Where can I get grips for my new Ruger Blackhawk?

[Jaymo]

I picked up my brand new Ruger New Model Blackhawk .44 Special today.
I stopped at the range on the way home.
Overall, I like it a lot.
I HATE the skinny, checkered grips on it. After 50 rounds, my hand was sore from the checkering rubbing against my palm.
I also don't like how thin they are. I'd like something thicker, like I have on my ROA.

I don't know which grips will fit this new BH with the internal lock.

Can I get good grips for it, or do I have to replace the grip frame with an XR3Red grip frame?

If I do have to replace the grip frame with an XR3Red, do I have to replace the mainspring assembly, since it will no longer have the internal lock? (which Ruger forgot to include a key for)

 

[shafter]

I just purchased a set of bonded ivory grips from Altamont for my New Vaquero and I'm very pleased with them. They are definitely thicker than the factory plastic checkered ones. Mine are ivory but I also got the super walnut for my snubnose and they seem to be very nice as well. For $28 you can't go wrong.

 

[flhtcuibyhd]

I've ordered a set from here (privatescustomgrips.com). They are not in yet, so I can't vouch for them. His work looks beautiful, and his eBay page is all excellent feedback.

 

[Salmoneye]

Private Schultz, or CaryC:

http://www.clccustomgrips.com/home.html

I make my own...

 

[Jaymo]

My ROA grips came from clc, and I love them. I noticed the ROA grip frame appears to be wider than my new BH grip frame. CLC's grips are pricey, but beautiful. They also feel perfect in my meaty paws.
Does the current model New BH use the same grips as the New Vaquero?
Private Schultz sure has some pretty grips. I can't decide between several of the materials offered.
I'm tempted to send him/her some mahogany, Micarta, and a mystery hardwood (looks like myrtle) to make some grips for my ROA, NMBH, Single 6.

WTH were they thinking, at Ruger, putting thin, checkered grips on these guns? After shooting some PMC HPs yesterday, my hands still feel like they got in a fight with a wood rasp.
Plus, for what the gun cost, those factory grips are awfully cheap.

 

[dagger dog]

Try gripmaker.com I have the New Model Blackhawk with the lock, Larry helped me with a pair of "Fivory" (fake ivory) grips for mine. He has finished semi-finished so you can fit them to your hands, and is a good guy to work with a real 100%er.

 

[skeeziks]

Those grips have become known as "Cheese Graters" and will do a number on the palm of the hand.
Since you are needing something to fill your hand, I agree with wood as the sensible choice.

BTW...Ruger "forgot" to include a key in the box of my 45 Colt Flattop as well. But of course I'm never gonna use the lock anyway.

 

[CraigC]

CLC is my first and last choice for Ruger single action grips. Which is probably why I have something like 16 pairs. The grip frame is indeed the same as the New Vaquero and for best results, send in your grip frame for fitting.

 

[Jaymo]

Ruger also failed to include the instruction manual.
I have a pair of clc grips on my ROA and love them.

What, exactly, is the New Vaquero/NMBH with lock grip frame called. It's obviously not an XR3Red.

 

[CraigC]

The New Vaquero and flat-tops wear a steel version of the old XR3 but grips do not interchange. The overall shape is almost identical but the locator dowel is in a different position and the bevel at the top, on the inside, is different.

The regular New Models with the lock are the same old XR3-RED pattern and grips DO interchange. Even though even Ruger says they do not. The steel XR3 grips require milling out the center for clearance around the lock because the lock is wider than the grip frame. This issue does not exist on other New Models with the lock. Even though Ruger acts goofy about it.

 

[BCCL]

I've got 2 sets from http://www.privatescustomgrips.com/ really like them. His are thicker than factory grips.

Antique Paper Micarta


American Cherry