NMBH that bites the hand that shoots it

[Rompin Ruger]

Ok...new poster here, so trying this out... :)

I started out with a very fine what I believe is a 3 screw 22 SA...it feels like an original Colt to me. Fixed sights, older, not a convertible six.

Then I got a SBA in .44..no problems...then a Redhawk (original not the Super, also in 44 and I had friends with reg blackhawks but I couldn't shoot them for sour beans. My pinky flailed around and somehow they just didn't fit my paw.

A few years ago, I wanted to upgrade to .45 colt in a Ruger as I'd been inundated with reports that the .45 colt could do anything the .44 mag could do--- in a Ruger!.

I wandered into a shop and handled a NMBH and was amazed that my whole paw fit on it with all fingers... I "?" the counter person who told me the New Model was redesigned....

Felt ok so I bit.

Ended up with a 5.5" blue with a 45 acp cylinder (like shooting a big .22) and then a SS 7.5" used model.

Here's my problem.. I shoot those two guns and my middle finger knuckle takes a fierce beating...not good for an old arthritic person to bang on joints!

On another forum, I was advised to switch to a lighter charge of HS-6 and deep seat my 270 SAA bullets, which helps but still! YIKES! :shock:

Being retarded, errrr...retired, there isn't a lot of money to go getting it sent off and a different frame fit to it...

Do others find the gap between trigger guard and grip frame less then the ole SBA?

Thanks!

 

[Bob Wright]

I'm not sure I follow you all the way here. But, for whatever its worth, this is the current Blackhawk grip configuration, and has been since 1963, I believe:



The grips that fit this gun also fit the grip frame on post-1963 vintage Three Screw Blackhawks.

This is a New Model Flat Top with the original XR-3 grip frame profile:



The grip frame is identical in profile with the old Three-Screw blackhawks of pre-1963 vintage, but will not interchange due to the locating pin hole.

The original grip frame did rap my knuckle pretty hard with heavy loads, but the post-'63 helped some. However, with very stout loads, it too, bit me. My solution when using very stout loads was the grip frame on the Super Blackhawk, as this .45 is set up:



This Bisley, a .45 Colt, didn't behave too well with heavy loads, either, so I have fitted it with the Super Blackhawk grip frame:




Hopefully, you will find some information of use in all of my rambling.

Bob Wright

 

[WAYNO]

This is an issue with folks with meaty hands and fingers. I can squeeze all my fingers on the grip, but when I do, it batters my middle finger horribly. The only solution for me is to curl my pinky below the grip. That gives a little space to my middle finger.





Yours is a multi-part question. When you say SBA, can I assume you mean Super Blackhawk? If so, remember the 7-1/2" Super Blackhawk has a different grip frame than the shorter Super Blackhawks. The shorter Super Blackhawks use the Blackhawk gripframe which is indeed different than the Super. And if you're talking the newer mid-size Flattop Blackhawk, it's even smaller. The cure, as I've explained originally, is the same. Let your pinky ride below the gripframe.

Lastly, it's your gun and you need to do what's best for you, but I don't believe a rubber Pachmayr grip is ever the correct cure for a Single Action revolver. It defeats the purpose and benefit of a single action grip frame.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

You should not have too much recoil with factory 45 colt loads but if you do perhaps these rubber grips might help. Hogue also makes some rubber grips but these look much better.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/297021/pachmayr-presentation-grips-ruger-new-model-blackhawk-single-six-rubber-black

 

[caryc]

You should not have too much recoil with factory 45 colt loads but if you do perhaps these rubber grips might help. Hogue also makes some rubber grips but these look much better.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/297021/pachmayr-presentation-grips-ruger-new-model-blackhawk-single-six-rubber-black

I've always wondered what makes those ugly grips "Presentation"?

 

[Rompin Ruger]

Thanks, Gents.

Yes I meant the Super Black Hawk. See? I come here and find out I knew nothing, just thought I did.

I never heard (nor did most salesman in shops I frequented) that different SBH had different frames in different sizes...

My SBH was 7.5 but I had it cut down when I could get a friend gunsmith to do such things... :)

I really like the Redhawk grip...

The guy who sold me the two NM BH swore they were revised Grip frame on em...I don't know diddly about flattops, etc.

