Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-23-2020, 05:20 PM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default I made a nice frankenruger

Some of you have enjoyed my frankensmiths over the years, well this is a frankenruger!
New model Blackhawk .357 with 4 5/8” barrel in blue.
Swapped a 7.5” Super Blackhawk frame in stainless and some smooth wood grips.
Balances ten times better with the steel grip frame, and wow! What a pleasure to shoot!
Handles my hot 180-grain loads with ease.
Tell me what you think

Last edited by squidsix; 01-23-2020 at 05:21 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-23-2020, 05:22 PM
6518John's Avatar
6518John 6518John is offline
SWCA Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: AR—Town & Country
Posts: 7,478
Likes: 80,268
Liked 26,096 Times in 5,948 Posts
Default

VERY NICE!!!!!
__________________
Possum—The other white meat!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 01-23-2020, 05:25 PM
Shark Bait Shark Bait is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 9,014
Liked 9,908 Times in 2,006 Posts
Default

Looks good. The alloy frames were my only complaint about the Blackhawks.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 01-23-2020, 05:26 PM
walkinghorse walkinghorse is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Black Hills
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 17,191
Liked 10,130 Times in 2,101 Posts
Default

I have read negative stories about the squareback trigger guard you show smacking fingers on the grip. I have no experience on this as my only Ruger was a old model 41 magnum 4-5/8" barrel which had a round trigger guard. I had no problems all with the rounded trigger guard. Wish I still had it!
__________________
Wherever my mind isn't
Jim
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 01-23-2020, 05:27 PM
RobertJ.'s Avatar
RobertJ. RobertJ. is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seaside, Oregon
Posts: 6,321
Likes: 24,986
Liked 12,549 Times in 3,779 Posts
Default

Nice! I did that once with a stainless Single-Six and a stainless SBH. They both had a good feel, but they didn't mesh together perfectly (meaning there were some edges protruding), so I swapped them back. Yours looks great!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 01-23-2020, 05:28 PM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default

Actually the squared trigger guard gives approximately 1/8” more clearance over the round one. Also the grip frame is longer giving more purchase on it over the alloy one.

As for edges protruding, that is absolutely the case, and some sandpaper was required to mesh the edges nicely enough to handle. The frame is still slightly proud of the grips in a few spots, and I have ordered cheap plastic grips to place on the frame so I can hit it on the belt sander a little more.
Also coning up is the SBH hammer, which is normally the first thing I do to centerfire Rugers, but it was backordered for a while and I will add it next week when it comes.

Last edited by squidsix; 01-23-2020 at 05:31 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 01-23-2020, 06:15 PM
Old Arkansawyer Old Arkansawyer is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,197
Likes: 23,907
Liked 4,750 Times in 1,621 Posts
Default

I like it, good job.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 01-23-2020, 07:43 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: In The Woods Of S.C.
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 13,934
Liked 13,639 Times in 4,938 Posts
Default

i wish Ruger still offered those brass frames.
__________________
S&W Accumulator
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 01-23-2020, 07:47 PM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default

I wanted a brass one, but at $350 IF you can find one, ai opted for steel at $109 from Midway.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 01-23-2020, 08:04 PM
D Brown's Avatar
D Brown D Brown is offline
SWCA Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 21,164
Liked 7,109 Times in 1,990 Posts
Default

Very nice! I was glad to see that you intend to put a SBH Hammer in it!
__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA #3279
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 01-24-2020, 01:53 AM
steveno steveno is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Minden , Nebraska
Posts: 2,850
Likes: 1,194
Liked 4,318 Times in 1,420 Posts
Default

I don't have very big hands but the regular Blackhawk grip frame felt too small for my 41 mag Blackhawk. I had a steel Super Blackhawk grip frame put on it and everything felt better. the extra weight of the steel frame made it a little more comfortable to shoot as well.

I also added the Super Blackhawk hammer as well

Last edited by steveno; 01-24-2020 at 01:54 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 01-25-2020, 02:32 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,978
Liked 24,785 Times in 8,482 Posts
Default

My first centerfire handgun was an Old Model Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt with the 4 5/8" barrel. Over the years, I got used to the alloy grip frame and prefer it to the steel one.

To each his own!
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-25-2020, 07:44 AM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default

It seems popular at least with some folks. I was able to sell my alloy grip frame on ebay for just about what I bought my steel one for, making this modification essentially free. The alloy one was only for sale a short time, so either I underpriced it or people really like those.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 01-25-2020, 10:40 AM
Toddlars1 Toddlars1 is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Arizona
Posts: 107
Likes: 257
Liked 109 Times in 52 Posts
Default

That is darn handsome, now I want one. Great work!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 01-29-2020, 04:02 AM
Irate45's Avatar
Irate45 Irate45 is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 89
Likes: 63
Liked 419 Times in 73 Posts
Default

I like it!

My first centerfire handgun was a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt. I still have it. Over the years it morphed into a different animal.

