[Blakenzy]

When are revolver manufacturers going to start making recessed frame/backstraps, so that you can adjust the LOP to your liking with a simple change of grips? Perhaps even allow for some cushioning without making the grip too large. I think the Ruger LCR has what I am trying to describe:

http://www.gunblast.com/images/Ruger-LCR/DSC06146.JPG

Note how small the frame is in the grip area. Why have most manufacturers decided against that design? Lack of imagination or engineering problems?

[Blakenzy]

Any comments?

[Virginian]

They have been selling what they already have for decades. See no need to retool - spend money. Ruger went with the "stud" frame on the GP series of Revolvers and followed up with the SP series and Super Redhawk, but they did it more for ease of manufacturing (think money) than trying to radically alter grip shapes. And none of the grip makers I am aware of have jumped on the opportunity to offer reduced LOP options for those guns, either. You may not have a lot of company wanting the same thing you do.

[Old Fuff]

Taurus has done the same on some models, and I believe they intend to do it on more. Smith & Wesson doesn't, and the reason is retooling costs. However someday when they do decide to start with a clean piece of paper they will likely go to the same mode of construction because it's less expensive to produce.

[MCgunner]

The Ruger frame sure makes for some great grip options. I LOVE the round butt style of the Hogue on the SP101. Can't get that with a square butt frame.

The LCR's frame looks like the grip screws on at the bottom, made to order for Hogue. They won't need a bottom clamp for their grips on that model. :D I suppose if I paid attention, a picture of the gun with the grips on would tell me that. :rolleyes:

[Old Fuff]

Other then the fact that they're tooled to make what they make, S&W also has some models that still have a leaf mainspring rather then a coil one. They also make their frames from machined forgings, while Ruger uses investment castings. The Ruger "stub" design works better with the casting process.

That said, I don't expect to see leaf springs in anybody's new designs, although they do offer some advantages.