MR-3DB Grip Frame

[Stonewall631]

I have a Ruger New Model Blackhawk serial number 46-09189 .45LC 4-5/8” blue - previous research shows the MR-3DB grips were used on a very limited number of the old models and not used on the New Models - it is extremely rare to find these grips on a New Model especially on the 4-5/8” .45LC model. According to previous Forums from 2006 states at that time the grips alone were valued at $300-$500. Mine has a name engraved on the butt. Looking for an updated value of this rare gun with the MR-3DB brass frame grips. Might consider selling it for the right price. Pics available on request - any new info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[hittman]

Welcome to the forum.
You havent been here long enough for access to our Classified section.
You will need to request from Ruger the letter ( $10.00 ) for them to verify your gun was shipped with the brass frame. So few were done, potential buyers will demand it.

 

[hittman]

Sticky Thread 'Rules for Posting Classifieds'

Mar 14, 2023

Per the request of many members...let us know if there are any concerns. It is common sense stuff, but the whole internet thing is new to many folks - May help if you are a first-timer.

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• LCP22LR
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Classifieds Section

• 
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[Ale-8(1)]

I don't know how an MR-3DB grip frame can be used on a New Model gun. It's an Old Model grip frame using a different provision for the trigger spring.

Are you talking about the brass grip frame itself or just the wood side panels? The panels that fit the MR-3DB are the same as those that fit the Super Blackhawks, Old of Newr

 

[Stonewall631]

I have the MR-3DB brass grip frame on my gun - supposedly it was put on a very small amount of the first issued 4-5/8” .45LC models - so small it make them extremely rare beyond the $300-$500 frame values. Let me know.

 

[G2]

Nope, Nada, didn't happen.

Ruger never would put an old model part on a new model gun.

It can be done but it takes some doing, and I'm not saying it was not done, just didn't leave Ruger that way.

Now the one thing that can happen and did,,, is the squashed bird medallions on the grip panels did go both ways. But there really is not much a premium for grips.

I suspect you have a New Model Brass Dragoon Style grip frame that was made for the new model guns by various companies, your gun is late 1974 so most likely, Caravel Mfg. frame.
Picture or 2 with the grips removed will help get a better assessment.

If the frame truly has a "MR-3DB" it will be visible on the right side near the bottom. The Ruger frame correctly marked, is worth ~$300 +/-.
Caravels $200 +/-

IF RUGER WILL LETTER YOUR GUN IT WILL DEFINITELY BE WORTH BIG BUCKS.

MR-3DB bottom Right on a really clean pristine frame.

Very typical porosity on the Ruger frames. This one is from a "lettered" SBH.

This is a Caravele NM on a NM 30 carbine, Super hammer added also.

 

[JAYDAWG]

Might consider selling it for the right price.

 

[BoggusDeal]

Pics on and off the gun with and without grips would help.

 

[hittman]

Letter from Ruger be even better

 

[Ale-8(1)]

In fact, letter from Ruger is essential.

 

[contender]

Stonewall631,, "Welcome to the Forum!"

Sadly,, as it's been posted above, there are no verifiable records known to the MANY collectors here about any New Models leaving the Ruger factory with a Ruger factory brass g/f, marked with MR-3DB. And as noted, the trigger return spring on an Old Model,, (the MR-3DB) is very different than the New Model types. There have been a few custom fittings of OM grip frames to a New Model, but it takes a lot of work.
On an original MR-3DB,, the frame has more material behind the trigger guard, and a hole in it to allow the return spring & plunger to fit into.
A NM g/f has a milled out slot,, to allow the coil spring & it's "legs" to go rearward, and the legs hook onto a post.
Basically, two totally different designs.

As noted,, if you truly believe you have a factory built NM with a factory installed MR-3DB,, it will require a letter from Ruger to verify it. And as such,, it'll become the first & only one known.

As many of us old collectors say; "Buy the gun,, not the story!"

