Ruger Super Blackhawk project and grip question

[seasterl]

I think I know the answer, but I just wanted to make sure, so any help will be appreciated.

I have ordered a new Ruger Super Blackhawk with the 4 5/8" barrel (stainless model). I understand that, even though this is the Super Blackhawk (SBH) model, the 4 5/8" (as well as the 5 1/2") models use the XR3-RED grip frame. However, I have ordered a Super Blackhawk Hunter stainless grip frame from Ruger and will have it fit to the gun. So, my question is, when I'm looking around for grips, I should be looking at grips for the "Super Blackhawk" grips, correct? Also, then what about the issue with the trigger guard. Sometimes I see grips for sale and they make mention of being for the square trigger guard (the rear of the trigger guard, that is). Could I just order up any 'ole set of Super Blackhawk grips and expect them to work just fine? As a side note, I do plan to have a custom set of grips made for the gun, but it would be nice to have one or two extra sets of premade grips available if I see some on-line or at a gun show. Thanks!

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

You're correct, you'll need SBH grips. The square back trigger guard description is just a reference to the SBH grip frame.

I'm thinking of doing the same with my 4 5/8" .45LC Blackhawk. I have an unfluted .45acp cylinder fitted to it and I've installed a SBH hammer in it, the only thing left is to go whole hog and swap out the grip frame. I'll primarily be using the acp cylinder so recoil won't be an issue, as such I'll go with the square back frame on mine.

Pics when you get yours finished, it sounds nice.

 

[seasterl]

I was about to order the 45Colt 4 5/8" model today for just a few pennies more, but I prefer the unfluted cylinder in stainless (and prefer the fluted model in blued). Since the primary role for this particular gun will be for short-range work using somewhat reduced loads (cool to mild), I decided to stick with the 44Mag because I already load for it and I do not load for the 45Colt and didn't want to start up a new cartridge. (I can load 44Mag down or up, so why bother with a 45Colt was my thinking.) I have bigger handguns, bigger cartrdiges, and longer barrels for long-range work in the 44Mag and other cartridiges, or when maximum penetration is needed. The idea of using this SBH Hunter style grip should afford me more room for my hand as well as a more attractive trigger guard (IMO). I'm excited and hope to have a successful project and a very totable, naturally-pointing handgun. I recently had J. Linebaugh build me a short-barreled 44Mag based off the Bisley 44Mag model, and then I learned the Bisley grip frame just may not be for me, so I'm going to do this project and then compare the two head-to-head. Unfortunately, I find it just about impossible to "try before you buy" and I always have to buy first and sell later. Too bad guns aren't like cars in that regard!

 

[flatgate]

Unfortunately, I find it just about impossible to "try before you buy" and I always have to buy first and sell later.

You need to meet some local shooters. It's THE best way to sample guns.

I've gotten to shoot guns I've only heard about and never seen before....all simply by going to the local shooting range.

:D

flatgate

 

[seasterl]

My local range seems to have a lot of semi-auto lovers. I've shot (or owned) Blackhawks, Vaqueros, Single-Sixes, Redhawks, Super Redhawks, FA Model 97 & 83, and S&W over a period of thirty years of shooting, but never actually shot a Ruger Bisley until I bought one. Handling them at gun shows doesn't give the full story, sometimes, until you can shoot a variety of loads through them. Also, I'm not exactly the kind of person to ask someone if I can shoot their gun, but will allow others to shoot mine if they want.

 

[EDK]

I've used the DRAGOON grip frame for almost 40 years...no problem with getting whacked on the knuckles that other have experienced.

I got my first BISLEY about 15 years ago...like it enough to have half of my shooters in BISLEY configuration...BUT the BISLEY occasionally whacks me on the knuckles.

The HUNTER grip frame is the least problematic of the three. I am now adding a SUPER BLACK HAWK hammer and HUNTER grip frame on the last purchased 44 Magnum VAQUEROS...5.5 inch and stainless steel. They are awaiting a trip to Georgia for trigger jobs and grip frame fitting.

Factory SUPER BLACK HAWK hammers may drop in, but they don't necessarily improve the trigger pull without help from the gunsmith. The stainless 44s weren't very good before...now they're really bad. I got a couple of used blue hammers and they improved the triggers on another set of guns immensley.