Thoughts on this aftermarket grip frame?

[thedogdidit]

So I have been searching for NM steel grip frames for a little bit now. Specifically the XR3 frame that came on the 44 original Vaquero. But I ran across this on FleaBay and it got my attention. Unfamiliar with "Colt style grips". What is the difference between Ruger, and Colt style grips? I am interested, but the no return policy has me hesitant to purchase.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/277516221451

 

[Deer Hunter]

Colt grip frames are two piece, XR3 size frames. Colt grips are one piece that mount inside the grip frame prior to putting the grip frame together. One block of wood as opposed to two panels. Two panels can be used. I have one in brass that I fit a set of ebony panels on. Just have to make sure the grip panel screw doesn't interfere with the hammer spring. Hammer spring and bar must be custom fit to a Powers grip frame as Ruger and Colt springs are completely different.

 

[thedogdidit]

Colt grip frames are two piece, XR3 size frames. Colt grips are one piece that mount inside the grip frame prior to putting the grip frame together. One block of wood as opposed to two panels. Two panels can be used. I have one in brass that I fit a set of ebony panels on. Just have to make sure the grip panel screw doesn't interfere with the hammer spring. Hammer spring and bar must be custom fit to a Powers grip frame as Ruger and Colt springs are completely different.

Thank you for the detailed answer. You just saved me from a project that would've aggravated me to no end. I'll stick with the OEM, and RW grip frames.

 

[contender]

Deer Hunter has offered a good explanation of things.

However,, looking at the ebay picture of the Powers g/f,, I do not think it's an XR3 shaped g/f. It appears to have a slight flair at the rear base,, just like the XR3-RED.

 

[thedogdidit]

Deer Hunter has offered a good explanation of things.

However,, looking at the ebay picture of the Powers g/f,, I do not think it's an XR3 shaped g/f. It appears to have a slight flair at the rear base,, just like the XR3-RED.

Thank you Contender. I noticed that as well. And I was ok with that. The only reason I considered it was the fact that it is steel. Having a bit of a time finding used XR3 frames looking for new homes. And yes, DH def gave a great explanation of things. Glad he did. I am going to unwatch the PowerCustom grip frame on FleaBay now. I never before knew about Colt frames. Great info to know. Now I want to actually see one in person.

 

[Xrayist]

I watched a video on fitting one of these. I think, not sure, that it was on the Power Customs webpage. The person fitting it used a file to make sure the grip frame matched the firearm frame. In doing so, he took some metal off the firearm frame. The entire firearm would then have had to be refinished. I think it could be fit without doing that, but then, that is my opinion.

 

[G2]

Power Custom Frames are XR3, they never made anything but. There is no “XR3-RED” flair.
They are really nice, and manufactured very well.

I have done 3 of them, and have this one, the last of the Brass Grip Frames, P C no longer does them in Brass.
As you can see by the marker line, it was going to be cut to be Birdshead.
Project died when my friend died.
It available if anybody wants it, $275 shipped.

Gun on the right is a Power Custom Keith #5/ Bisley grip frame used on this 41CAL (41Mag/41Spl separate cylinders) Custom build. Keith #5 Gripframe, was a special run, no longer available.
FWIW: Gun on the left is in process of becoming a 41Special Custom.

RW Gripframes are spendy, also very well manufactured,,, can’t go wrong there either.

 

[contender]

G2,, I stand corrected. I was just using the pictures,, as I've never fooled with any of the Power Custom grip frames.

RW grip frames may be spendy,, but they are SUPERB!!!!!! I'm awaiting another one here.

 

[thedogdidit]

G2,, I stand corrected. I was just using the pictures,, as I've never fooled with any of the Power Custom grip frames.

RW grip frames may be spendy,, but they are SUPERB!!!!!! I'm awaiting another one here.

I whole heartedly agree to the superiority of all things RW. He is doing a custom for me right now. Along with that beautiful Lee Martin Hybrid in brass. Spendy is worth in when the quality meets or exceeds expectations like RW does. Plus he's just a helluva great guy. We talk often.
I am just looking for some more steel frames as I like their weight better for the 4 5/8" revolvers. Its a comfortable spot between the respective weights of aluminum and steel.

 

[Randyzzz]

I’ve got a couple of RW frames on order. Another Dealer and a Super Blackhawk +.300 with a Bisley trigger guard. Should be fun.

Ronnie got me a Lee Martin Hybrid with the Dragoon trigger guard that I have become very fond of. I’m thinking of having him make a brass one with a Bisley trigger guard and standard, not flowing frame ears. Here’s a pic of the one I have currently, with E100 Cerakote.

In case you’re wondering why it’s called a hybrid, it’s a combining of two different frame profiles. The front strap is an XR3-RED +.300 and the backstrap is a Dealer.

