Blackhawk Grip Frames

[Tallball]

I have two Blackhawks which I like very much. My understanding is that the grip frames are aluminum. I have also heard that they can be replaced with brass or steel ones. I have two questions:

Is replacing them difficult?

Is there a particularly good place to purchase the replacement grip frames?

 

[cfullgraf]

I replaced two Blackhawk grip frames recently and both that were replaced were steel. Ruger may have made some aluminum grip frames along the way, but I'm not all knowledgable about Blackhawks.

Replacing them was not difficult but care needs to be exercised to make sure the parts get back in their original position.

The Ruger manual was helpful on the order of things to do on disassembly which makes reassembly easier. I also bought another aftermarket service book on Blackhawks.

I did find that both grip frames were a bit wider than each firearm's frame and required fitting. Not difficult but time consuming if done carefully.

The Ruger steel grip frames are sold "in the white" and will require refinishing.

 

[murf]

i would get a magnet and find out.

murf

 

[AlfonsDeWolf]

Might not mean a thing to you, but the 50th anniversary .357 is steel

 

[Salmoneye]

I have two questions:

Is replacing them difficult?

Is there a particularly good place to purchase the replacement grip frames?

Swapping grip frames is not particularly difficult, but some minor fitting has been known to be required at times...

As for acquiring frames, Midway has a selection (when they are in stock), and I believe Brownell's (and others) do also...

For one of the best sources of info on factory frames, see below:

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

 

[Tallball]

Apparently all of the modern ones are steel. I appreciate the help and advice. Ruger single actions are my latest interest and I have a "rescue" example on its way to my FFL.

 

[BlkHawk73]

The grip frames for the BH's were aluminum for many years. The newer medium framed model have used steel.
As for swapping...yup, simple swap. have done a number of swaps. If using an unfitted, in-the-white one though, you'll need to get a new trigger spring retaining pin and grip locator pin and install them as well. MUCH easier than trying to remove and reinstall.

There are differences however. Ear height has changed so an exact fit there isn't guaranteed. the alignment stud has been removed from grip frames and the aligning void in the cylinder frame has been eliminated so having one and not the other can require additional fitting.
Now if you're after brass, you're limited greatly. They're out there but now commanding rather high prices. be sure you're getting one that fits your gun too. (OM/NM stuff) last aftermarket one I saw sold for $300+/- and genuine Ruger mad ones a bit more than that. The birdshead styles will be up there and the VERY elusive Bisleys ones will be even more still.

 

[Tusker10mm]

I have done a few of these in brass. Matter of fact still have two NIB brass grip frames bought for guns that were sold before the project on them were started. The fitting takes some time, but is worth it in my book. Just do not be in a hurry and pay attention to detail. JMHO
Here is a Blackhawk in 41 Mag I did:



Here is a single six in 32mag I did:

 

[Tallball]

Wow! Those are GORGEOUS.