Ruger Blackhawk Old Model Grips....

Empe · Oct 14, 2023

I have a pair that based on my research are from the early to mid 1960's . They are walnut and appear to be factory with the black Phoenix with silver background.
They are unusual ...at least to me in that they are slightly oversized and extend below the grip frame about 1/4" . As well they fill in the space just below the trigger and ahead of the grip frame about 1/4".
The smaller grips particularly when firing .357 rounds do not fit my hand well at all . These larger oversized grips I find to be very comfortable plus they look real good on my newly purchased Old Model Blackhawk.
They have various dents and dings and need to be refinished . I am considering sending them out and having them done correctly .
Any idea on the value of these early mid 1960's grips ...particularly the oversized ones if in excellent condition.

alwslate · Oct 14, 2023

From your description they sound like grips for the later BlackHawk frame rather than the original early frame of the 60s guns. The grip frames of the old models was enlarged at some time and was marked RED for redesign. All three screw Single Sixes and BlackHawks do not have the same grip frame size. I have never heard of oversize grips for the BlackHawk. Maybe Super BlackHawk grips.

2152hq · Oct 14, 2023

Sounds like grips for the OM Super Blackhawk in that they extend below the regular BH gripframe about 1/4" and overlap the gripframe at the front a small amt..

The SuperBlackHawk came out in '59 with it's slightly extended grip.
It still used the XR3 style grip frame with that one change in length over the BH and SS grip frames that Ruger started with in '53
The BH was orig chambered in 44mag but then Ruger introd'd the separate Super Blackhawk for the round.
Those SBH would have been made '59 to '63.

After 1963, the grip frame was redesigned to move give more room for the shooters fingers. The new designation was XR3RED.
That style was used on the SS, BH and SBH (with the slightly longer grip) till the end of 3 screw production.

I'm thinkin' you have a set of early SBH grips from the XR3 frame ('59 to '62).
The gun you have is a '62 to '73 gun they all used the XR3RED grip frame style (The SBH with it's slightly longer grip panels.

Your grip frame should be cast marked inside in the lower section XR3 or XR3RED. Probably the latter unless I'm completely confused which is known to happen.

Ruger 13 · Oct 14, 2023

Any chance of posting some pics?

6GUNSONLY · Oct 15, 2023

Here's a link to a good post on Rugerforum.com by a knowledgeable collector and a grip maker with some sketches that may be helpful.

Just a moment...

Ruger Blackhawk Old Model Grips....

Empe

Well-known member

alwslate

Well-known member

2152hq

Well-known member

Ruger 13

Well-known member

6GUNSONLY

Well-known member

Similar threads

Latest posts