hunter grip frame fitting

[xtratoy]

I just got done checking the fit on my new Hunter grip frame I picked up from MidwayUSA. It was a perfect fit gripframe to gunframe. I just need to thin the width and trim the ears down some. What is the method those who have done this have used? I don't have a mill so its a hand tool operation. Did you file or just slowly sand it down to fit on the sides? Approximately .050 ( .025 per side ) needs to be removed. The ears need to come down about 3/32". The back strap and front strap and bottom of the grip section is all finished with a brushed/ satin finish as delivered. Looks like a bunch of file/sand some and check fit till done. How did your fitting process go?

 

[flatgate]

You've got it figured out. What I do is clamp the grip frame in a vice (I pad the jaws with some strips of leather) and have it oriented so you can file on one portion you are fitting, .i .e. the right side. Set the cylinder frame up to the grip frame and "eyeball" the fit in that spot. Put the cylinder frame down and make a few strokes with the file. Quit when you are close, leaving some fitting "not quite finished" and move to the other side.

When you start getting close you'll need to install 2 or 3 screws and really inspect the fit and proceed accordingly. No room for being in a hurry, that's for sure.

Adjusting the "ears" height? I use a small "drum sander" on my Dremel tool. One MUST make sure you are "square" to your work. Again, small cuts interrupted by frequent inspections.

After the "outside" surfaces are fitted then check for clearance around the hammer and trigger, etc. The "hammer well" slot may need some work and occasionally the trigger slot may need a little attention.

Final finishing with some emery paper then a scotch brite scouring pad.

Work slow, take your time........

JMHO,

flatgate

.45 Colt cal. Blackhawk with a Hunter grip frame and a Super hammer.

 

[xtratoy]

Thanks Flatgate, sounds like a good plan to follow. When I get get the frame fit and my hammers from Midway my 45 Colt Blackhawk with the 7.5" barrel will be a close cousin to the picture you posted.

 

[flatgate]

We'll need to see some pics, eh?



flatgate

PS Here's a pic of "fitting a brassie" to an OM .44. I clamped the grip frame to my work bench while fitting the sides.....

 

[Aggie01]

I put two thicknessness of masking tape on my cylinder frame, bolt up the grip frame and file until my file takes off the top layer of tape. Then I send it to Alan Harton.

 

[xtratoy]

I got it pretty much fit last night. I still need to trim the ears a few thousandths. Stainless 45 Blackhawk with Hunter grip frame, Super Blackhawk Hammer, BFR base pin ( Ebay find ), cylinder throats opened to .4525 and 11 degree forcing cone.


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[flatgate]

I "fixed" the cylinder throats but never touched the barrel's forcing cone and it shoots quite well.

I also "fixed" the timing of the dropping of the cylinder latch; no more ring...



flatgate

 

[Jimbo357mag]

That's a nice looking job there xtratoy. Looks like a 'Super' 45 colt. Will probably handle the big boomers real well.

...Jimbo

 

[xtratoy]

I still am working on the ring issue. I did the forcing cone with a light cleanup just because I had access to the tool. I have to step back from a project occasionally so not to get frustrated if it isn't working out as fast as I want it to. Jimbo, so far in the 7 years I have owned it I haven't loaded much over 1050-1100 FPS with 250 grainers. I guess I could just to say I whupped up on the 44 Mag. :lol: I have the lee 300 gr gas check mold and a pile of wheelweights and Linotype.