 

[G2]

RW Gripframes are top tier for sure.
44 flattop with a RW Brass Hunter gf.

327 Single Seven RW Brass Keith #5 Bisley gf.

 

[Hondo44]

I whole heartedly agree to the superiority of all things RW. He is doing a custom for me right now. Along with that beautiful Lee Martin Hybrid in brass. Spendy is worth in when the quality meets or exceeds expectations like RW does. Plus he's just a helluva great guy. We talk often.
I am just looking for some more steel frames as I like their weight better for the 4 5/8" revolvers. Its a comfortable spot between the respective weights of aluminum and steel.

RW frames are the premium aftermarket grip frames, no question. I replace too many alloy frames with steel GFs for people that can't afford RW's, however.

The best thing to happen for those who want steel XR3 size grip frames for old models that have alloy XR3 grip frames is the steel XR3 size that was introduced in 2005 on the New Vaquero and the NM Flattop Blackhawk. Available in blue or SS, they can be found used. Production after 2012 do not have locks. The early steel XR3 frames made between 2005 and 2012 have internal locks if you want to avoid them although they are usually much cheaper to buy used. And to eliminate the lock just use a mainspring retention bracket from a Ruger Bearcat.

- Having already been fitted to a gun they require a LOT LESS fitting. Usually just the 'ears' around the base of the hammer. Then polish if SS or touch the blue with Brownells Oxpho blue paste.

- You can use original OM XR3 grips on them just by relocating the hole in the grip panels to fit the location stud in the steel XR3 grip frames.
- They are 7/16" wide instead of 1/2" but most like them or use a little thicker grips.
- You can buy an adapter trigger to use the NM trigger return spring in the NM grip frames.

- Or the old model trigger and return spring needs a simple adaption to the NM grip frame:
Fill the void in the new model grip frame where the trigger spring hole is located in the OM grip frame. Use liquid steel or similar product as a filler and after hardening, drill the hole for the OM trigger spring and plunger on the same angle. Or you can locate a piece of the right size drill heavily greased into the liquid filler and remove after hardening.
- The simplest: Be sure the front trigger spring pin in the NM grip frame is in place. Then place the old model trigger spring and plunger in a fired 22 LR case in front of the trigger spring as you assemble the grip frame the main frame. Once the grip frame is place the trigger, base of the hammer, and NM spring pin in the grip frame captures the 22 case and om plunger/spring in place. This method has been working in guns for years w/o problems and you can't even see it once installed.

Stainless New Vaquero XR3 size GF on a polished Lightweigt

32 mag Single Six Vaquerito short GF blued steel

New Vaquero blue steel 2 piece Power Custom grip frame which uses Colt shape grips

 

[Randyzzz]

I have made several return spring adapters with great success. They seem to reduce trigger pull too as the plunger is at a more right angle to the trigger travel.

These are pictures I saved from online. A piece of 3/8” brass square stock is just about perfect and easy to work with- easier than steel.

 

[Hondo44]

Randyzzz
"I have made several return spring adapters with great success. They seem to reduce trigger pull too as the plunger is at a more right angle to the trigger travel."

Nice work Randy!
Yes the straight back trigger plunger/spring does improve the trigger pull.
I used to make the adaptors as well. Eventually decided it was more work than needed.

Since adaptor triggers got more expensive I've been splicing (tig welding) old model trigger sears to new model triggers like this Bisley trigger

Left: spliced trigger Right: NM Bisley trigger

Bisley trigger SBH Hunter SS grip frame

 

[BoggusDeal]

I “believe” the Power Custom uses the factory Ruger mainspring and strut. I have one to install and I can test it tomorrow.

 

[thedogdidit]

I “believe” the Power Custom uses the factory Ruger mainspring and strut. I have one to install and I can test it tomorrow.

That'd be great. Thanks Travis

 

[Hondo44]

I “believe” the Power Custom uses the factory Ruger mainspring and strut. I have one to install and I can test it tomorrow.

That's correct, it uses the Ruger mainspring and retainer at the bottom.

It's shape fits Colt grips with more flare at the butt, unless you reshape the grip straps to match Ruger grips. Ruger XR3 size grips are close but they do not interchange with Colt grips.
Is the Power Custom grip frame that you have accept the OM trigger return spring and plunger, or does it have the two pins for the NM trigger spring?

 

[BoggusDeal]

Is the Power Custom grip frame that you have accept the OM trigger return spring and plunger, or does it have the two pins for the NM trigger spring?

Mine used the OM plunger and spring. Bought it on a closeout from Midway a few years ago. Finally getting around to fitting to my gun.

 

[Hondo44]

This 22 OM has the same 2 piece Power Custom grip frame but it's for the New Model so I adapted it for the OM trigger spring.