Friend in my day had .357 Black hawk and I couldn't even hold that sucker. I may be squeezing my fingers too much...but letting my pinky slide under never worked...I'll have to try that again, though...

THanks... I've gripped my SuperBH .44 and there is far more clearance due to the shape of the plow handle and the trigger guard on it, then on the New Model Black hawks (NMBH)

I've tried Hogue and Pachy grips on SA's and it sanded the snot outa my hand not wanting to let it go into battery to cock and reposition...I built my own...

I have short fingers, toes, nose and...well, never mind...but I do have a rather large palm... That complicates things when it comes to handgun grips...

You guys give me something to think on... I DO like the 45 Colt round, but I don't shoot the factory stuff...bought the Ruger to get magnum performance....

 

[caryc]

The 4 5/8" & 5 1/2" barrel super blackhawks have the regular blackhawk grip frames AKA XR3-RED profile.

The 7 1/2" & 10 1/2" barrel blackhawks have the larger dragoon style grip frame with the square back trigger guard. See the sizes below.

 

[coach]

A shooting glove worked for me

 

[daveg.inkc]

You should not have too much recoil with factory 45 colt loads but if you do perhaps these rubber grips might help. Hogue also makes some rubber grips but these look much better.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/297021/pachmayr-presentation-grips-ruger-new-model-blackhawk-single-six-rubber-black

I've always wondered what makes those ugly grips "Presentation"?

Pachmayr makes Presentations. I have several and they feel good to shoot may not be "Pretty" but far from ugly

 

[H.H. Hipshot]

I put the Hogue overmolded grips on mine. Don't look authentic, but very comfortable.

HHH

 

[DeletedMember275]

You should not have too much recoil with factory 45 colt loads but if you do perhaps these rubber grips might help. Hogue also makes some rubber grips but these look much better.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/297021/pachmayr-presentation-grips-ruger-new-model-blackhawk-single-six-rubber-black

I've always wondered what makes those ugly grips "Presentation"?

That's a loaded question/statement, Cary. Compared to your grips, much else looks ugly!

 

[nvbirdman]

Try throwing a Band-Aid around your finger. Lots of times it works, and if it does it's a cheap fix.

 

[SAJohn]

Thicker grip panels may help you. You could test that by adding some layers of tape to a pair of your grips.

Also welcome to our great forum. I really like your style of writing and the humor you slip in.

SAJohn

 

[Rompin Ruger]

Good suggestions all.

I have used bandaids. I've used bandaids plus that stretchy stuff they use now when they draw blood. Yes, my cut down 7.5" has the square rear on the trigger guard.. thanks...

I have to smile when I get into things like this...it reminds me of when I'd go to Lionel Train Swap meets and folks were educated on so many things that most of us never knew!

I have to try that idea of opening up my fingers and letting one dangle or slip under the grip frame.

PAST shooting gloves had nothing over knuckle so I used thin leather gloves...with bandaids and that other stuff wrapped around knuckle... I also found and am trying out PRO-AIM Shooter's glove (PROAIM.com). Mine have the thumb and trigger finger cut out... They have extra material on trigger guard side of the finger stalls...but then it puts them tighter against the guard... Time will tell.

I just wish I were rich and could get the NMBH refitted with a different grip frame.

As for grip width, I made my own so they'd be THICKER...

Thanks for the kind words, SA John!

 

[caryc]

You should not have too much recoil with factory 45 colt loads but if you do perhaps these rubber grips might help. Hogue also makes some rubber grips but these look much better.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/297021/pachmayr-presentation-grips-ruger-new-model-blackhawk-single-six-rubber-black

I've always wondered what makes those ugly grips "Presentation"?

Pachmayr makes Presentations. I have several and they feel good to shoot may not be "Pretty" but far from ugly

I didn't ask who makes them. I asked WHAT makes them presention grips.

I could just picture a beautiful presentation grade engraved model single action in a beautiful velvet lined case with those ugly things on it. Just doesn't make sense. :shock:

 

[caryc]

Good suggestions all.

I have used bandaids. I've used bandaids plus that stretchy stuff they use now when they draw blood. Yes, my cut down 7.5" has the square rear on the trigger guard.. thanks...

I have to smile when I get into things like this...it reminds me of when I'd go to Lionel Train Swap meets and folks were educated on so many things that most of us never knew!

