Grip Removal

[Kevin]

So I have some money set aside for some new grips for my 327 Blackhawk. Last night I was comparing the grips to that and my 357 OM Blackhawk. The 327 seems to have a slightly different shape. The other grips just don't quite fit right. Whereas on the OM 357 all the spare grip panels I have seem to fit pretty darn good.

My question. I understand how to remove the grip frame. Which is what I'd like to do and send off to Private Schultz for a new set.

BUT should I? The last thing I want to do is put a scratch on the gun or mess up the screws. I will admit I'm not the most dextrose. Is it really that easy as it's shown elsewhere on the internet? Would it be silly to take it to a gunsmith for something this basic? I do have another shotgun which could stand a trip to a gunsmith. I could take both at the same time.

PS; t won't be that slow gunsmith either. No way...

 

[magnum711]

I would say do it yourself, if you have screwdrivers that fit the screw heads. I put the driver in the slot, center it up, rock it back and forth to ensure that the blade is seated flat in the bottom, pre-load the driver, check for square on the bit, push down firmly, and turn. Sounds like over kill, maybe even silly, but the first time you scratch your gun you will change your ways. I learned my lesson the hard way years ago. It not a big deal, you just have to do it smart.
My .02.
Phil

 

[98Redline]

If you have a standard hex screwdriver handle with the removable bits, spend a few bucks and purchase a set of gunsmith screwdriver tips. These will fit the screws in your gun properly and prevent you from buggering up the screws when you install or remove them.

...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Grip frame removal is quite easy, you just need to have the proper screwdrivers.

 

[Kevin]

Yeah. I was looking at the screw heads last night and didn't want to get any screwdriver I own near them. That is one thing I don't have is a good screwdriver.

 

[CraigC]

I'd recommend the Ruger-specific bit set from Brownells. Send it off and get it done. There's nothing like a good set of properly fitting custom grips.

 

[Arisin' Wind]

I will admit I'm not the most dextrose. Is it really that easy as it's shown elsewhere on the internet?

So, what does you being sweet have to do with the grip panels?

Maybe ambidextrous is the word you were looking for.

 

[NewportNewsMike]

dexterity = ability to use hands skillfully.

ambidextrous = ability to perform a task using either hand.

 

[CraigC]

And people give me a hard time because I'm a stickler for proper terminology. At least I'm not the spelling police. :roll:

 

[Kevin]

I'm not the best speller. And the darn spell check on the phone came up with dextrose. It was in the morning and I just wasn't quite awake yet...

I can however be sweet to my sweetie. She did after all "let" me buy some new grips.

 

[Kevin]

Went to Brownells and ordered the Ruger Single Action screwdriver set. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks!

 

[gak]

I'll play a devil's advocate of sorts and suggest you don't send your GF in and just get a set from Carl. They're "just" XR3 Reds per all large frame NM Blackhawk and old/large Vaqueros, and why different from your OM .357 which very likely is of the XR3 shape (which is shared largely (grossly) with the NM midframe Flattops, 50th .44 Mag (midframe grps mated to a large cylinder frame) and New Vaqueros, differing from them in locator pin/hole location and some other details).

While sending a gripframe certainly will better "insure" perfect fit, and he'd be the first to tell you its the way to go for absolute certain, but I have had very good success with all of Carl's grips "out of the box"--with only minor adjustment/final fine-tuning on my end on one or two. Usually they're "right on" and I've heard the same of Cary as well. He (and Cary and others) typically have jigs set up for the common Ruger SA frames and so you'll be in pretty good shape. That way obviously not out of a gun for what can be a protracted period of time with any of the custom makers. Now, Colts are another story altogether and almost always need a gripframe sent (to those doing Colts). My .02.

Note, the very few times any "adjustmennt" has been necessary is due to (likely) my locator pin being just off by a 64th or so...obviously something that would have been solved with my gripframe being on his bench...but for that time/hassle, local adjustment on my end hasn't been enough of a big deal to suggest I should've gone that more involved route.
EDIT, I will admit that even NM gripframes can vary from different periods or batches somewhat...still, I have had good luck on the old/large Vaquero and midframe New Vaquero grips from Carl.

 

[Anonymous]

... send off to Private Schultz for a new set.

I just sent Private Schultz a check for some new grips for one of my Ruger .45 Colt revolvers made from Oregon Myrtle. I can't want to get them and get them on the gun.

Is it really that easy as it's shown elsewhere on the internet?

Yes, it is. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

Would it be silly to take it to a gunsmith for something this basis?

No offense, but yes...especially if he charges you to remove a grip frame.

 

[bedrockfred]

Howdy, if you are happy with the way your stock grips fit the frame, you can send your grips. my.02 cents___bedrockfred

 

[Kevin]

Bedrock fred;
yeah but see the factory grips don't fit very well at all. I am going to send in the frame because in the back of my mind I just think this grip fra.e is a little different for whatever reason. I've tried other grios and they don't fit very well either.

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions. I don't know how I'd spend my money if it weren't for this forum. Pictures of pretty guns I don't have in exotic calibers with shiny grips. Fancy gun rooms and on and on...Rugers are pretty much the only guns I would consider buying tbese days. Mostly because of here.

 

[pete44ru]

.

FWIW, if Carl's an FFL holder, it's legal for you to send/receive the entire revolver directly to/from him w/o going through an FFL on your end.

With the gripframe off/gone, you'd be out the gun temporarily, either way.


.

 

[nvbirdman]

Be sure to loosen the two screws on the bottom rear of the gripframe about five or six turns before removing the two screws at the back of the gripframe. If you don't do this you could scratch up the inside of the screwholes.

 

[Kevin]

Thank you for the continued advice. I had a couple drinks of whiskey tonight...BUT I did get my screwdriver set in the mail today from Brownells. I'll be working on the grip frame tomorrow.

I'll take plenty of pictures. Meanwhile there is some Devil's Cut and Lemonade in the kitchen...