Can the Blackhawk and the 'New Vaquero' grip frames be swapped?

[44 Man]

Ok, this question was kicked around a little when the 'New Vaquero' came out, but I don't know if anyone has answered it yet.  Can the aluminum grip frame from the Blackhawk be fit to the 'New Vaquero'?  I have in the back of my mind to find a .357 'New' vaquero, swap in a short 44 barrel I have on hand, bore the cylinder to 44 spl, and put a light weight grip frame on it, rounded a little for a sweet packing little gun.  Sort of ala 'Montado'  but with a lighter, rounded grip frame.  I also have the 'Super' hammer ready for it.    44 Man.

[BigMuddy]

Yes they will fit..at least the holes line up. As with any grip frame swap some minor fitting may be necessary to make it look good.

You also need to get the right hammer strut and main spring. The New Vaquero will have the internal lock and it won't fit in your aluminum BH frame. (unless it too is a new one WITH the lock).

Sounds like a neat project to me.

Dan

[Lloyd Smale]

like big muddy said it can be done with a little fitting. I know that they were fitting the old bisley frames to the new smaller gun before ruger smartened up and started doing it themselves.

[BlkHawk73]

  Also, depending on the age of the BH, the "stubs" that protrude forward and are inserted into the rear of the cylinder frame will need to be removed as the NV's don't have the allowance for them. 

[44 Man]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help!  Now I just need another 'New Vaquero' to work on.  44 Man

[inthebeech]

44 Man,
Just touching base with a fellow 44 fan.
I am currently waiting the return of a New 44 flat Top in 44 special on which Andy Horvath is fitting a Bisley grip frame and hammer.  I never got used to the traditional SA grip and this will make a truly useful and comfortable revolver for me.
Good Shooting,
Ed

[flatgate]

50th Anniv. .44 mag.   I cannot shoot a .44 mag fitted with the SAA sized Ruger XR-3 grip frame.  So, I rounded up
a "unfinished" New Model Super Blackhawk grip frame and reshaped the square back trigger guard.  I also added
a Bisley hammer that was modified to fit the Super Blackhawk grip frame profile.

Last step is the bluing tank!   

flatgate

[44 Man]

Nice job Flat Gate!  44 Man