Old Model Blackhawk questions

[Zip7]

I've got an Old Model 3 screw Blackhawk 357 6.5" that I want to start shooting more. I haven't had the gun out in a while, and have a question about the grips if anyone knows about them...

I like Blackhawks, but they have always felt like too big and bulky a gun for the stock grips they come with. This gun has the XR3-RED grip frame on it, and I don't much like it with the stock wood grips that come on it. I have some rubber Pachmayr Presentation grips on another blackhawk that I swapped over to this one, and they are a wee bit oversize- fit over the grip frame. I really like the way the gun feels with these grips, as it seems to make the handle proportional to the gun, to me. I have large hands too. So my question is, is there any other type of aftermarket grip that would give me the size and look better? I've seen the Hogue, but don't know much about them. I'm likely to dislike the finger grooves, but I don't know - never tried them. Anyone have experience with those? Or pictures?

Also, what else should I look after, tweak or mod on the gun? It hasn't been back to ruger for the safety conversion, and the trigger is great - so I'm kind of hesitant to do that. Fit & finish is great, and I haven't shot groups with it, but can do pretty well on falling plates at 25 yds. I've only had it to out once recently. I'm not fond of the aluminum ejector assy,. and might look to change that out...

Should 38's shoot as accurately through the BH as .357s? Probably a stupid question, but I haven't shot a 357 SA very much in my life, although I have shot a million rounds through my OM single six.,

 

[mtngunr]

Well, I shoot my battered flatgate SS a ton, and so should you (wink)...

My favorite OMBH load has been the Keith 12-12.5grs/2400/160grSWC/1200+fps in .38Spl brass, but expect case failure in about the 4-5th reload.

You might shop for used Herretts on auction sights...believe they make/made Blackhawk grips....just guessing here as I have small hands and have always looked for plain XR3's to put on my guns....XR3-RED's have always gotten the grips rounded/slimmed....I bet Hogue would do a set sans finger-grooves if asked....

Also, if you EVER send your gun back to Ruger (like for free spare action parts....hint), remove all original action parts before return...they no longer give parts back...all they'll do is stamp the frame under the trigger guard as proof they did the conversion.

One advantage of the aluminum ERH is that it won't shear the screw under heavy recoil, FYI....Rugers didn't start having sheared screws until steel ERH's were added....even with later guns without the barrel stud...

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

... is there any other type of aftermarket grip that would give me the size and look better?

Herrett's Stocks is still in business, either with "off-the-rack" or made-to-measure (via a hand tracing you send them) stocks. You might also consider Eagle Gunfighters. These do not appear to add much size but will reduce the rolling and twisting.

It hasn't been back to ruger for the safety conversion, and the trigger is great - so I'm kind of hesitant to do that.

Were it mine, I would not do that. If a Super Blackhawk with the conversion that I have is any indication (it was used and already came that way), the pull is terrible. Do keep in mind that if you should ever send it to Ruger for repair, you will get a safety conversion whether you want one or not.

 

[Gordon]

I want to put the original non transfer parts(I got the bagfull back) back in my Old Model. Is it difficult?

 

[Zip7]

You might also consider Eagle Gunfighters. These do not appear to add much size but will reduce the rolling and twisting.

I have a set of the eagle gunfighters ready to put on my single 6 when it comes back from ruger. I had to send the SS to ruger to get the conversion kit, because it had already been done years ago, and the action parts needed replacing from wear. You can't order those parts - you have to send it back.

When it comes back, I plan to put the gunfighters on it, and I think I will like them, but the Single Six is a smaller gun, and handles more like the Colt size guns to me. I might be weird or too inexperienced with it, but to me the Blackhawk just screams for a bigger handle, and I'd like to find one in wood rather than rubber.

 

[mtngunr]

I want to put the original non transfer parts(I got the bagfull back) back in my Old Model. Is it difficult?

Not at all....you need a properly fitting straight-sided screwdriver blade for the screws, and a pin/nail/paperclip to retain the mainspring....remove grips, cock hammer and insert pin into mainspring strut base, then lower hammer....the rest of the job consists of removing the gripframe screws/gripframe, and swapping parts, then reassembly....get a piece of foam/clay/paper to keep track of what screw came out of what hole....