My first SA revolver!

[exlogger]

Picked up a Super Blackhawk today!

I think I have 8 DA revolvers, but I've never owned a single action (accept a broken 22 in my early 20's) Anyway, I'm thinking this thing is gonna be some fun . Totally different feel than my 44 Redhawk.

I've been shooting and reloading for decades. Is there anything special I need to know as I embark on my maiden voyage with my first SA?

P.S. It came with the Hogues. I know they ain't purty, but they actually fit my hand pretty good. I'll be looking for some wood grips, any suggestions?

 

[JimMarch1]

Your grip frame shape will be the XR3-RED, same as a standard Blackhawk. Lots of good choices - Altamont is great as a low-cost option that still fits quite well.

 

[Tellico]

Some of the best grip makers right here on the Forum!

 

[eveled]

nice gun! You are going to love it. Ed

 

[contender]

Due to the physical design, a SA will recoil differently in your hands. Learn how to hold & shoot it properly.

 

[Lee Martin]

Great first SA. Those 5.5" Supers balance so well. As for grips, try Cary Chapman:

www.clccustomgrips.com

 

[exlogger]

Your grip frame shape will be the XR3-RED

When ordering grips this is the number to look for? I take it there are several different grip frames?
I checked the S/N and it looks like it was made in 2007.

Thanks guys

 

[gak]

Great gun. Grips...must...go Carl "Private" Schultz or Cary Chapman (CaryC) for some nice woods...light or dark would work I think--like American hollys (or paper micarta) or ebonys for instance. On a lesser budget, little known is that the Ruger store has some nice "black" (what the old Ajax used to call silver-black) laminates in XR3 Red...though they have been (and may still be) mislabeleled online for Single Six "only with the 10" barrel and square triggerguard" or some such language. They are actually just regular XR3 Reds (Blackhawks, short bbl SBHs, original Vaqueros and most Single Sixes). They look great against the stainless.
Obviously not on stainless here but a blued Single Six, but you get the idea.

American Hollys by Carl on 5.5" Vaquero--same size gun as your SBH.

Opposite effect. Ebonys courtesy of Carl. Black micarta would have a similar effect I'd think.

As one strategy, unless you find something else you really like off the shelf, I'd seriously think of getting something like the laminates from the Ruger store - at least as interim available "right now" - and order something from Carl, Cary or other fine gent here, as it usually takes a little while for customs. You can then keep/use the Ruger grips as a "working" grip regardless.

EDIT: here are the (still!) mislabeled laminates - that are actually just regular XR3 Reds.
http://shopruger.com/New-Model-Single-Six-Black-Laminate-Grips/productinfo/70088/
Also, on the same site are some grips described as Rosewood w/o lock. I believe they are actually rosewood (or reddish w/ black grain accents regardless) laminates. They are XR3 Red. I've got a set of these as well and like them too. (IIRC, they've been stock on some limited run or distributor-only Rugers, maybe some catalog guns) If you inquire about/order any of these from Ruger - phone it in and discuss the particulars with Donald in Customer Service at Ruger's New Hampshire shop--very helpful/knowledgeable (and remind him of that mis-labeling on the black laminates!).

 

[exlogger]

gak-- those are sweet! Maybe we could trade straight across for the Hogues? :wink:
Thanks for the heads up on the grips. I'll definitely look into it.

Dang, I'm exited to shoot this thing, but I have to go to work :roll: . Maybe I'll call in, I do feel a little tickle in my throat. 8)

 

[gak]

gak-- those are sweet! Maybe we could trade straight across for the Hogues? :wink:
Thanks for the heads up on the grips. I'll definitely look into it.

Dang, I'm exited to shoot this thing, but I have to go to work :roll: . Maybe I'll call in, I do feel a little tickle in my throat. 8)

Uh, thanks...no Playing hooky sounds like a plan! See my bottom edits, above.

 

[LightningII]

exlogger,
my first SA was a SBH in .44 mag, witha shorter barrel. Great gun, never should hve traded it off. Now I'll have to get another someday.
As you have already been told, there are many places right here to score some quality grips for your SA. Then you can go to El Paso Saddlery or Old West Reproductions and get some quality leather, and you'll be well on your way to the addiction phase of single actions.

 

[btrumanj]

Nice gun. As for wood grips, a little fine steel wool and Tru-oil can make plain Ruger grips look right nice, and they're affordable.

 

[sfhogman]

+1 on the steel wool and Tru-Oil. I just gave a set of old Ruger grips that I had done with Tru-oil to a friend with a Single Six. Had about 8 or 9 coats. He was ecstatic!