I added the steel Super Blackhawk grip frame and the SBH hammer. Since I was going to have it polished and blued, I was able to blend the grip frame to the gun. I also added a steel ejector housing and a bullseye rod. The front sight blade has a brass insert installed, although it has the sides blacked out so it's hard to see in the photos. Sometimes it wears Herrett's Shooting Star stocks or Pachmayr Presentation grips. In the pics it sports Eagle "ivory" grips.

Nothing like a frankenruger!

1.jpg

2.jpg
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 01-29-2020, 10:14 AM
BearBio BearBio is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 4,913
Likes: 3,226
Liked 6,813 Times in 2,543 Posts
Default

My one and only was I swapped a .45 birdshead with a Bisley grip frame. I thought it was ugly but it handles heavy 45 loads well after I put Hogue wood grips. Wish I had kept it! Also, switched a plow-handle grip frame on another. Now I have a "standard" OM Blackhawk for bears (45 LC) and a Reeder 454.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 01-29-2020, 06:48 PM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default

Here it is finally finished.
Total work done:
Swapped grip frame with SBH 7.5”.
Swapped stainless SBH hammer.
Swapped Altamont black hardwood SBH grips and stainless screw.
Lowered front and rear sights. Painted the front white then orange.
Dehorned the entire outer surfaces of the gun.
Polished the inside of each chamber in both the .357 and 9mm cylinders to a mirror finish.
Shoots 147 grain 9mm a little low and 180 grain .357 a little high.
Shoots 158 grain 357 to point of aim at 25 yards with the rear sight bottomed out.
Love it!!!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg EC9EBB52-A14C-474A-8A12-BCA5CC831715.jpg (65.9 KB, 36 views)
File Type: jpg B4DFF542-0356-4675-876B-0A31AF9A923F.jpg (66.4 KB, 30 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 01-29-2020, 10:28 PM
Chukar60's Avatar
Chukar60 Chukar60 is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 1,302
Liked 4,379 Times in 1,375 Posts
Default

Good Heavens that is a handsome Ruger!!! First I have seen in that configuration, and I really like the look.
Great job!!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 01-29-2020, 10:41 PM
Qc Pistolero Qc Pistolero is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: 30min SE Montreal
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 150
Liked 1,540 Times in 841 Posts
Default

OP:you want me to tell you what I think about it!...well,I just can't find the words exept:beautiful job.Good taste and simplicity are often rendering the best side of things(and guns)!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 01-29-2020, 11:13 PM
Dieseltech56's Avatar
Dieseltech56 Dieseltech56 is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 1,648
Liked 3,117 Times in 1,014 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by squidsix View Post
It seems popular at least with some folks. I was able to sell my alloy grip frame on ebay for just about what I bought my steel one for, making this modification essentially free. The alloy one was only for sale a short time, so either I underpriced it or people really like those.
What are you looking to get for the old grip frame?
__________________
-Matt
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #21  
Old 01-30-2020, 05:43 AM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default

got $95 for the old frame and grips. The new frame and grips from Midway was $127. So for $32 I got the setup I wanted, and I would have replaced the factory grips either way so I dont factor that cost.

Last edited by squidsix; 01-30-2020 at 08:32 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 01-30-2020, 03:20 PM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default

Ordered a custom holster from H.C Holsters and it came today.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg D3185E1C-B06E-4AC8-B7D3-6AB69AD4380C.jpg (63.8 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg B7241811-970D-407C-95AC-78BE1D90BD46.jpg (66.9 KB, 12 views)
File Type: jpg AD707894-C569-4424-B498-D1C2C5E1E4E3.jpg (101.9 KB, 11 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #23  
Old 01-30-2020, 03:45 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,978
Liked 24,785 Times in 8,482 Posts
Default

Looks like the old Lawrence 120 that Elmer favored.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #24  
Old 01-30-2020, 04:12 PM
Dvus Dvus is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 807
Likes: 22
Liked 1,898 Times in 460 Posts
Default

Very nice.
This is my SBH with a Bisley trigger fitted to the frame and sculpted hammer. It also has a modified cylinder pin and ejector rod to completely eject magnum cases. And an adjustable trigger stop inside the frame.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20150921_215949.jpg (63.3 KB, 14 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 01-30-2020, 05:06 PM
squidsix squidsix is offline
Member
I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger I made a nice frankenruger  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 1,902
Liked 5,626 Times in 1,543 Posts
Default

^ thats great!
I have trimmed the base pin slightly but looking at the ejector rod it appears that I would not be able to remove enough material to get full ejection of magnum cases. Very frustrating!
What did you do to make yours work!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
You know what be nice if Smith made? ABPOS Smith & Wesson - The Wish List 26 09-21-2018 04:14 PM
I made a nice memory today sigp220.45 Reloading 7 04-25-2018 10:31 PM
Deal is made for these: A really nice set of N Frame Magnas kthom WANTED to Buy 0 02-10-2018 10:50 AM
Some nice grips made nicer by one of our own weatherby The Lounge 7 02-02-2016 03:56 PM
Made myself something nice. Eaglestroker Gun Leather & Carry Gear 5 09-13-2011 12:59 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:22 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)