Smooth or Checkered grips on a Blackhawk?

[BCRider]

Driftwood, I hear ya about the .38 guys. And from what I heard from some of the regular shooters it's even worse now with the seriously competitive types shifting to .32 so they can get even LESS recoil.

I went .38 in my case simply because I was already loading and shooting .38Spl in my S&W revolvers. Up to now I went with loads that hit to POA in my fixed sight Model 10. But with a recent shift to 130gn bullets to lower the cost I can't do that or they truly would be mouse fart loads. So I'm going to file off the front sights to work with a proper 800'ish fps load with the 125/130 grn bullets.

Anyway, to reduce the hijack I'll add that I found the oiled but not TOO well oiled wood grips have lots more grip than many expect for simply the reason you mentioned.

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

Smooth grips

I have 2 Rugers with 4- 5/8's barrels in 45 colt, on brass super blackhawk frames. Both with smooth wood. So I vote "SMOOTH"

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Why do so many people get the 45 Colt version though?
I was wondering about that.
Is it just a fondness of nostalgia and heritage type thing?
Before I decided on the 357, I was looking around and 45 Colt seems "really" hard to find now.
And when you do...it's really expensive and not a whole lot of bullet choices.

Nostalgia definately played a part in it. Love the old west stuff and .45 Colt in a single action is just perfect IMO.

Also, I handload, and .45 Colt is a handloader's dream. You can load everything from light 200 grain plinking ammo, to 300 grain wrist breakers.
You're right about limited bullet weights available commercially, but I've now solved that problem too. I started casting my own and I can get molds from 180 up to 300 grains. The cost isn't as big an issue now since I started casting either. I can now load 1,000 rounds for just under $75.00. I would never have dreamed of going with the .45 Colt if I didn't roll my own. Ammo is just rediculous off the shelf.

I do like the .357 as well. I wouldn't mind having one with the 4 5/8" barrel myself.

 

[SabbathWolf]

Nostalgia definately played a part in it. Love the old west stuff and .45 Colt in a single action is just perfect IMO.

Also, I handload, and .45 Colt is a handloader's dream. You can load everything from light 200 grain plinking ammo, to 300 grain wrist breakers.
You're right about limited bullet weights available commercially, but I've now solved that problem too. I started casting my own and I can get molds from 180 up to 300 grains. The cost isn't as big an issue now since I started casting either. I can now load 1,000 rounds for just under $75.00. I would never have dreamed of going with the .45 Colt if I didn't roll my own. Ammo is just rediculous off the shelf.

I do like the .357 as well. I wouldn't mind having one with the 4 5/8" barrel myself.

That is CHEAP for a 1000 rounds!
Wow.
I really need to look into reloading one day myself.
And thanks for the explanation.
That makes sense now.

 

[SabbathWolf]

Well......

Based on the trend of this poll....

I just ordered a set of the "smooth" Ruger Blackhawk, Classic Panel, Super RosewoodRV-CP01 from here...


http://www.altamontco.com/experimental/products/pistol/ruger/#Ruger_blackhawk.php



I'll let ya know how they fit and what I think once they arrive.
Thanks guys!

$28.oo didn't sound too bad to me for my intended purposes.
And...this is the same company who makes the Ruger grips you can buy on the Ruger website.
So hopefully, they'll be fine.

If not....I can always go back and get a checkered version later to test out too from the same place.

 

[rcmodel]

Is it just a fondness of nostalgia and heritage type thing?

In my case?
A .357 SAA Colt just doesn't feel right in the hand.

It ain't a Colt SAA unless most of the excess steel ended up in cuttings on the shop floor.
And most of the holes in the steel are filled with air.

rc

 

[SabbathWolf]

In my case?
A .357 SAA Colt just doesn't feel right in the hand.

It ain't a Colt SAA unless most of the excess steel ended up in cuttings on the shop floor.
And most of the holes in the steel are filled with air.

rc

lol.....

Well, I already have a 45acp if I wanna make bigger holes....ha ha ha
I didn't own a 357, so went for it.

Eastern Kansas huh?
Me too.
Drop by sometime and we'll BBQ and shoot some guns!
lol....

 

[mikechandler]

I use smooth faux ivory on my bisley .44M, and my hands don't hurt. Otherwise, I need gloves. Looks nice too!

 

[foghornl]

If you are going to shoot the "just this side of thermo-nuclear" loads, you will REALLY want the smooth grips.

The checkered grips will ahhhhh "tenderize" you hands in very short order.

Never mind HOW I know...I just KNOW!

 

[SabbathWolf]

If you are going to shoot the "just this side of thermo-nuclear" loads, you will REALLY want the smooth grips.

The checkered grips will ahhhhh "tenderize" you hands in very short order.

Never mind HOW I know...I just KNOW!

OK. I won't ask....lol