"Army" length grip frames for Rugers?

[Andy Griffith]

It seems to me, that someone used to make an "Army" length grip frame for Ruger revolvers...who was it, and is it still made?

The one thing I dislike on single actions is the short "Navy-like" grip- that's why I like the Bisley grip a bit better, but if I could find the Army length grip frame, I'd be willing to buy one or two more.

[flatheadsal]

the gripframe you're refering to is the Super Blackhawk Dragoon style frame, they were available from Ruger on the Old Army in brass only, the steel version was only on Supers, they were for the old model 3 screw frames which were switched over to the New Model transfer bar system in 1972 or 73, you can find them on the Rugerforum in the classifieds, they were longer in length than the stock XR3-RED frame of the time, the bottom 2 frames in the pic are dragoon brass frames, one I bought at a gun show, the other I took off my brass framed Old Army

[flatheadsal]

heres the steel Super Blackhawk frame off the pistol

[olyinaz]

Super Blackhawk grip frame:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=826303

I'm not sure what models it can be modified to fit beyond the SBH and old model Vaquero.

Oly

[arcticap]

I don't see why wood couldn't be properly carved, modified, shaped and used to increase the length and/or mass of the the Ruger grip.
Another substitute grip frame may make it easier to lengthen the grip but there could also be other ways to accomplish it.

[flatheadsal]

the Midway frame is for New Model Rugers, the Old Army is based on the Old Model frame and lockwork,one guy on the Rugerforum has a thread about fabricating a block to hold the OM coil spring and plunger for the old models, as I said the old model frames do show up in the classifieds over there, the brass is fairly rare and go for about $325.oo, the steel can usually be had for about $125.oo

[madcratebuilder]

You can adapt just about any of the Ruger grip frames to the ROA, you well need to fabricate a way to hold the trigger return spring and plunger. A Bisley grip on a cap and ball, interesting.

[mykeal]

Here's a link to Bill Hamm's web page identifying the various Ruger grip frames and their uses: Ruger grip frames by Bill Hamm

and here's a schematic showing the differences graphically:

[olyinaz]

Read the OP. He didn't ask what could be adapted to an Old Army, he asked if there were any "Army length" grip frames available for Ruger revolvers.

I assume that when he says "Army length" he's talking about the 1860 Army grip frame that is longer than a standard SAA grip frame (and by cloning most Ruger grip frames). That's why I provided a link to a SBH grip frame.

The OP mentions Navy and Bisley grip frames (the Ruger Bisley grip frame has little little in common with the Colt Bisley grip frame or that of other Bisley clones) so I think what he's looking for is pretty straight forward: An 1860 Army grip frame that will fit a Ruger.

Pietta has everyone talking about "Army" grip frames because they're fitting them to their SAA clones these days and they do feel great to many of us who don't like the finger under-curl grip on a "Navy" size grip.

Oly

[flatheadsal]

you're right oly and I answered that the longer superblackhawk frame would fit, it would be considered the closest thing to a longer army frame, I have both on my Rugers and on a Richards/Mason conversion, flathead

[robhof]

I picked up a set of Jay Scott grips on Ebay; they are oversized and the front of the frame actually fits inside the grips so they fit together in the front and on the bottom. I worked them with a Dremmel til it felt good in my hand and then finished with a hand rubbed finish to a satin finish. It fills my hand and my pinkie doesn't extend below the grip. Alot cheaper than a new grip frame. If I can get my camera working I'll post pic's.

[robhof]

Here are the pictures, courtesy of the little brat that knows how to use computers...

[olyinaz]

Very interesting. I'll bet it fills the hand nicely.

Best,
Oly