I have to try that idea of opening up my fingers and letting one dangle or slip under the grip frame.

PAST shooting gloves had nothing over knuckle so I used thin leather gloves...with bandaids and that other stuff wrapped around knuckle... I also found and am trying out PRO-AIM Shooter's glove (PROAIM.com). Mine have the thumb and trigger finger cut out... They have extra material on trigger guard side of the finger stalls...but then it puts them tighter against the guard... Time will tell.

I just wish I were rich and could get the NMBH refitted with a different grip frame.

As for grip width, I made my own so they'd be THICKER...

Thanks for the kind words, SA John!

What may work for you is a Super Blackhawk Hunter model grip frame. It's the same size as the dragoon style you have but has a round back trigger guard. Lots of people complain about that square backed trigger guard. Works for some and not for others.

 

[Rompin Ruger]

I have learned a lot...some I didn't want to learn like the fact that the sales person at my old shop up "home" fibbed to me about the Blackhawk grip being redesigned...

The grip just felt "better' to me till I started shooting full power Ruger loads...

Course, I have to admit that my "deer hunting" days are likely over since this area of NE TN is not conducive to deer hunting and especially alone and as one ages those National Forest "Sudden country" steep sided hills and rocky inclines are no place to be alone with one fake knee at 70...

I can always load up lighter loads and just bang holes in paper... yawn...sorry for you folks who are target shooters by trade...just not been my cup but I may have to find some new avenues...

Having a gunsmith change out frames ain't gonna happen.

IF'n I had money to do that, I could hopefully get somoene to rebbl my Redhawk into 45 colt...I just sold off most of my surplus .44 brass and old Speer 3/4 jacket bullets for the .44 cause I just don't shoot it anymore....

Maybe I sold the wrong stuff. :)

 

[caryc]

I have learned a lot...some I didn't want to learn like the fact that the sales person at my old shop up "home" fibbed to me about the Blackhawk grip being redesigned...

The grip just felt "better' to me till I started shooting full power Ruger loads...

Course, I have to admit that my "deer hunting" days are likely over since this area of NE TN is not conducive to deer hunting and especially alone and as one ages those National Forest "Sudden country" steep sided hills and rocky inclines are no place to be alone with one fake knee at 70...

I can always load up lighter loads and just bang holes in paper... yawn...sorry for you folks who are target shooters by trade...just not been my cup but I may have to find some new avenues...

Having a gunsmith change out frames ain't gonna happen.

IF'n I had money to do that, I could hopefully get somoene to rebbl my Redhawk into 45 colt...I just sold off most of my surplus .44 brass and old Speer 3/4 jacket bullets for the .44 cause I just don't shoot it anymore....

Maybe I sold the wrong stuff. :)

It doesn't take a gunsmith to change grip frames. That Hunter grip frame would bolt right up just like your dragoon frame does. I can swap one in about 4 or 5 minutes.

 

[daveg.inkc]

Well, excuse me! Cary.

 

[Rompin Ruger]

daveg, I guess "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"...good thing we don't all like the same things...

Cary does make gorgeous grip panels. He likely views black rubber like I view black rifles... Dad was a cabinet maker so I do like wood, but there are places and times when a composite works well on a long gun... and I know many who like those rubber type grips.

I'm sure Cary, with your experience, you can do as you say...I'm not sure I could, but then there is the issue of finding and buying the other type grip frame--- and not getting ripped in the process.

Thanks for all the tutelage, gentlemen! It's been enlightening to say the least!

 

[contender]

