[Cosmoline]

After much searching, I landed myself an unmodified old model Blackhawk in .41 Mag. I stripped it down last night and was surprised by two things. First of all, there are about half as many parts as a new model and they go together very easily. But I was also surprised to see it had an alloy grip frame. I thought this had been discontinued with the flattops. Do I need to be concerned about the strength of the grip frame if I'm shooting full power .41 Mags?

[Majic]

The grip frame gets very little stress and the Blackhawks have always had aluminum grip frames. The Super Blackhawks have steel grip frames.

[Old Fuff]

Majic is correct in saying that the aluminum backstrap/trigger guard part, which I call the "handle assembly" to avoid confusion, doesn't take much strain, and you shouldn't have any issues. A larger problem in my view is that three aluminum parts, the handle assembly, ejector tube and rear sight base soon wear and there is no good way to touch them up, When they start looking bad some owners simply polished the handle assembly and replaced the ejector tube and rear sight base with blued steel ones. The handle assembly can also be electroless nickel plated.

As for additional parts, you're right. Everytime someone tries to protect us from ourselves the guns get more complicated, and there should be a lesson in that somewhere.

[Cosmoline]

Thanks! I figured it was OK but thought I should check. I'm really starting to see why people prefer the old models. Reloading is a lot easier, as is case ejection, with the peacemaker style half cock. Riding with five instead of six isn't really a serious problem.

[461]

Birchwood-Casey makes a product called Aluminum black that works very well to touch up the aluminum parts, blends right in with the factory finish on them for small scratches, for big stuff you can simply strip it down and use the product on the whole piece.

[Cosmoline]

Thanks for reminding me. As it happens I have some in the box o' stuff from years ago when I was touching up a Mossberg's receiver.

[warriorsociologist]

Just for clarification...

There should be nothing in the way for me to be able to combine a new SBH frame with a .41 BH "upper" - correct?

[D.A.C.]

As long as both are new model parts. (new model gripframe-new model cylinder frame). Probably take A LOT of filing and polishing to get them to mate up flush. I've fitted a ton of gripframes. It ain't no fun. Not to complicated, just a bugger sometimes.

[Cosmoline]

I thought the NB SBH had a larger grip frame. I guess it would be easy to see if the holes line up. Also, it seems to me the SBH grip frame wouldn't have a place for the old model trigger spring (the one that pokes out behind the trigger).

[D.A.C.]

As I was saying: A New Model gripframe won't go on an Old Model.
NM BH (XR3 Red)
NM SBH
NM Birdshead
NM Bisley-----------------All interchangeable with any NM

OM XR3
OM XR3 Red
OM SBH
Old Army-----------------All interchangeable with any OM

Some fitting "may" be required :)

[MCgunner]

No one mentioned it, but the stainless models have a stainless grip frame. It's heavier is the bad part of that. But, what's a couple of ounces in the scheme of things? My blued .357 Blackhawk's grip frame has faded and looks kinda crappy, but the gun still shoots straight, so I ain't real worried about it.

[461]

I put a Super gripframe on a standard Blackhawk just the other day. As was said, fitting will be required but the parts are interchangeable New Model to New Model and Old Model to Old.

[steveno]

I have a 41 mag blackhawk with a 6.5 inch barrel and a superblackhawk grip frame on it. to me it is a worth while change as it keeps a little more grip length to hang on to. it really makes it easier to shoot with the extra few ounces in weight

[D.A.C.]

I could argue favorite grip frames all day, but the best gripframe for handling any kind of magnum recoil is the Ruger Bisley gripframe with custom grips. They will however, require you to also install a Bisley hammer and trigger.

[Cosmoline]

I don't know. I've had just as much luck, if not more, by simply putting Hogue one piece combat grips on the standard ploughshare grip frame. Of course, they don't look half as nice as a Bisley/EK No. 5 style.

[Master Blaster]

They are stronger than the bones in your hand which will wear out first from shooting really heavy loads.

I have a grip similar to this one on my super blackhawk, you can get these for a better price if you look around or wait for a cosmetic second.

http://www.hogueauction.com/item.php?id=571e63d86e2186fcc212bf3da897146f

[Jim March]

I have never heard of an aluminum Ruger grip frame breaking, unless it was simply smashed somehow...