn't urgent. If I ever get serious about it, I could live with a non-dinged aluminum replacement.

 

[Hondo44]

The ejctor rod housings listed in Brownell's are not listed by barrel lengths; those are lengths of the housing (just what shows when installed on the gun). So the 4" is the one you need; # 780-001-197AB.

The easiest way to get a steel grip frame that's the same size and configuration as yours is to buy a used blue Ruger Old Army frip frame. The early ones will have the narrow slot for your narrow trigger. Post a "WTBuy" ad in the classified of this forum. If you like stainless the Old Army SS frame will work too. The later blue ones and the SS ones have a wider slot for the SBH type wide trigger but will still work with your trigger.

If you can't find one used Brownell's has them for $80, # 780-000-115AB. But you'll have to trim it down to match the width of your frame including the "ears" around the base of the hammer as flatgate said and then get it blued or leave it polished in the white like this:

 

[mhblaw]

...or for $60 you could have Bowen re-finish your grip frame in CeraKote which is very similar to the original finish and looks quite nice.

 

[Stump Buster]

I may have what you want. PM sent. :wink: