grip markings

[jssmith27]

Im confused (not real unusuall) I just aquired a Lipsey Exclusive Single six 4 5/8 Love IT. The grips are very thick they are marked with XR routed into the back along with stamp Jun 16 2008.What does the XR mean?I am lookin to get a slimmer grip due to some nurapthy in my right hand .Any sugestions :?:

 

[flatgate]

I'd look on the grip frame itself for markings. Basically you have two options.
XR3 or XR3-RED. XR3 grip frames have a "straight" backstrap whereas the XR3-RED has a slight flair towards the butt.

There are, here on Ruger Forum, several very skilled grip makers whom can help you!

flatgate

 

[jssmith27]

Thanks for the info this Ruger has the Flare so it appears to be xr3-red no lock warning is under barrel SN 265-096xx very little use if at all.

 

[gak]

You MAY be able to fit a pair of newer XR3-Reds from recent year Blackhawks or Single Sixes. These are the much unloved--except by a few (one may be you!) checkered "hard rubbers" (black plastics). These are similar to those used on the midframe New Vaqueros and Flattops NXR3s since 2005, but in the XR3-Red pattern. Some (myself included) have found they *basically* fit but leave the gripframe slightly metal proud. YMMV. If you find they basically work for you but feel they're a bit aggressive, the harshness of the checkering can be lessened with a good working over by 00 or 000 wool, knocking the sharp points down. That and/or some shooting gloves helps.

Other routes: carefully slim down (from the backside) what you have. I've found this only works for subtle slimming and not really for significant reduction, but I'm talking DIY from someone not that skilled; a gripmaker could do better. "Gunfighter" style grips from the likes of Eagle and others are the slimmest available. These are very slim in the palm area but typically with a swell near the top or web area of your hand--to reduce excessive roll-up under recoil I've read. Like anything else (see above factory black plastics) folks either love these or don't. Very few in-betweeners.

Last but not least, there are a number of fine custom grip makers here on RF and elsewhere that may be able to accommodate you with a gunfighter type, or at least slimmer-than-stock (older) XR3-Reds.

Hope this helps.

 

[G2]

The Grips you currently have are from a mfg. Altamont. (Supplier to Ruger)
YES I agree the "XR" is confusing and makes no sense at all. :roll:

If you want slimmer I would suggest you get a set of the XR3-RED Black Plastic that Ruger is currently installing on the Blued Blackhawks. These would be one of the slimist, low cost and would look GREAT :shock: on/with the Stainless.

Referred to as Cheese Graters or Hand Graters they don't work well on the bigger bore guns. Would be a good option on the little Single Six.

Place a Want to Buy in the Classifieds and I'm sure a set will show up at a fair price. Or give Ruger a call.

Be clear you need XR3-RED.
You do NOT want grips from a 50th Blackhawk, Flattop, or New Vaquero.

EDIT: Looks Like gak and I were on the same line of thinking, I stepped away in the middle of the post and then finished, only to notice that gak posted very similar info.

 

[gak]

G2, great minds think alike :) I'm one of those that actually like the controversial checkered blacks (after my toning-down exercise, above, which also takes the plasticky sheen down as well) and swap them back on--from several very nice custom wood sets by Carl "Private" Schultz--when banging around backwoods. I find the newer stock Rugers to be reminiscent of the Colt "hard rubbers." And, I agree, they do look nice on stainless especially. A "clean," no-nonsense working gun look. My main complaint is they're (especially in the narrow backstrapped XR3 guns) a bit slim and lacking in "shape"--the Colt "bell" profile I Iike--even for my smallish paws. Some good, no-slop Shooting gloves would help in that department as well I would think.

 

[jssmith27]

Great Guys Great advice Ill try to find some of the grips you mentioned Thanks Sam

 

[NewportNewsMike]

jssmith27: My (current) solution for slimmer Ruger SA grips comes from Eagle Grips, and is their Gunfighter style. Gunfighters are slimmer than the stock grips and can be had in many different materials.

I have some checkered Rosewood ones on my Lipseys Single Six (SS - 4 5/8 ) and think they are great.

http://www.eaglegrips.com/guns/Rosewood-Gunfighter-Grips-Checkered-GF44.html

PS: I'm in Newport News - good to see another Tidewater guy here

 

[jssmith27]

Thanks for the advise ordered a set they look good hope they are as good as advertised SAM