XR-3 vs XR-3 Red frames

[riddleofsteel]

Ok guys and gals.

What are the differences, if any, between the grip panels on a old XR-3 frame vs. the XR-3 Red frames?

I know that the old flat top Blackhawks had XR-3 frames and my New Model Blackhawk has a XR-3 Red frame. Will the grip panels interchange?

I have a chance to pick up a nice set of Sambar stag grips that do fit a XR-3 frame. Will they fit on a more modern XR-3 Red frame?

 

[J Miller]

riddleofsteel,

What are the differences, if any, between the grip panels on a old XR-3 frame vs. the XR-3 Red frames?
There are three distinct differences between the two.
First: On the XR#-RED the grip handle is moved back away from the trigger guard aproxamatly 3/16" from where the XR3 grip is. So the top of the grip pannel is longer by that ammount.
Second: The back of the XR3 grip is straight from the curve at the top to the bottom of the grip. The XR3-RED grip is curved inward a bit at this point.
Third: The grip pannel locating pin is in a slightly different place, as is the screw.

I know that the old flat top Blackhawks had XR-3 frames and my New Model Blackhawk has a XR-3 Red frame. Will the grip panels interchange? ~&~
I have a chance to pick up a nice set of Sambar stag grips that do fit a XR-3 frame. Will they fit on a more modern XR-3 Red frame?
No, the XR3 pannels would not fit the XR3-RED frame, it would be too short at the top, by the above mentioned 3/16". And the locating pin would not match up.

Hope this answers your questions.

If you like the XR3 grip shape better than the XR3-RED grips you can get a frame assembly from Power Custom and retro fit your NM.
P.C. says you have to use Colt grips, but Ruger grips will fit with a bit of modification.
I don't have a NM but I've retrofitted both my OM's with original XR3 grip frames. Feels much better to me.

Joe

 

[riddleofsteel]

Thanks!

Do you think a set of old XR-3 Stag grips would fit a Colt Frontier Scout?

 

[Jim March]

The XR3 and XR3-REDs are very different.

You can get an XR3-compatible grip frame in steel new from Power Custom that fits New Models. $200 bucks...but hey, if you have smaller hands and the XR3-RED feels "bad" somehow, might be worth considering.

The XR3 is a very close clone of the Colt SAA and yes, the stags MIGHT fit the Frontier Scout. Maybe. Will probably need some fitting, and there's a risk of the grips being undersize (not good).

BUT: if the stags are old factory Ruger parts, they're very rare and quite valuable...if available cheap, snap 'em up, they're trade goods if nothing else.

See also:

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm