SAA grip frames

[WestKentucky]

I have a copy of an 1873, and I am going to be doing some hybridization in the grips over the winter. I’m grabbing parts now as I see deals, and have snagged an 1860 steel backstrap. Yes I know it’s a mismatch in height, and the 1 piece grips aren’t going to be big enough. I am going to be fitting in a metallic insert at the base. Has anybody ever seen a hybrid grip frame setup like I’m describing? There are reasons I’m wanting to try doing it this way, which involve an 18” barrel, forearm, brass blast shield and a shoulder stock. Think something along the lines of a Winchester straight grip rifle but with a SAA action stuck in the place of the lever action. Will likely also end up with a set of vernier sights by the time I get done... it will be a very long process.

 

[BobWright]

I once had an Uberti Cattleman .44 Magnum, then imported by Iver Johnson. This gun had an elongated trigger guard and backstrap, and had a notch in the butt for attaching a shoulder stock. Not sure if you can locate these now, but maybe so. Also maybe find the correct triggercguard and mainspring.

You would do well to forget about the forearm ~ too tempting to reach out and steady yourself as you take your shot. Maybe wear a welder's gauntlet or sleeves.

And then there's this:

https://www.ubertireplicas.com/product/1873-cattleman-carbine-new-model/

Bob Wright

 

[WestKentucky]

I once had an Uberti Cattleman .44 Magnum, then imported by Iver Johnson. This gun had an elongated trigger guard and backstrap, and had a notch in the butt for attaching a shoulder stock. Not sure if you can locate these now, but maybe so. Also maybe find the correct triggercguard and mainspring.

You would do well to forget about the forearm ~ too tempting to reach out and steady yourself as you take your shot. Maybe wear a welder's gauntlet or sleeves.

And then there's this:

https://www.ubertireplicas.com/product/1873-cattleman-carbine-new-model/

Bob Wright

The Uberti is close to what I want, but also far away from what I want. The sights are dismal, the stock is unpleasant, and the straight grip geometry is odd on that gun. It’s also expensive. I intend to make my .357 look similar but have variable elevation sights as a .357 drops off pretty quick, and a more comfortable stock configuration.

As for reaching out to steady the gun, absolutely. I intend to rework the trigger guard to remove a bit of metal allowing for a brass plate to come out and serve as a blast shield. I will likely drill the forearm and slot it to allow the ejector to be mounted inside.

 

[ClemY]

It sounds like you want to put a 1860 Army grip on your '73 Colt. It is supposed to fit. I have never tried it myself. It is a longer grip than the '73 grip, which should work for larger hands. Good luck.