Identify my grip frame please

[LuckenbachTexas]

I want to order new grips for my Stainless 44 Magnum Vaquero "Old Model"

It says XRN-3 with a "K" in the circle above left and a "T" in a circle above right.
The only other markings are the last 3 of the S/N up top with a "6" engraved above that which corresponds to nothing.

What grips do I need to order to fit this.

Pic was here

Thanks

 

[contender]

If I read this correctly, you have an original Vaquero, built on the Blackhawk frame. (Check for a 2 digit prefix in the serial number. If it's a 2 digit, it's an original Vaquero.) I don't think they have made a New Vaquero in 44 mag anyway.
So, if I'm correct, most of the New Model Blackhawk grips will fit it.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

Two digit "58". Thanks for the help. I'll take all I can get.

 

[Hondo44]

Your grip frame marking of XRN-3 identifies it as the "XR3-RED SIZE", the standard Blackhawk and Single Six grip frame size of post 1962 Old Models and New Models.

Here's my complete list:
All GRIP FRAME Identification Numbers, “Founders Marks”, Marked on GRIP FRAMES (N/A to Bearcat)

BLUE NM:
Small steel (OM #XR3 size) 1/8” closer to trigger guard than XR3-RED size, (cut for indexing pawl system, no extensions into main frame & only 7/16” thick) = A (in a square), no other marking observed; w & w/o lock. New Vaq w/o lock has a 512 prefix serial #
Large steel (OM #XR3-RED size): Early = A (in a square) XR-3 (that's XR dash 3), Late = A & T in separate 1/8” circles
Large alloy (OM #XR3-RED size) w/o lock: Early = NXR3-RED, Late = XRN-3RED. With lock = XR & L
Short steel 'Vaquerito’ .32s = A (in a square) XR-3. If ordered as a separate part = 302 A (in a square) 3/16” shorter in length than the XR3 and XR3-RED sizes
SBH = No marking on Dragoon frames. Large round guard frames (OM #XR3-RED size supplied on all barrel lengths less than 7 ½”) = same as above marking
Birdshead** = # in circle, MR00307, A in circle

STAINLESS NM:
Small, (XR3 size) 1/8” shorter (cut for indexing pawl system, no extensions into main frame & only 7/16” thick = K (in circle); w & w/o lock
Large (OM #XR3-RED size): Earliest = KXR-3*, Next = KXR-3 with a separate N, Late = K (in circle) XRN-3
Short 'Vaquerito’ .32s = KXR-3* 3/16” shorter in length than the XR3 and XR3-RED sizes
SBH Hunter = KHRN 3 (Dragoon length but with a round trigger guard)
SBH = No marking on Dragoon frames. Large round guard frames (OM #XR3-RED size supplied on all barrel lengths less than 7 ½”) = same as ‘Large’ above markings
Birdshead** = # K in circle, MR00307

BLUE OM:
Small alloy = XR3, original style to 1962, 1/8” closer to trigger guard than large size
Large alloy = XR3-RED, (part # SS3), new style in 1962 to 1972, also used on Pre 1985 Old Army alloy w/narrow trig slot, and on Hawkeye alloy w/wide trigger slot
SBH = steel, no marking; Early ‘long frame’ marked with C (only 300 made)
Old Army steel (OM XR3-RED size) = XRN-3 beginning 1985 with wide trigger slot

STAINLESS OM - Old Army only:
Large (OM XR3-RED size) = KXR-3*

BRASS FRAMES OM only:
Super Blackhawk Brass “Dragoon” style with square back trigger guard. Same dimensions as 1959 Super Blackhawk. Marked “MR-3DB.” Initially for Super Blackhawks only, then shipped on various Blackhawks, majority in 1972. The ears on these are too short for post 1997 New Models.

*Note: same # used on two different frames: OM SS Old Army and NM SS XR#-RED size.
**Birdsheads supplied on New Vaqueros cut for free spin pawl system and have no extensions into main frame.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

Heres what I know. The grips from a 62 22mag don't fit well, the grips from a 64 single six, don't fit well. The grips from my sherrif new vaquero are like from another planet. Super Blackhawk grips don't fit, I think they were too long, I ordered some Hogue checkered walnuts from midway that fit old Vaqueros, too small still.

It does seem to measure 3" as indicated in the XR3 red pic, maybe the wrong grips were inserted into the package. It won't be the first gunparts I've received packed wrong?

I have these on right now and you can see they are still small but they fit a 64 Single Six like a good glove.

Pic deleted

 

[Jimbo357mag]

XR3-RED without lock. Same as the aluminum XR3-RED without lock new model Blackhawks. Pretty sure.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

I'll order some and see what happens, Thanks

 

[caryc]

It depends on what you're ordering and who you're ordering it from. If you order them from a big company what you're going to get are cookie cutter grips. Those are made on a CNC machine. They usually never see a Ruger grip frame until you get them.

There's nothing wrong with using a CNC machine to make grips as long as you make them very slightly oversized and do the final fitting by hand. But you usually don't get any hand fitting. They make those grips to fit any Ruger grip frame so naturally they make them slightly undersized.

Ruger grip frames will vary slightly so it's usually "one size fits nothing" unless you happen to get lucky. Unless you're just buying cheap Ebay type grips it's always best to send your grip frame to a maker that will fit them to your grip frame. That's what custom grips are all about.

Otherwise, you know the old saying, you get what you pay for.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

Thanks, maybe my frame is slightly large. Sounds like I'm going to have to be a non-choosy begger.

 

[cadillo]

LT,

That looks just like the grips and grip frame on my new flat top .44 Special. My grip frame is also proud to the grips in the same places as yours, and the XR3 grips that I have tried don't even almost fit. I will eventually get around to having a custom set made and fit to my grip frame.

Good Luck!

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

I'll let y'all know when the new ones come in and post pics.

 

[caryc]

I'll let y'all know when the new ones come in and post pics.

If you don't mind...what did you order and from who? I hope you're happy with what you get.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

I ain't ordered any yet, still trying to figure it out.