Swapping frames on 2 Blackhawks...possible?

[NorthBorder]

So I have 2 Ruger Blackhawks that I am interested in swapping the frames; a 45LC Blackhawk with an XR3Red frame and a 44 Special Blackhawk with a Bisley frame. Can they be swapped or would they need to be fitted? Or are they dimensionally different where they mate to the upper assembly?

 

[BobWright]

They will fit. Just how closely is a matter of chance. And you tolerance of the appearance. But be aware innards need to be swapped, too. the Bisley hammer and trigger is not compatible with the Blackhawk grip frame. I had mine professionally done:

A Blackhawk Converted to Bisley configuration:



And, converted back to Blackhawk configuration:




And, just for kicks, a Blackhawk converted to a "Super" Blackhawk:

 

[Bazoo]

It’s possible they would swap out, with hammer and trigger too. It’s also possible they won’t. One consideration is the “ears” have changed and were low on blackhawks and high on bisleys until about 97 when they converted to all high ears. Best I recall.

 

[Pudge]

They will fit. Just how closely is a matter of chance. And you tolerance of the appearance. But be aware innards need to be swapped, too. the Bisley hammer and trigger is not compatible with the Blackhawk grip frame. I had mine professionally done:

A Blackhawk Converted to Bisley configuration:

View attachment 1119306

And, converted back to Blackhawk configuration:

View attachment 1119307


And, just for kicks, a Blackhawk converted to a "Super" Blackhawk:

View attachment 1119319 View attachment 1119320

Your "Super" Blackhawk doesn't have a Super Blackhawk hammer, would that hammer swap in to a Blackhawk, or would that cause issues requiring a smith?

 

[.455_Hunter]

I wanted my gunsmith to swap the steel frame from an blued Old Vaquero onto a blued New Model Blackhawk (not a fan of the stock aluminum frame). This would have filled a huge hole in Ruger's catalog, but unfortunately it wouldn't work for various fitment issues. However, we did succeed in the full swap of frames/firing systems between a stainless Super Blackhawk and stainless Bisley.

 

[Bazoo]

Off subject, I’d like to find a brass grip frame with round trigger for my single six. I think it’ll be pretty cool.

 

[P89DCSS]

Ronnie Wells makes all configurations of grip frames:
https://rwgripframes-com.3dcartstores.com/

 

[Bazoo]

Ronnie Wells makes all configurations of grip frames:
https://rwgripframes-com.3dcartstores.com/
View attachment 1119341

Thanks. I had no idea someone was making such.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

If you're going to try the work yourself, I suggest you read through a copy of Kuhnhausen's shop manual for Ruger single action revolvers -- there's a section on replacing grip frames.

 

[NorthBorder]

I think I would have a gunsmith do it
Eta, a brass frame would really be great.

 

[BobWright]

Your "Super" Blackhawk doesn't have a Super Blackhawk hammer, would that hammer swap in to a Blackhawk, or would that cause issues requiring a smith?

Hammers interchange as well, usually drop in. I change out all my Super Blackhawk hammers as I don't like that beavertail spur.

All of these, except the one plain ol' stocj Super Blackhawk, have Blackhawk hammers:



Bob Wright

 

[Bazoo]

Blackhawk or super Blackhawk hammers drop right into the new flat tops too. Though the ears might not match. When I fitted a stainless grip frame to my FTBH, I put in a Blackhawk hammer to better for the ears.

 

[BobWright]

And fitting a new grip frame is not all that hard if you have a good vise, set of files and a little patience. Here I'm fitting a steel grip frame from an Old Army to by Flat Top Blackhawk:



After fitting, I did have it blued professionally.

Bob Wright

 

[BobWright]

Incidentally, before doing any filing on your grips frame, do what surgeons do before surgery, to prevent any filings from falling into the body, and cover to protect the rest of the gun:




Bob Wright