Changing frames on ruger single actions

[curtism1234]

The brass frames that you can buy say that gunsmith installation is required


Is this something that really does need to go to a gunsmith or can a novice do this so long as he's organized and looks at the schematics putting it back together?
In other words, is it "drop in" part?

[shootercochran]

No I don't think it is a drop in part.

As far as I know it would require some machining and fitting.

[Steve P]

Most of the brass frames are fitted for the action to sit on with exception of width.  Most need to be narrowed (filed or machined) and polished to fit real nice.  Someone with patience and hand tools can fit one.

Steve

[BlkHawk73]

  They come oversized.  Careful fitting is needed to get a nice clean install.  Not difficult, just time consuming and requires patience, a lot of it.  There's a LOT of on, off, on, off, on, off...  Gotta go slooow 'cause it comes off easy (brass is soft) but cannot be put back.   The grip locator pin, trigger spring pivot pin and retaining pin would need to be installed also, again, not hard if you do it correctly and have the right tools. 
  If your gun has the internal lock, a new hammer strut and spring would be needed also.

[Roper1952]

Curtis,

 BlkHawk73 is fairly accurate. Let me explain a bit more. Your average screwdriver will gouge up a frame because it's flared at the tip, it needs to be cylindrical, no flare. Don't be afraid to grind the tip to fit the screw slots closely, you don't want slop.

If you haven't taken a Ruger apart before, you should read some detailed instructions. Kuhnhausen has written a manual on Ruger single actions, it's worth every penny it costs. Google Kuhnhausen and get the book.

You'll need several different files to fit the brass grip frame. Mark the brass frame with a black permanent marker, then lightly mark the frame as to where it needs to be trimmed. A vice is almost a must in this case so that you can use two hands to guide the file.
Once the trimming is close to finished, you'll need to use ever finer sand paper to finish the frame and remove the file marks. When you're finished with that, decide if you want a polished finish or brushed. A polishing wheel can be attached to a shop grinder or use 3M pads (fine, green or grey) to give a brushed finish.

It's not impossible, just time consuming. Enjoy the process....

[curtism1234]

Thanks all, I'll have to think about it.

It sounds more a project than I would of liked but I'll see.

[Flash]

This one took about 6 hours total. The grips will have to be fitted too.