.22/45 grips

[Laphroaig]

I bought a Ruger 22/45 with the molded grips. The gun has been dependable and accurate (especially after a Volquartsen trigger upgrade) but I'd like thicker grips, more like a 1911. Has anybody retrofitted theirs with better (i.e.thicker) grips somehow? To clarify, its not the model where the grips are screwed on.

Laphroaig

 

[rcmodel]

That would be next to impossible to do.

What you could easily do though is add a Hogue slip-on grip sleeve though.

http://www.getgrip.com/main/overview/handall.html

rc

 

[Deus Machina]

I've heard tell that some people have put the grip frame in a milling machine, planed the sides of the grips smooth, and drilled and tapped them for bushings and installed new grips.

I have a mill in the garage, some experience on it, and I opted not to try it.

I'd much rather try a slip-on first.

 

[Laphroaig]

Thanks. I'm going to give the slip on a try. It just might be the ticket for me. Cheap and easy to install to boot! I'll report back once it comes in.

 

[Dentite]

That would be next to impossible to do.

Come on RC...you gotta have more faith than that!

This modification has been done by quite a few people...in fact I think it's the reason Ruger started making the 22/45 with removable panels aka RP models.

One thing you might consider is selling your 22/45 and buying a new RP model.

Anyway...here's what I did to mine:

You need grips, bushings, and grip screws.


I used a dremel and file and went s l o w with it.


Had to relieve the internal of the grips a bit for this pin:








There are some areas where the groove around the original raised grip area is slightly visible beyond the wood grips but it's very slight.

Easy way (and probably better) is to sell yours and buy a new RP model but it can be done if you aren't opposed to grinding down your frame.

 

[rcmodel]

Come on RC...you gotta have more faith than that!

I knew when I was typing that somebody was gonna come along with a 22/45 with Rosewood grips they installed with a Dremel tool on the kitchen table in 15 minutes!!

Why OH Why did I say that?? :banghead:

rc

 

[Capt. Ct.]

Yup, I bought a pair of 1911 grips off of e-Bay and used the dremel to hollow them out until they fit over the existing grips. That way you don't risk ruining the looks of your gun if it doesn't turn out well. I also bought a set of Ruger emblems and installed them on the grips. Looks 100% like the pictures the other fellow posted.

 

[hentown]

That would be next to impossible to do.

What you could easily do though is add a Hogue slip-on grip sleeve though.

http://www.getgrip.com/main/overview/handall.html

rc

See, even the exalted RC isn't correct all time! Go to rimfire central and check out the 22/45 forum. Modifying the molded grip models for replaceable grips is a common practice! I wouldn't waste time doing it, but lots of guys do.

What I would recommend, however, would be along the same lines that RC recommended. I've "discovered" Wilson tennis racquet grip tape. I'm using it on my 22/45 with molded grips. Love it. It's inexpensive, feels great, and doesn't slip when your hands get sweaty. This is Wilson grip tape on one of my Glocks. They also make a thicker grip tape, which is the one I'm using on my 22/45.

 

[1KPerDay]

I sent my gripframe to Kingshouse from the rimfirecentral forum to do mine. Absolutely flawless work. Cost about $45 including grip bushings and screws and return shipping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRQqX7eOD-w