I bought the gun earlier this month as an older model "birdshead" sherrifs model with a "spare frame" with un-original box, and since I am a BIG fan I jumped on the deal. Upon recieving the firearm I noticed the spare frame (plow handle) had lots of rust and nothing neglect would typically cause IMHO. It was rusting in random places thhropughout the frame, under handles, in the trigger housing, in between frame areas, and on the polished surfaces. I also noticed that the birdshead was not an original Ruger Birdshead frame but apparently an aftermarket. I fit extremely well, looked and felt great but since I have an original birdshead for comparison I could tell the difference. Upon further examination I noticed that the rusting frame WAS the original to the gun and matched the box they came in. I called Ruger to confirm and they stated that the plow was the original handle.
So I took the birdshead frame that was on it off. Took the plow frame stuck it in a ziplock with the top half of the frame (seperate) so the pieces wouldnt get lost. I forgot to put the grip frame rod and spring in the zip lock as it remained in the birdshead frame. I sent this bag of parts to Ruger and they (in a matter of about a week) put on a new frame, new grips, cleaned and polished it, and sent me back a basically new gun! Love that company and their service, they have made a lifetime customer out of this guy. I got the gun in a new box with new paperwork and reciept. I am very happy with the gun. Now I have an old heavy frame 45 LC sheriffs model in a plow handle to match my sheriffs model 45 LC birdshead. Been working on that set (Like Doc's) for a while.
Now I have a spare birdshead grip frame, guess I will have to part with that as I have no other vaqueros to put it on.........might be a good reason to get another?
So I took the birdshead frame that was on it off. Took the plow frame stuck it in a ziplock with the top half of the frame (seperate) so the pieces wouldnt get lost. I forgot to put the grip frame rod and spring in the zip lock as it remained in the birdshead frame. I sent this bag of parts to Ruger and they (in a matter of about a week) put on a new frame, new grips, cleaned and polished it, and sent me back a basically new gun! Love that company and their service, they have made a lifetime customer out of this guy. I got the gun in a new box with new paperwork and reciept. I am very happy with the gun. Now I have an old heavy frame 45 LC sheriffs model in a plow handle to match my sheriffs model 45 LC birdshead. Been working on that set (Like Doc's) for a while.
Now I have a spare birdshead grip frame, guess I will have to part with that as I have no other vaqueros to put it on.........might be a good reason to get another?