I've had several "stories" over the years where someone claimed the gun "HAD to come from Ruger that way" when they tried to show me something or especially sell me something. I've even been called a liar,, while showing a guy books on the subject we were discussing. I calmly & politely said; "Get me the factory letter verifying it, and I'll give you double what you are asking!" He never called me back.

 

[Stonewall631]

I don't know how an MR-3DB grip frame can be used on a New Model gun. It's an Old Model grip frame using a different provision for the trigger spring.

Are you talking about the brass grip frame itself or just the wood side panels? The panels that fit the MR-3DB are the same as those that fit the Super Blackhawks, Old of Newr

It has the. MR-3DRngrip frame on it and it appears to be factory. Perfect fit

 

[Stonewall631]

Stonewall631,, "Welcome to the Forum!"

Sadly,, as it's been posted above, there are no verifiable records known to the MANY collectors here about any New Models leaving the Ruger factory with a Ruger factory brass g/f, marked with MR-3DB. And as noted, the trigger return spring on an Old Model,, (the MR-3DB) is very different than the New Model types. There have been a few custom fittings of OM grip frames to a New Model, but it takes a lot of work.
On an original MR-3DB,, the frame has more material behind the trigger guard, and a hole in it to allow the return spring & plunger to fit into.
A NM g/f has a milled out slot,, to allow the coil spring & it's "legs" to go rearward, and the legs hook onto a post.
Basically, two totally different designs.

I have the gun with the MR-3DR grip on it - through research and the serial number there is a possibility of that grip going out on that gun. I have pics and can't find any reason it isn't genuine - Ruger themselves say it might be original - trying to get a letter of authenticity from them. Even without letter it is possibilility. The grip frame fits perfect.

 

[BoggusDeal]

Well, custom gunsmiths make a great living on making stuff fit perfectly. As stated, a letter from Ruger will answer and some of us at least would like pictures.

 

[s4s4u]

Hold on to that dream.....

 

[Stonewall631]

Well, customer gunsmiths make a great living on making stuff fit perfectly. As stated, a letter from Ruger will answer and some of us at least would like pictures.

No problem I will get pics out to everyone tomorrow or Friday - having cataract surgery Thursday. The pics will show everything. Great looking gun. Love this Forum. Intelligent, knowledgeable individuals I can base my decisions on - not want a be experts. Thanks

 

[Ale-8(1)]

A picture of a letter would be superb.

Good luck with your surgery.

 

[Stonewall631]

No problem I will get pics out to everyone tomorrow or Friday - having cataract surgery Thursday. The pics will show everything. Great looking gun. Love this Forum. Intelligent, knowledgeable individuals I can base my decisions on - not want a be experts. Thanks

I have requested a letter from Ruger.

 

[bisleyfan41]

No New Models were shipped from the factory with a brass grip frame. None. Zero. Sorry to be blunt, but you've been given solid advice that you're ignoring.

At best, you have a gun with an aftermarket brass frame that was fitted by a gunsmith at some point post-purchase.

 

[Stonewall631]

what am I looking at with this brass frame price wise?

 

[hittman]

For pricing - details matter. Condition is huge. So is originality to many including me.

You should search places like Gun Broker for COMPLETED auctions for real world prices …. What people have actually paid.

How is the blueing on the gun? Pristine? Very good?
It is a Very desirable caliber and barrel length.
You have the original box or shipper for it?
Owners manual?
Warranty card?

Bad news for those of us who like old original stuff is:
It's a New Model
Wrong grip frame
Wrong grips
Engraved name

Pictures be a big help.

 

[hittman]

To add:
I’m just guessing which grips are in it but will say $50 to $65
I’ve seen others pay in the $300 range for a brass grip frame BUT never with a name engraved on it. That may be a deal killer.

 

[contender]

Another thing I didn't mention.
The screw hole pattern of all Ruger SA grip frames is the same. All OM & NM grip frames will EASILY screw onto either frame.
In fact, it's so normal,, RW Grip Frames in Texas makes custom grip frames & doesn't worry about them screwing onto the main frame because of this.

It's strictly the internal workings that are the issue.

