Two piece grip on a GP ??

[brushunter]

I've had the fortune of owning a few GPs over the years. All have been stainless. A few had the "original style" grip , that being the rubber grip with wood panel inserts. All of those grips have been one piece rubber ... until now. Just acquired a 4" with a two piece rubber grip. When did they quit using the two piece ?? Thanks

regards , brushunter

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The first GP-100's had the two-piece rubber grip with wood inserts. They change the grip the first or second year, I believe. What is the serial number?

 

[brushunter]

Hi , Jimbo

I rescued this 4" from a retired conservation officer. This revolver has been shot a lot ... not abused , just used. Still tank tough ! Serial # 170-77... , believe this puts it in the early eighties ??? I didn't realize Ruger ever made a two piece rubber grip. Thanks for your input.

regards , brushunter

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Serial # 170-77... , believe this puts it in the early eighties ??? I didn't realize Ruger ever made a two piece rubber grip. Thanks for your input.

The GP-100 history http://ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#revolver puts it at 1989 but that is just an estimate. I would never have thought there were 77,000+ GP's with the two piece rubber grips as you don't see them that often. I guess people hang onto there GP's for life.

 

[brushunter]

Good site , thanks Jimbo. Guess I should search more often . Turns out I have a couple from that era. My 6" SS half-lug is actually older than the 4". Didn't realize ... Its in like new condition.

Thanks again

regards brushunter

 

[wolfsong]

By two piece, do you mean a left and a right grip piece with corresponding rosewood inserts? And by one piece, would that be a wrap-around configuration?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

By two piece, do you mean a left and a right grip piece with corresponding rosewood inserts? And by one piece, would that be a wrap-around configuration?

The early GP rubber grips with inserts were two piece. (like these http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-piece-factory-ruger-rubber-fancy-wood-gun-grips-gp100-357-super-redhawk-2-/110958848090 )Then they made the 1 piece rubber grip with inserts. Then they made the 'Compac' rubber grips with inserts. Then they got the Hogue 'tamer' 1 piece rubber grips. Now you get can all of them and a couple of other Hogue rubber and wood grips come on Redhawks and GP's. They all fit on the grip stud.

 

[lfpiii]

Serial # 170-77... , believe this puts it in the early eighties ??? I didn't realize Ruger ever made a two piece rubber grip. Thanks for your input.

The GP-100 history http://ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#revolver puts it at 1989 but that is just an estimate. I would never have thought there were 77,000+ GP's with the two piece rubber grips as you don't see them that often. I guess people hang onto there GP's for life.

The grips are not that rare, just check the junk box at any gun store and you will find many. The problem with the two piece grip was the harder plastic used for the grips compaired to the later one piece. In hot places like South Florida the grip would separate leaving a gap and made it real fun to shoot. The factory wood, Pachmayr and Hogue grips took care of the problem.

 

[protoolman]

I used the harder 2 piece grip on my duty gun after I found out the rubber on the newer 1 piece grips would wear off from my jacket rubbing on them.