NM BH 45 convertible. Convert to Bisley?

[TSmith49]

I have 1999 BH 45 convertible with a 4 5/8 in barrel I plan to change to a Bisley. I will be swapping grip frames with my 1986 BH Bisley 357 with a 7.5 inch barrel.
Seems to be a simple swap. Are there any problems doing this? I've never disassembled a new model but have disassembled old models and I have all the necessary tools.
TSmith

 

[BlkHawk73]

So long as the ears match up nicely, it's a straight swap of parts. Now if you don't change the hammers & trigger as well, there's other issues to contend with. Try a search here as there's a few threads on this conversion already.

 

[Quarterbore]

I think you will want the Ruger Shop manual and spend the money for a good set of Ruger or minimaly Gunsmith screwdrivers. Taking a Ruger NM apart and together is not obvious so you need to look at the directions in the manual or the book first.

Not hard to do, but there are times it seems you need three hands.

 

[45Colt_Man]

I've done this a few times. Not really happy with the results on stainelss guns. They dont seem to match on the joint with the ears. I tried it with a 2003 Super Blackhawk Hunter in .45 caliber and the ears were at least .125 higher and could not be brought down enough to make a decent looking fit. Yes it bolted on but looks like hell from the side. The original grip is going back on. I have had good luck with the blued models changing grip frames, not the stainless models though.
You will know real quick if its going to work when you try it. Hope it works for you.
Dana

 

[Quarterbore]

That is a good point, later blackhawk frames have grip frames that are higher, more like the Bisley then older new models.

I converted my 45 hunter to a Bisley by using the Bisley parts of a 44 Bisley Hunter. The fit was really close and I will get some pics when I can. The Hunter grip on the 44 looked and worked fine too. I do have pics od that one but I am posting from my phone so I will edit this to post the images. The only issue there was the width was just a little different but you have to really look close to see the issue on either gun.

 

[Hammer]

If the Ruger Blackhawk 45 grip frame you are taking off is a lightweight alloy one -- not the heavy steel one -- would be interested in it.


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[flatgate]

I do NOT have detailed notes on this, however methinks the "height" of the cylinder frame to grip frame mating surfaces went through some major changes during the time period spanned by the build dates of your revolvers.

So, Step 1 is to tear them both apart and start matching up parts......

flatgate

 

[flatgate]

If the Ruger Blackhawk 45 grip frame you are taking off is a lightweight alloy one -- not the heavy steel one -- would be interested in it.

No danger! None of the .45 cal. Blackhawks have been cataloged with a carbon steel grip frame.......

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[Wyandot Jim]

From a post of one I had in the classified.
A set of calipers will tell ya if it will fit. Late grip frames are the same. Like I state I think pre casting #8 are the short ones.
Jim

Hey Guys,

I have a like new NEW MODEL Dragoon grip frame. I have installed a flatgate/Carl thingie in it. This will allow it to work in new and old models. The thingie is made of steel and blued.

The good news is it came off an EARLY NEW MODEL Super so it will not be to tall for the Old Models or early New Models.

Some of you my not know that there are two sizes of NM grip frames. I don't know what year they changed. The later one are the taller.

Here are some dimensions from the mounting base to the top of the ears.

1.072 is this Dragoon NM

1.072 XR3-RED and XR3

1.072 Steel Old Army

1.110 New Model XRN-3RED 10. I think the taller ones started with #8 casting.

 

[TSmith49]

Thanks folks, this is the type of information I have been curious about.
I had measured the widths but not the heights. I will check the heights and if close enough maybe begin swapping parts next weekend.
TSmith

 

[M'BOGO]

The Bisley gripframes are "mated" to a frame before blueing, so they have a more proper fit than the alloy XR-3 red frames. There may be some sharp edges that the more detail oriented folks get uptite about.