Blackhawk grip is it just me?

[flintlock54]

In regards to my 45 colt Blackhawk with a 5-1/2 barrel. With the factory panels, original or custom, the grip is two small, slips, pistol is nose heavy, and when cocking the hammer one handed just a pain to handle. Do you folks put pine tar (just joking) on your hands to shoot effectively? What is the secret? Shooting gloves? I like the look with standard size panels but the only way I can shoot is with Hogue size grips.

[Blackhawk44]

Depends on what you are accustomed to.  I was raised on single actions and am used to handling them as originally intended.  Remember at the time it was designed, the single action was the fastest of repeaters and the grip shape was designed to help that fast repeat shot.  Most of the older generation (I guess including me now) were taught to curl the little finger under the front corner of the butt.  With the standard loads, you kind of naturally relaxed your grip (but maintain control) upon firing.  This allows the gun to roll upward in the hand to bring the hammer back where only a small movement of the thumb allows it to hook the hammer.  In tightening your grip (really closing your hand) with pressure from the small finger and thumb recocks the piece and brings it back level to resight the next shot.  With practice, this becomes almost a single fluid process and five full power loads can be gotten off in a reasonably short span.  Most modern techniques actually defeat at least some of this "cocking assistance" and you have to change your grip or use the second hand to recock.  Even with two handed form, keeping the little finger curled under will help control considerably.  But as always, if this style does not suit you then its time for other grips.  Either way, single actions are still the best for heavy loads because they "take a lickin' and keep on tickin'".  Enjoy.  Luck.

[Flinch]

I agree completely, the stock ruger blackhawk grips pretty much suck for people with big hands.  I have 2 super blackhawks though and love em. The first one I bought I put the hogue grips on, it fits my hand pretty good now, no problems with recoil either. The second one is a bisley hunter, I just had to have one.  The bisley grip is more suited for big hands in my opinion.  I also like the looks of the smaller grip, its just not very comfortable for me, im sure some people just love em though.

[flintlock54]

Thanks!

I have XXL hands which appears to be part of the problem. Cocking one handed is a unsafe option for me.  Two hand cocking will have to do. Next trip to the range I will experment further.

[Jim n Iowa]

I own a few Rugers and also have large hands. The first thing I do on a new Ruger revolver is Pachmayer declerator grips. The single action pivots at wrist and elbow not in your palm.
Jim

[J.Solo]

You might want to borrow from a friend or go to a well stocked gun store and try, before you buy, a set of "Scott" grips. I have a nice set of brown laminated brips for my NMBH .357 Mag. and the bottom tapper is not cut into the Scott grips and seems to give a little more room for my fingers on the bottom of the grip frame. If you want....  I can send you a picture of the scott grip design vs. the Ruger. Good Luck - J.Solo

[Steve P]

I have hands that take a size L glove.  I don't know if you would call them big.  Certainly smaller than a lot of hands I've shaken.  I use the hogue grips on my rugers.  I have them on most of my blackhawks and superblackhawks.  I can pick up a ruger and with the exception of weight, have immediate comfort and same feel.  This is nice when changing from 22 to 357 to 41 or 45 or 44 or 32 etc.  Since they all look similar, I now just have to make sure I pick up the same gun and ammo type when I leave the house.

Have a great day.

Steve  

[Robert357]

I have two 357 Mag Blackhawks, one with a scope and one as it came from the factory.  I have "target" grips (much closer in design to my 357 double action grips) on both of the Blackhawks.  I am able to shoot them much more acturately with the "target grips."  The cost was very small and I can still one handed cock both of them.

I agree with you, although I have heard that the traditional factory grips are suppose to allow for reduced felt recoil.  I don't know if that is correct or an urban legend.

If you don't like the grips get new ones.  Mine were cheap and mail order from CDNN, if I remember correctly.

[flintlock54]

Thanks all for the advice. I own Hogue monogrips in rubber and wood. They add a style of their own but also make the pistol look more like a double action.

[ingwenya]

That Ruger grip on the Blackhawk can be a problem. I got a Hogue grip because my .44 Mag The wooden grip is too small. I like to load the heavier rounds Hornady or Cor-Bon have to offer. I now have to wear a shooting glove because the rubber grips feel like they will rip skin from my hand. I switched back to the wooden grips and ya know, I like it both ways. Just see which way works best for you.

[Steve in Michigan]

I have a set of Herret grips and they help tremendously. They are longer, so they help with torqe and are wood so they let the gun roll up with recoil. Check them out.

[EricG]

I have used various .44 Super Blackhawks for 20+ years. I have always used the Pachmyer presentation grips. Just works for my hand. Even with 320 gr hardcast.

I would never go back to standard grips. Try different models 'till you find what works for you. Like finding a pair of boots that fit right, it can make a world of difference.

I have heard that the stock Blackhawk grips are even smaller than the Super B.

EricG

[flintlock54]

Just a update:

Fews years back I had Hogue custom fit a set of thier standard black micarta grip panels on my stainless .45 colt 5-1/2" Blackhawk. The pistol just looks great with black on stainless. Hate the look with the oversize replacements even though there are more comfortable to shoot. With mild loads and a little practice I am slowly getting used to the standard size grip. But for hunting nothing will replace the Hogue rubber monogrip.

[daddywpb]

I have also had several blackhawks over the years, and have never been happy with the grips. I've tried Pachmyers and Hogues, but they slip during recoil and cut my hand. Finally, after all these years, I found the solution........buy a Bisley. They are much more comfortable in my hand, and handle recoil much better.

[Lloyd Smale]

you should try a bisley grip frame there alot more comfortable to handle. AN easy cure for the cocking on a blackhawk is to install a super blackhawk hammer.