Ex-Birdshead Wrangler!

Started as a 3.75" Birdshead Wrangler one week ago. I installed a polished aluminum XR3-RED grip frame that I removed the flair front and back, and tapered the grips. Feels awesome. I installed a Bisley trigger and installed a Single Six blued hammer.

The gun is soooo cool. I shot it today (prior to putting in the S6 hammer). It likes Aguila ammo and Winchester Super X. It didn't care for American Eagle ammo, as the groups were almost twice the size.

100% reliable and rounds loaded and unloaded with ease.

Cheap tinker toy that weighs about 3 oz lighter than it did with the original Birdshead grip. 24.6 oz as it sits.

My daughter is in machinist trade school. I think this nifty little plinker will be getting a dovetail front sight in the future.

NFS.

 

It looks good @Biblethumpncop
I like it.

 

Sweet. I like the shorter barrel with the plow handle. Looks great.

 

I forgot...I also contacted Ruger and they sent me a set of slotted screws for a single six, instead of the torx heads that the Wrangler come with. So, this gun has a single six hammer, grip frame screws, Bisley hammer and a modified aluminum XR-3 RED grip frame. I think I have less than two & half smackers in the whole thing, including tax.

 

I did the same with my 3.5" Heritage.

All of the sudden I can shoot it with reasonable accuracy now.

The bird's head grips are apparently not for everyone.

Heritage Rough Rider 22lr New by Tallball posted Jul 27, 2021 at 12:39 PM

 

That is nice, Biblethumper. I like the color combination and the new grip shape. Is the single six hammer an improvement worth making? I just received my wrangler and am not too fond of the hammer design. Those silly ridges on each side just feel wrong and I haven't even shot it yet.

 

I think I got the hammer off Ebay for about $17 shipped. It is worth $17 to me!

 

I wonder if a Super Blackhawk Hammer would work?

I was under the impression that the Wranglers were the size of the New Vaquero.

Looks like I am going to need to put my hands on one to see.

 

I have been tempted by Wranglers. Really don't need another .22 revolver but I very much like the work you've done on this one.

 

Bisley trigger Wrangler with a plowshare grip looks right as rain!

 

Well done! I really like the way that came out.

 

I like the altered XR3R frame. I went the opposite way and converted a regular wrangler to a polished stainless birds head. Also swapped all the pins and loading gate to stainless stuff all made for a single six. Im probably in it about $400.

 

Be glad you got it for that. I checked and nothing close before I gave up and quit looking.

 

this is exactly the 22lr wrangler that i want from ruger. i assume that just swapping the frame to make it a shorter plowhandle model requires more than a kitchen table and screwdrivers, because that is all i have…

 

It’s like that stray that wanders up needing TLC. Now that you made it yours you have to name it.
Sweet little piece. Needs a ‘43 steel penny front sight.

 

IIRC, the Ruger grip frames typically need some fitting. The Heritage was a five minute screwdriver job.

 

The grip frame can be swapped with hand tools.

 

Grip frames are easy to install. Its the fitting that takes time, if it is a raw casting. If its already been on a gun, its just a couple screws and springs.

 

Looks great, but,.......I'm looking for a birds head to go with my regular Wrangler. I like the smaller grips for hip pocket storage prowling the Ponderosa on my faithful 4 wheeler.

 

You did a great job on that Wrangler, the two-tone finish really looks nice. With the full grip and the shorter barrel, I think you put together one fun shooting iron!

Stay safe.

 

I bought a Marbles dovetail sight with brass bead off Ebay and talked to my gunsmith. He installed it for $40 and only took 2 days. I wish it didn't have a gap between the barrel and the sight but oh well. I have a windage adjustable sight now!

I will take more photos after I test gire it with the new sight. The bead really pops through the rear trough.

 

very cool!

 

Really like that brass bead front sight. Easy to pick that up.

-Jeff

 

Probably the most useful upgrade I have seen on a SA revolver. Great choice.

 

Nice work, my friend. The Birdshead grip just fits my hand better. The Birdshead isn't on the approved list of firearms in MA so we have to modify plow handles. Spent a few hours today fitting a BH grip I got from some nice guy in Idaho.

I had to file maybe 1/32" off the, uhh, flat area where it abuts the cylinder frame so the screw holes would line up. File, fit, file, fit.... Then assemble, disassemble, install the little darned plungers I forgot, reassemble.

Thought you might like to see a picture. I'm loving it--it's like a brand new gun. Has a very happy balance for my Curly Bill spinning.



I gotta do this to my Single Six.