Hondo44
Hawkeye
I started this thread looking for a grip that I had in mind, but had no luck.
I'm not a grip maker, but I finally put other projects aside and designed my idea of an improved but factory like grip for my OM Super Bearcat (with NM Super Hammer). Something to fill my hand a little more on this diminutive Ruger SA that still had a traditional look the same as other Ruger SA grips, rather than a target grip. I installed the current small Bearcat medallions for a factory look but relocated them higher and moved forward for correct proportion. They appear and feel like standard Ruger grips on all other size SA Rugers. Sorry I don't take the best photos.
Fairly simple to make by tracing the original grip with extra wood left up front. As shown here I routed the back of the new top front square section with a routing bit in my Dremel. The front overlay is 1/16" to 3/32" thick and overlays the frame. The extra thickness extends the full length of the grip for a decent handful. I should have taken a rear view with both grips attached.
At first I left them longer to extend below the butt, but it looked too out of proportion for my eye. And also took away from the natural compactness of the Bearcat as an easy packin' trail gun.
To me the original Bearcat grip screw location looked too low on the grip, especially with my taller grip design. So I swapped the Bearcat main spring seat for one from a Ruger DA revolver. As can be seen, it has a convenient 1/2 circle cut away which allowed a higher placement of the grip screw. I think it would be improved even more by placing the screw above the spring seat to raise it a little further.
I'm happy with the result which achieved just what I was trying to accomplish. Not quite finished yet but final sanding and a coat or two of Tru Oil is all that they lack.
Like I said, I'm not a grip maker so I'd just as soon have our skilled forum grip maker members pick it up and run with it.
I'm not a grip maker, but I finally put other projects aside and designed my idea of an improved but factory like grip for my OM Super Bearcat (with NM Super Hammer). Something to fill my hand a little more on this diminutive Ruger SA that still had a traditional look the same as other Ruger SA grips, rather than a target grip. I installed the current small Bearcat medallions for a factory look but relocated them higher and moved forward for correct proportion. They appear and feel like standard Ruger grips on all other size SA Rugers. Sorry I don't take the best photos.
Fairly simple to make by tracing the original grip with extra wood left up front. As shown here I routed the back of the new top front square section with a routing bit in my Dremel. The front overlay is 1/16" to 3/32" thick and overlays the frame. The extra thickness extends the full length of the grip for a decent handful. I should have taken a rear view with both grips attached.
At first I left them longer to extend below the butt, but it looked too out of proportion for my eye. And also took away from the natural compactness of the Bearcat as an easy packin' trail gun.
To me the original Bearcat grip screw location looked too low on the grip, especially with my taller grip design. So I swapped the Bearcat main spring seat for one from a Ruger DA revolver. As can be seen, it has a convenient 1/2 circle cut away which allowed a higher placement of the grip screw. I think it would be improved even more by placing the screw above the spring seat to raise it a little further.
I'm happy with the result which achieved just what I was trying to accomplish. Not quite finished yet but final sanding and a coat or two of Tru Oil is all that they lack.
Like I said, I'm not a grip maker so I'd just as soon have our skilled forum grip maker members pick it up and run with it.