Swapping grip frames?

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Hylander

Single-Sixer
Joined
May 1, 2008
Messages
430
Location
California
So I'm looking at maybe ordering a 5.5" SBH .44
Pretty sure they come with the smaller grip frame than the 7.5"
Will the larger frame fit and if so where might I get one and what should I expect to pay for one.
Also wish they came with the unfluted cylinder.
 
Joined
Oct 20, 2022
Messages
792
Location
Oregon
First question- yes, a Super or Super Hunter frame will fit. But unless you can find one that has been factory installed, you have a bit of a job ahead of you. I fit a Super Hunter replacement grip frame yesterday, and it takes a couple hours of sanding and polishing, and a lot of elbow grease. A word of advice- if you buy one from Midway/Brownells- try it on the main frame first. I have had issues with the Super Hunter frames being machined a bit off center from the factory. Ruger customer service said they would fit a Super frame to a New Vaquero for me, but I wanted to do it myself. The raw replacement frames are around $130 if i remember correctly.

Another option is a grip frame from RW Gripframes. Ronnie makes multiple styles including Super Blackhawk with multiple trigger guard styles, hammer openings, and even an extended frame for big hands. Ronnie's frames only come in brass $350 or aluminum $300. He offers grip panels too. Last time I checked he would fit the frame to your gun for about $150.

Or…get the 7 1/2", and have Fermin Garza shorten the barrel to your preference and install one of his excellent front sights. That way you get the grip frame you want, the non-fluted cylinder, and a great front sight!
 

gnappi

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jul 4, 2023
Messages
450
Location
Florida
Randybuzz, you're spot on.

I got a Bisley frame with exactly that issue just a bit off center but the hole pattern matched and it fit. The gun I got it for I've wanted to change the grip frame for a long time and I like shooting it more now so a bit of proud metal on the frame is no biggie for me.

In retrospect I should have gone with RW... Next time! :)
 

Hondo44

Hawkeye
Joined
Apr 3, 2009
Messages
8,051
Location
People's Republik of California
Yes the 5 1/2" SBH comes with the standard XR3-RED size standard grip frame.

Randy's and Arfmel's suggestion to cut or have the barrel cut is the simplest way to go if you aren't inclined to do the work yourself.

Or do you have some fitting, polishing and hole drilling/thread cutting skills?

Barrels are not hard to cut w/o even removing from the gun. Reattach the factory or aftermarket front sight with a screw (like the small frame Ruger front sight).

For future reference:
Grip frame take offs and non-fluted cylinders are not hard to find on gunbroker at very reasonable cost. Using a take off grip frame eliminates 90 to 100 % of the work, because they've already been factory fitted to a gun and blued or polished if stainless.
 

Hylander

Single-Sixer
Joined
May 1, 2008
Messages
430
Location
California
Thanks for the input.
Think I'll go the 7.5" and maybe have it cut to 6"
Contacted Fermin Garza. Very nice guy. He can't cut the barrel as he does not have an ffl.
He recommended Jack Huntington, which I do know and is only a 2 hr. Drive from me.
 

GrizzlyClay

Bearcat
Joined
Jan 23, 2023
Messages
17
Location
Electric City Wa
I sent my Ruger single action to RG Wells in Texas and he built a grip frame to fit my hand perfectly.This off the subject but I have been trying to find a 454 Casull in the Toklat model Super Redhawk with the 5 inch barrel,Anyone have a line on one?
 

GrizzlyClay

Bearcat
Joined
Jan 23, 2023
Messages
17
Location
Electric City Wa
So I'm looking at maybe ordering a 5.5" SBH .44
Pretty sure they come with the smaller grip frame than the 7.5"
Will the larger frame fit and if so where might I get one and what should I expect to pay for one.
Also wish they came with the unfluted cylinder.
Send the gun to RW Wells Grip Frames in Texas. Goggle them.
 

Armybrat

Buckeye
Joined
Feb 22, 2007
Messages
1,587
Location
Round Rock, Texas
So I'm looking at maybe ordering a 5.5" SBH .44
Pretty sure they come with the smaller grip frame than the 7.5"
Will the larger frame fit and if so where might I get one and what should I expect to pay for one.
Also wish they came with the unfluted cylinder.
Yes, what Randyzzz said - the longer Hunter grip frame I ordered from Brownell's has worked very well after quite a bit of fitting.

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contender

Ruger Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
25,456
Location
Lake Lure NC USA
GrizzlyClay,, from what I've learned from talking to Ronnie,, he too has bigger paws & so I'm sure he understands your issues! Looking GREAT there.
 

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