Old Ruger and Hogue Grips

[TheNewbie]

Alright, so recently I got my hands on a giftcard for Bass Pro and decided to go on a bit of a shopping spree for my firearms. In the midst of this little outing I got my hands on a pair of Hogue Monogrips for my Ruger Single-Six (My hands aren't massive, but I prefer a bit extra grip to none, and Hogue grips feel GREAT. I love the ones on my Beretta 92G.) I was gearing up to install this and was having some trouble setting the grip on right (for those who don't know Hogue grips 'slide' onto the frame and are then secured at the base via an installed stirrup and screw) when I noticed a little 'note' on the back of the box that reads:

"This grip fits: Ruger Blackhawk Sgl. Six & Vaquero
Fits Frame #s: XR3-RED, XRN-3, or XRN-3RED. Not old XRS "only" frames."

****. So, I know this gun is old. It was my grandfather's and was purchased before the 1950s (IIRC) and, sure enough, right there smack-dab on the frame was the Alcoa stamp and "XR3" staring at me dead in the face.

So, I made this little thread for two reasons:

1. To inform individuals of this little over-sight in the event that they go looking...

2. ...but more importantly to see if anybody else has had this issue but worked around it OR knows if Hogue (or another company) produces similar grips for the XR3 frames.

Thanks in advance!

 

[David E]

You won't find rubber grips for that gun.

It'll be tough to find any aftermarket grips for it, as that frame size has been out of orint for decades.

A custom grip maker could help, of course.

 

[TheNewbie]

Sucks to hear that! The thing is these grips damn near fit, but I can see why they don't. The backstrap of the older frames is set thicker because they weren't made with as sturdy a metal, so they stick out a bit more, not to mention the bottom is likely broader as well. Disappointing, but I guess one can't cry over spilled milk.

 

[Hometeached1]

Sound like a good excuse to get a Blackhawk to me!

 

[CraigC]

The original XR3 grip frame is a dead ringer for the Colt SAA/Navy profile. A lot of shooters unfamiliar with single actions make the mistake of trying to make it feel like something else. The grip is not made for small hands, it is intended for you to tuck your pinky under. This allows greater control and a more consistent purchase on the sixgun. It may take some time to get used to if you're accustomed to other guns but once acclimated, you'll find it superior to that Hogue crap.

Please do not defile your fine sixgun with those ugly oversized rubber grips that will completely ruin its handling qualities.

So, I know this gun is old. It was my grandfather's and was purchased before the 1950s (IIRC)

He wouldn't have purchased it before 1953.

Grip your sixgun like this:


The XR3 is not terribly difficult to find grips for. The new steel XR3 of the New Vaquero and flat-tops is identical, except for the position of the locator dowel. Perhaps some grips like these.....

CLC:


Sack Peterson:

 

[bannockburn]

TheNewbie

Like others here I'm not a fan of the notion of putting a Hogue Monogrip on a Single Six, providing of course that your talking about the overmolded rubber kind. To me these are grips that really don't do anything for the appearance of a single action revolver. I think that aside from finding a custom grip maker to design and make a pair of oversized grips to fit your hand (which might also require you send your grip frame to them), I would just go with the original grips already on the gun or maybe upgrade to a nicer looking replacement pair. CraigC posted two very nice examples of custom grips on his Single Six.

 

[PapaG]

Weren't no single sixes made before the 50s. Came out in 53. First Ruger sa revolvers had XR3 grips, later changed to XR3-RED which have longer reach. I think that happened in 73 but may have been earlier. Supers were different. XR3 were almost identical to Colt SAA. Think "three screw".

 

[CraigC]

XR3 was phased out in 1962.

 

[TheNewbie]

Lots of responses, and better yet some knowledge I wasn't aware of! I'm actually going to go take the Ruger out for the first time in a long time next weekend, so I'll start tucking my pinky and seeing how that goes.

Also, for those who corrected the time-frame, obviously you're right. My grandfather actually purchased this fine firearm in 1954 and sent it in to get the conversion kit placed on it (the original parts, conversion manual, and even the voided check he wrote to buy this gun for the price of $58.55 and its box are still in my possession.)

I definitely will have to try and find some new grips for it, but only to add to it a bit of affection. I actually choked up when he gave this to me because, aside from a hand-made clock, it's the most personal gift he's ever given me.

Also, @Hometeached1, trust me I've been on that kick myself lately. The same man that gave me the single six also once had a very old Blackhawk .357 Magnum, but he traded it in recently for something a bit more compact and with less umph. I'm wondering, if you happen to peer back here, if you know anything about the convertibles with the 9mm cylinder and their reliability? I've seen discussions that go both ways on it, but very little first-hand experience.