That said,, a custom gunsmith could cut out a slot for the trigger return spring, and then add the pins/posts for the legs of the spring to work.

If you are going to take pictures,, the BEST way to help us identify things is to take detailed pics of the internal area,, trigger return spring works. Pics of just the g/f on the gun doesn't help.

You mentioned that "Ruger themselves say it might be original - trying to get a letter of authenticity from them."
Depending upon who you spoke with,, unless it was the head of "Records" (Linda) you can get incorrect info.

The actual factory records would list the gun with the model info such as; "BN-44X B " That will mean; "BN" is for Blue Blackhawk New Model. 44 is for the 4-5/8" bbl, the "X" is for it being a convertible, and of course,, the B would signify the brass g/f being shipped that way.

Due to the extensive records, research, & knowledge by collectors, Chad Hiddleson (publisher of the Red Eagle News Exchange) not having anything listed anywhere in the RENE Reference Guide, NONE of the collectors I know would pay a premium for such a gun that did not have the factory letter stating it shipped that way.

You've also asked about the value of the brass g/f. This too would be very subjective. If it's a MR-3DB marked frame,, it's a factory frame. However,, if it's been modified to be used on a New Model,, it removes the collector interest. But it has value to someone wanting a brass g/f on their NM. I'd say it'd likely be worth maybe $250-$300 to the right person.

Good luck with the surgery. And I too await good pics of the internals! This is interesting.

 

[chet15]

Ruger did play with a NM brass grip frame, but I do not believe any of that took place in the 1974/1975 time period. In fact, the leftover brass frames they had went to a scrap heap.
I know when the Cowboy shooting sports began Ruger was working on New Model brass frames at that time, and also brass ejector housings.
Chet15

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Here's hoping you can see what you really have after the cataract surgery

You can make a trigger-return spring/plunger receptacle to make a NM grip frame work on an OM, but the other way would be a bit more challenging.

And if a brass frame were factory made for a NM, it would not have MR-3DB cast into it.

An unmolested MR-3DB dragoon grip frame could fetch $350-375 by itself, or about $425-$450 with the wide trigger.

 

[48flyer]

Good evening,
While we're waiting for pictures, please post the serial number. A lot of us have reference books and are happy to help you research while waiting for the letter.
Are you certain it is a new model?
Old model, short barrel Blackhawks WERE available with a factory Brass frame, they were the least produced of the 45.
Maybe the confusion lies with new/old model. If that's the case, you would have a fairly valuable gun, but the name engraved on the grip frame would hurt the value.
Feel free to message me directly if you want.
P.S. Welcome to the forum and God Bless America!

 

[G2]

OP posted the SN# in the first post.

I have a Ruger New Model Blackhawk serial number 46-09189 .45LC 4-5/8" blue

After reading a bit more of this saga,,, with the Engraved Name, and the Perfect fit of the grip frame, Im of the opinion that it is a MR-3DB grip frame that was modified & fit by a custom gunsmith & engraved.

Ruger didn't spend time fitting Brass Grip Frames to a perfect level.

Hopefully the engraved name will get posted, and it's somebody that is recognizable.

 

[BoggusDeal]

I guess he didn’t find the answers he wanted. Hope his surgery went well.

 

[contender]

Well, it's possible that he did figure out that his gun wasn't shipped with the brass g/f from the factory.

I've also had people say things like; "My Daddy bought this gun like this brand new, and I know it came from the factory like that!" Yet,, it was obvious that the "differences" were never factory.
One of my favorites happened long long ago. A guy had a Single-Six,, where the grip medallions had red eagles. He got a bit animated when I calmly & politely said it wasn't ever done like that. I even pulled out a few books & pointed out some facts. He got very upset, and stomped off because he just knew his gun was a "rare one of a kind" with those grips.

So,, hopefully the OP had his surgery,, all went well, and he's on the mend. And as for his gun,, I hope he can gracefully accept the fact it wasn't shipped from the factory with a brass g/f.

 

[NitroAcres]

Perhaps he will show up with pictures..that's what I was waiting for.
Always up for seeing "Rare Artifacts".