Old model SBH vs New model SBH

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I have an old model Ruger SBH that needs grips. I've been told that old model and new model Super Blackhawk grip frames are different, such that the grips are not interchangeable. Is this accurate?

thanx

 

[KWYJIBO]

I believe they are not a direct replacement, but can be adapted to work. The locating pin is in a slightly different place, and the New Model might have an extra notch at the top.

Someone more knowledgable than I will chime in shortly.

 

[flatgate]

I've not had any trouble swapping NM grips on OM's or OM grips on New Model Supers. But, with Ruger Never say Never......

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[contender]

I've swapped them around a bit myself w/o any issues. It's when you start swapping NM & OM grip frames around on the guns that you get into issues.

 

[SteveRuger]

I've swapped them around a bit myself w/o any issues. It's when you start swapping NM & OM grip frames around on the guns that you get into issues.

+1 J/S

 

[rugerguy]

the pin location changed on the new, ala xr-3 frames, versus the old ones XR-3 ,50's vintage, for the Blackhawks and Single Sixes, BUT not the Super Blackhawk, they remain the same, just different hardware/medallions.......was wondering though, did Ruger ever put locks on ANY of the New, new Supers at any time???????'
Also keep in mind, there are new model Super Blackhawks, that have the round trigger guard, and the size of the grips is shorter, like the XR-3 reds, (new and old).........
many of us "think" and remember the Super Blackhawks with the dragoon style trigger guard, and the LONGER grips (the add to THAT the "long frames".......hhhmmmm) goes on and on and on.................. :roll:

 

[Hondo44]

Direct swap between old and new SBH Dragoon sq back trigger guard grips. Pre '71 OM grips would have the old black bird medallions and might cost a tad more.

As Rugerguy said;The only exception is the very early and rare "long frame" SBHs, but your not likely to find any grips for those and the high price will be the tip off that they are not the much more common SBH size.

No locks ever on any NM SBH grip frames which wouldn't affect the grips anyway because SBH grip frames are the full 1/2" thick size.

 

[rugerguy]

thanks Jim, I was wondering as to the ones that have the "smaller" ,round trigger guards...get guys asking at the shows, and the "Super" is NOT always the "Super" we recall , ,the dragoon style ones........usually can 'spot' the "new" ones quite easily, if they do NOT have the 'notch' ( slant cutout) at the top front edge of the panels.

 

[Hondo44]

Dan,

You bring up an excellent point. The new SBH dragoon grip frame I just received from Ruger has the front protrusions ground off that used to fit in the recesses of the main frame either side of the hammer. But the grips still require the notches on the top front backside of the grips. You see a lot more of the latest products, is that what you're seeing?

 

[k22fan]

Direct swap between old and new SBH Dragoon sq back trigger guard grips. [...]

As Rugerguy said;The only exception is the very early and rare "long frame" SBHs, [...]

It appears I just learned something, but can you confirm that Ruger's first Dragoon grip frames were longer than the familiar 7.5" SBH grip frames?

 

[Hondo44]

Hi k22fan,

Yes, it's an early established and well documented variation called the S47 "Long Frame" SBHs. Every Ruger book I own including Dougan's document it. There are several old threads here with photos.

Closest at hand is the Reference of Ruger Firearms, Edition #2, Page 156: long frames are the 1st variation SBH, about 300 made in s/n range 4 thru 1463.

 

[SteveRuger]

Direct swap between old and new SBH Dragoon sq back trigger guard grips. [...]

As Rugerguy said;The only exception is the very early and rare "long frame" SBHs, [...]

It appears I just learned something, but can you confirm that Ruger's first Dragoon grip frames were longer than the familiar 7.5" SBH grip frames?

The first casting of Super Blackhawk grip frames was for 300 pieces,
These were placed on some of the very first Super Blackhawks & some of the Writers ( one being Elmer Keith ) & Friends of Bill Ruger thought the grip was to long so the 2nd casting and all the other following that were 3/16" +/- shorter. Some of the earlier publications show 'Long Frame' Supers in the range of serial #'s up into the middle 1400's as stated above but other published books put the into the lower 3100's which I agree with. I have along with a few other collectors have them in the 1500 to 3000 serial number range. There is no ryme or reason when they shipped the 'Long Framed' Supers that myself or others I have talked too.
When it come to the 'Long Frame' Supers they ( Ruger) put some of the prettiest wood grips on them compared to the 'Standard Frame' Supers. IMHO :wink: :wink:

 

[Ruger1441]

The highest serial numbered long frame that I have is # 2971

 

[radicalrod]

I have #1555 LF thanks to my buddy WES...came with the mahogany case and the card board shipper :lol: :lol: :lol: I would tell the story BUT I don't think Wes wants to hear it again :roll: :roll: :roll: RR.

 

[SteveRuger]

I have:
1458
1978
2436
2957
In that range. & alot of lower #'s.