For the OP,,, I see you are in NE Tennessee. I'm just "over the ridge" so to speak a bit SW of Asheville. May I offer a bit of potential help?
Proper instruction, along with trying different grip frames & grips can make a huge difference. As noted above,,, there are some differences in grip frames,, so your salesman in your gun shop wasn't exactly lying,,, just not quite as educated as he should have been. The original g/f was an XR3 design. (1953-1963.) then the XR3-RED (RED stands for redesigned,) from 1963 to current date for the Single-Six & Blackhawk line. The Super Blackhawk with the square back trigger guard was introduced in 1959, and continues to this day. It is a different shape & design. And then in recent history,,, Ruger has muddied the waters with the re-introduction of the XR3 shape, as well as the Hunter g/f shape. The Hunter, as noted above,,, is similar to the SBH except for the trigger guard being rounded not squared off. (There are more details about grip frames etc,,, but this is just the basics.)
And as noted above,,, a grip frame swap is EASY as the screw hole pattern is the same across the board.
You are on the right track by making your own grips. Finding a shape that allows YOUR hand to fit properly is a huge step in the right direction. Following that,,, I'd say you may need a little instruction into how to hold a SA vs the Redhawk line.
All this leads to my offer.
If you travel some,,, I'll invite you over my way to try different guns & things. I own a gun range. It's private.
Or,,, if that doesn't work,,, I'm looking at heading to Pigeon Forge soon to do a bit of shopping. if Pigeon Forge or that route is closer,,, we could meet somewhere & discuss things. If you are near Bristol or Johnson City,,, then again,, we could make arrangements for a meet.

 

[RoninPA]

Here's a good tutorial about frames also - http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

It was written by our own member flattop44 (Bill Hamm)

 

[Rompin Ruger]

I'm flattered by all the great input...thank you one and all... I sent Contender a PM and I will be reviewing that link for sure....

Who says one is "too old to learn?" :)

 

[caryc]

Well, excuse me! Cary.

You're excused.

 

[caryc]

Here's a good tutorial about frames also - http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

It was written by our own member flattop44 (Bill Hamm)

Over the years, that article has been referred to so many times by myself as well as others, that it would be impossible to count. It is such a good informative article. I keep a shortcut to it on my desktop.

I never knew that flattop44 was Bill Hamm.

Thank you Bill :D

 

[Justice B. Swift]

A couple of ideas:
1) have you fired the Bisley model? It was designed for target shooting, but handles completely fifferently and is prefered by most of the "custom" gunsmiths, particularly by those promoting big bore hard hitting cartridges due to the way it mitigates recoil. It may be just what you need for your larger hand, as the grip is somewhat longer also.
2) I purchased some gloves at a bicycle shop which have gel pad in the palm and exposed finger tips (still surround the back of my hand, knuckles and 1/2 of my fingers) and found them to be perfect shooting gloves for cold days or for very stout loads. I think I paid $15 for 'em.

 

[Rompin Ruger]

Just checking back...Again, thanks to all for the many thoughtful responses and PMs, etc. I"m not a gun tinkerer and once took apart a Ruger SA years ago and had to take it back to a gunsmith to reassemble which took him a few moments...What came out of that was a friendship, albeit years later with that same person, but I never did learn how to take a SA apart and put back together.

Finding and replacing the grip frame sounds like a good choice, but Contender has suggested I TRY some different configurations first, so that is the next order of business.

Been selling off a few things that living here in NE TN now make moot to have/own (deer rifles I have, a few handguns and some other "toys", but it's nice to read all the great ideas...

IF only more time and more money! :)

 

[5of7]

https://www.hogueinc.com/ruger-new-blackhawk-vaquero-rubber-monogrip-black

 

[Rancher Will]

Here is a suggestion that has worked for me for over 60+ years. On both my Ruger old .44 Blackhawk and my S&W Model 29, I ordered both with a set of custom Herrett's Grips made to fit my hands when they were new. The Grips are Jordan style grips recommended by Bill Jordan in a visit with Bill when I was a new, young LEO.

Not only does the trigger guard not bump my finger, both guns naturally point exactly where I point them at the draw without my having to look at the sights. I still regularly practice with both and when drawing from a hip holster, shooting from the hip without raising the gun to eye level, I can always keep the first shot within a spot half the size of a playing card at 20 feet or so.

The Blackhawk did hurt my finger behind the trigger guard when I first got it. I bought the Herrett's Grips to get the grips recommended to fit the guns to my hand for accurate speed shooting from the holster. Not only do the guns shoot where they naturally point at the draw, I found that the grips stopped the pain on my middle finger when shooting the Blackhawk.

 

[WoodyS]

Rompin Ruger, check out Gary Reeders "magnum" gripframe. It has a lot more clearance between your knuckles and the trigger guard and Gary designed it to alleviate your very problem. Lots of us have fat fingers or big hands. He will also trade firearms and such for this kind of custom work if you are short cash....he is very good to work things out with. Don't cost a dime to see if he can help you. reedercustomguns.com