Is this a major operation or a DIY. I have an early new model Blackhawk in 45 (1974) I have toyed with converting. Looks like the grip frames are about to dry up. Anybody tried this? Also, would the stainless grip frame work on a blued revolver? I was thinking it would keep me from having to put a finish on it.

An older frame like yours will be a little harder to match up to a bisley grip and probably won't match up and look like a current bisley.... a smooth transition. It may have a little extra dip/hump in the transition.

I did one stainless, I like the two tone.

Finding the parts will be the big hurdle.

What is going on to end the supply?

Would no longer be carrying them. The assumption was Ruger would be quitting letting them have them.

What was once an IN STOCK part turned into a rare handful once in a blue moon.

http://powercustom.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products...

I mean besides being three times what I paid for my last bisley frame.

Expecting some stainless next month - one reason I thought it might be now or never.

Showpiece. I find I do DA grip styles better and I would like to run reasonably stout loads through it (I am not into planet wreckers).

It is a do it yourself project. You will need cap screws for the two top screws They are longer than stock on the Bisley/ I have done about a dozen of them. I love the Bisley grip.

GRIPS FROM A PAIR OF .45 BISLEY VAQUEROS TO A PAIR OF .45 NM BLACKHAWKS THEN SOLD THE VAQQUEROS SO THE SWAP WHICH WAS EASY, COST ME NOTHING. BLUE OR STAINLESS, ALL THE SAME.

There is the easy way like JT mentioned which is just swapping the grip frame, grips, hammer, trigger and upper two allen head screws from a bisley onto your Blackhawk. A matter of 10-15 minutes and it is done. The hard way is to buy all the parts or a parts kit for around $250 but ou get a new unfitted grip frame and then the minutes and hours start adding up when you work that carbon or stainless steel grip frame to match the main frame on your Blackhawk. Personally, I leave the fitting of new frames to guys like Hamilton, Alan Harton or John Gallagher. The parts swap thing is something even I can do. It just depends on your patience level and how much your time is worth to you.

Where I live , your hard way would be the easy way and the easy way the hard way.

Nm

Nice to do?

Buying and selling handguns is a giant PITA for me.

I can probably fit a grip frame in less time than I have to spend behind the wheel to buy/sell one.

Nm

Buy the Bisley Vaquero, swap the parts and then keep both guns. Considering what it would cost to buy the parts and do the conversion, you would have the leftover Vaquero for about half price.

If you can take one apart, you can do the part swap. As mentioned, how well the parts fit up is another story. Ruger changed the profile of the frame where it meets the grip frame when they introduced the Bisley. Earlier models like yours won't really match up very well. That said, it usually isn't very objectionable.

The hammer profiles are different. The BH hammer will work in a Bisley frame but there will be a large gap at the rear and the hammer spur will sit significantly higher.

The triggers are a straight out swap. The Bisley has a deeper curve and sits further back in the trigger guard.

I would buy all the Bisley bits needed rather than mix-n-match. But, that's me.

As long as it handles decently well if it isn't a perfect fit I am not real concerned. The intent is for this to be my deer hunting handgun.

standard hammer will leave a big gap at the rear of the hammer slot in the frame; Bisley hammers have a big hump that fills in this slot so it doesn't leave a gap. Bisley trigger is also much wider than the standard trigger.

to edit his notes on the #5 grip frame. I try not to be a spelling Nazi, but when someone uses THEN consistently when they should be using THAN it makes my brain hurt. Makes me wonder if folks even know the difference anymore...or if they even care. Sorry for the rant:(

I like the looks, and it appears to be a bit more minimalist than the full Bisley grip frame.