Jeff

 

[COLT_45]

Yep-Anyone that hasn't shot a SA at the range doesn't know what they're
missing. They're just plain outright fun to shoot ! Congrats on your purchase.

 

[gramps]

OK, about the grips. I have a SBH and when I take off the grips it doesn't say xr-3 Red. In fact it doesn't have anything per se. I've noted the grip sellers have sections for NMBH and for SBH. I take it that they take different sized grips. Maybe one of the grip makers can chime in here. I vote for holly, or stag. When you change over to the wood/stag remember to wear a padded glove (recoil smacks the middle finger knuckle), watch the westerns they all wore gloves too.
gramps

 

[gak]

Usually, when gripmakers and vendors make a distinction of SBH and NMBH, the former is to denote the longer barreled/square triggerguard'd SBHs, and they are indeed longer grips than the "regular" NMBHs which are the XR3-Reds (fitting also the full size "original" Vaquero and all plowhandled Single Sixes except the special "short XR3-Reds" that some fixed sight .32 H&R Mags had.

I say "usually" - in that for many ads you see if you just do a search for SBH or Super Blackhawk grips, many results just show what end up being the regular XR3 Reds which while they indeed fit short-barreled SBHs, are not unique to them: If you press your inquiry further with the vendor, you find out, "no these are not the longer ones unique to the long-barreled square triggerguard SBHs...but instead the regular Blackhawk grips fitting the shorter-barreled SBHs.".

If an ad does not specifically reference the longer barrels or square triggerguard, beware! -- it's likely just the regular XR3-Red grips. IOW, inquire further - including asking them to A-B them with a set of known "just" XR-3 Red/NMBH grips.

 

[mic214]

Congratulations.......That is a beauty!

The stainless steel 5-1/2" SBH is one of my most used Ruger single actions. It is my main handgun for the running around the ranch. I use either a Lobo Pancake style belt holster or a "Tanker rig" from Guides Choice:

 

[exlogger]

Thanks gak!
I just changed my add.

After looking myself, I could definitely see where the wrong grips could be purchased.
I placed an add here in the classifieds for a trade for some nice Redhawk grips that I currently own. I also have a bunch of Security Six grips if anybody is interested.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=158526

 

[exlogger]

mic214--
That is a sweet lookin six gun. They sure do look better with wood grips. That makes me want them even more, but unfortunately, my budget is limited so I will probably have to wait a couple weeks.

 

[exlogger]

Well, I took her out on her maiden voyage yesterday. I'm not the best shot in the world, but I was real pleased with my 25 yd group. I'm not sure where number six went, but I think right above the target .

I also took my 6" Security Six, and really like how it did too.

 

[exlogger]

Need some help with grips.

I picked out the wood grips I want. Super Rosewood from Altamont. Their website is a little confusing so I emailed the company for order clarification. I sent them the model#, Cat.#, S/N #, and a link to the Ruger product page of my gun. http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelSuperBlackhawkStandard/specSheets/0811.html
I also stated in the email my grip was an XR3-RED.

He emailed me back and told me to order the "New Vaquero"? I found this confusing because the grip section on the Ruger site says the New Model SBH with round trigger guard is not compatible with the "New Vaquero".

I'm even more confused now? Could someone point me to the right section on the Altamont site?
Here is the link to the site.
http://www.altamontco.com/experimental/products/pistol/ruger/

 

[gak]

Blackhawk/Vaquero section. Mentioning anything SBH just confuses the issue, including with some grip companies/makers. Just ask for a set for Blackhawks or Vaqueros...the rounded triggerguard/short barreled SBHs use the same XR3 Red grips.. If they still say "New Vaquero?" Just say no, "old."

 

[exlogger]

Thanks bud
I almost ordered the ones they suggested. I'm glad I double checked now.
You saved me a headache.

 

[gak]

Hope it works out! How they possibly created a connection with what you sent and "New Vaquero" is anyone's guess.

 

[exlogger]

Thanks everybody for all the good advice, especially JimMarch1 and gak. I went with the altamonts: Super Rosewood Fleur-de-lis.

before and after.

 

[mic214]

Great looking pair of grips!

 

[gak]

+1 great looking grips...such n improvement IMHO!

 

[Nowata]

Wow dude, those are really pretty grips!! Good luck with your new purchase. I have to admit, I own 2 DA, but I own 4 SA. A SA and a DA sit at my nightstand, and a SA will go with me to the deer stand.