1860 Grip frame on SAA

[jd45]

I read somewhere  long ago that this would be a benefit to accurate shooting of a Colt SAA or a replica thereof .........more to hang on to, I guess. Any way, has anyone ever tried this swap of grip frames, & if so , were you happy with it? I appreciate the feedback, JD45

[hunman55]

 :)Yes, a few years ago, I did just that. I had a San Marco replica in 45colt and I wanted the longer 1860 grip frame. I ordered one and a set of grips from Dixie Gun Works. It took some work in fitting. I had to elongate some of the holes in the grip frame(brass) to make it fit. After everything was together, it worked fine. Hunman55

[jd45]

Thanx, Hunman55, I also have an Armi San Marco mfg'd EMF Hartford Cavalry model SA. Thought I'd order an 1860 Army grip frame from Dixie & try to fit it to the EMF. Your post gives me encouragement! JD45

[44 Man]

They look nicely balanced with a 5 1/2 or 7 1/2" barrel!  44 MAN

[jd45]

44 Man, I had the barrel trimmed back to 5-1/2" a while back, so it would fit my Clint Eastwood fastdraw rig. I now have a Uberti 1860 Army, & am picturing in my mind how that grip frame would look & feel with the longer barrel, bringing it closer to the 1860 Army. Oh well, you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, now can you? I guess I'll work with what I've got. Thanx, JD45

[hunman55]

I agree with 44Man. That long 1860 grip frame looks well balanced with a 7.5 barrel hanging out in front. Did you see the article on "Shane's" Colt in the latest issue of Guns of the Old West? Hunman55

[jd45]

hunman55, no, I haven't read about "Shane's" hogleg, but I'd like to. I'll have to check it out. I've watched that movie many times, (a fav of mine), but have to admit I never noticed any "trick" parts on his gun. Thanx for tippin me to this, & I'll let you know how this grip-frame switch turns out. JD45