single six grips

[57Frontier]

I've got a new model single six and I'm thinking about replacing the grips. Do I need to look for grips that fit only the single six or are they interchangeable with other models?

 

[JTGant]

I believe there are several different grips sizes for the single six. Have you done a search & read up on th diff grips. Reading is good, it's amazing what you can learn. Don't let others do all the leg work, do it yourself.

 

[57Frontier]

Yes, I have done some searching. But thanks for your helful reply.

 

[flatgate]

Blackhawk and Single-Six grips are basically interchangeable EXCEPT post 2005 guns since some Blackhawks since then are fitted with the smaller XR-3 grip frame.

Remove the grips and look for the casting marks on the grip frame......

flatgate

PS You have a couple of desperados there in Soda Springs that know about these things.

 

[57Frontier]

Hmmm. So the XR3 grip frame is smaller? This is why I posted here. I have found conflicting info elsewhere.
Thanks for your input Flatgate.

 

[hittman]

Sticky: Single Action Grip Frames Explained

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=131343

Much confusion surrounds the Ruger Single Action Grip Frames. Lucky for us, Boge Quinn has graciously allowed us to "link" a page from their gunblast.com web site.

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

 

[57Frontier]

Thanks to hittman. That's the reputable info that I was looking for.

 

[flatgate]

The easy to see clue lies in the "backstrap" profile.

Ruger XR-3 grip frames emulate the Colt SAA in size and shape. The backstrap is "straight".

Ruger's XR3-RED grip frame was introduced in late '62/early '63 as an attempt to offer a bit more comfort to the shooter. It's a wee bit larger and has a "flair" at the lower end of the backstrap. It is actually a "truncated" version of Ruger's '59 vintage Super Blackhawk grip frame. (set one XR3-RED grip panel together with one Super grip panel and you'll see what I mean).

flatgate

 

[rugerguy]

but gotta remember there are little 'other' changes that also come into play such as the locating pin being moved slightly on the new XR-3 (ie the flatop anniversaries) versus the "old" and the frame at the top of some of the "new" NEW models does NOT have that angled support, cast into the upper corner...'older' Ruger grips need the cut out (slant) and the top front corners, where some of the newer ,NEW models don;t have this, so the grips dont need the cutout..........
we see folks at the gun shows and in gun shops trying to figure out just what grips their gun needs, we tell them to bring in the gun, and gotta try 'em, see just what frame they do have on their gun...must remember lots of Ruger folks over the past 50 plus years, have also swapped out their grips frames for 'others', so the answers are NOT cut and dry,nor serial number related....as flatgate notes, remove your grip panels and read what the casting number says,thats a GOOD start.