Author Topic: Super Blackhawk and that AWFUL Square Trigger Guard (Read 2773 times)

Steve in Michigan · « **on:** March 12, 2008, 12:46:45 PM »

I own several .44 magnums and just recently picked up a 7.5" Super Blackhawk for a pretty good price ($285 with only about 20 rounds through it). I finally got a chance to shoot it with some of my cast loads (250-grain cast with 10.6 grains HS-6) and that little trigger guard beat the crap out of my middle finger. What have some of you done to combat this? I know changing the grip frame is one way, but I wonder whether I should get a set of grips like Herrett's or Sile that cover the trigger guard, or are there other solutions? I'd be anxious to see any photos of any really cool grips.

Thanks,

Steve

oldandslow · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2008, 02:02:13 PM »

Do you have large hands? I've read some other posts where other people are having this problem. It is exactly the opposite with me. I used to shoot a Blackhawk in 44 mag and my finger would swell up like it had been hit with a big hammer. Bought a Super Blackhawk and that cured that problem.

2 dogs · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2008, 02:49:53 PM »

Mine doesnt bother me with 250's but when I get up to the 300+ weights it knocks the snot out of me....try a lighter bullet like a 429215 GC or as much as I hate to say it maybe some pachmeyrs grips. You could also convert it to Bisley....

grumpyErik · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2008, 04:36:19 PM »

Maybe a shooting glove? Sure would be cheaper than changing grip frame or grips.

.357 shooter · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2008, 08:21:36 PM »

If you have large hands get a pair of rubber Hogue grips for it. This will take care of the problem for a little over $20.

Bryan

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2008, 12:15:44 AM »

I cant stand them either but i cant stand rubber or oversized wood grips on a single action either. Id either replace the grip frame or sell it. You should be able to get 350 easy for it if its in the condtiion you describe and then take the money and look for a 44 or 45 bisley. Id say another option is to fit up a bisley grip frame but youd have another 200 into doing that and it would be cheaper to sell yours and buy one.

Barbegris · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2008, 06:50:02 AM »

I saw a post a while back where a guy had modified his square trigger gaurd to a round shape by cutting, bending and welding.....It looked good and if you or someone you know is handy with a welder it might be something to consider.

44 Man · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2008, 07:22:58 AM »

I have small hands and the trigger guard has never been a problem for me. But I have swapped off a couple of SBH grip frames and installed aluminum Blackhawk grip frames on them mostly to make a lighter, easier packing pistol Of course I cut the barrels back also. The aluminum grip frames are easily found at gun shows and are quite inexpensive also. If you prefer you can pick up SS or steel ones also for more money. If you get in a car, you adjust the seat and steering wheel, so why not make that gun comfortable also. Trade it or swap it around so you can use it and enjoy it. Not a big deal. 44 Man

Here is my SBH with an aluminum grip that has been satin nickled. I have also had a couple that had the anodizing removed and were just polished. Those looked very good too.

Steve in Michigan · « **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2008, 12:06:42 PM »

I got an aluminum frame on Gunbroker. Is there any fitting involved in putting these on?

Steve

44 Man · « **Reply #9 on:** March 14, 2008, 12:48:48 PM »

There is usually no fitting required with a Ruger. The only thing might be the area where the 'ears' on the grip frame fit up to the frame and the screws go in beside the hammer. Sometimes those might not be a perfect match but I have personally never had that problem. Good luck with that and let us know how you like it. 44 Man

Steve in Michigan · « **Reply #10 on:** March 24, 2008, 09:40:19 AM »

I got the new grip frame and it bolted on with no problems at all. I also fit very well and looks like it came on the gun. I put my gen-u-ine imitation ivory grips on and it looks really cool. I'm sure it will be no problem to shoot as I have a SBH in 4-5/8" with the standard rosewood grips and I never get nailed by the trigger guard on that one.

Thanks for your comments/advice.

Steve

Ole Man Dan · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2008, 05:44:44 AM »

Steve;

I too got hammered by the square trigger guard. I solved my problem by taking it to John Gallaghar. John heated and re-shaped the guard, and moved it foreword a little. (While he was at it he also removed the 'Ruger'Bible off of the barrel, and chopped the barrel to 4.6) It hasn't bit me since. It turned into a nice carry gun...

Doc T · « **Reply #12 on:** April 04, 2008, 04:42:54 AM »

People with bigger hands can't shoot the SBH very well. I have smaller hands and I have no problem with the SBH gripframe. In fact, most of my Ruger SAs have SBH gripframes on them, even my Single Sixes. What I can't shoot is a Smith N frame. The grip is too large. I bought a 629 one time and after 3 shots there was blood on the gun. I didn't even shoot the whole six and sold it as quick as I could.

Doc T

bilmac · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2008, 12:14:40 PM »

I thought the squared trigger guard was Rugers idea to prevent bashing the middle finger. I had one for awhile, and don't remember that it hurt me much, but I shot mostly midrange loads. I did take a 357 blackhawk out yesterday and shot a box of full house heavy bullet loads and came home with a sore finger. I expect the real answer to a gun that hurts to shoot is to load it back a bit. I've handled shotguns with pads added to the back of the triggerguard, and that just made the guard fit that much more tightly against my finger, seems to me that would make the problem worse. I would hate to change the grip much too. The reason I shoot single actions is because they point so naturally for me. I occasionally hit running bunnies with them which I could never do with a DA. If it works the way it is I hate to mess with it.

Doc T · « **Reply #14 on:** May 27, 2008, 02:42:15 PM »

BTW, if anyone doesn't like the squared trigger guard of the SBH, I have a few Blackhawk grip frames with the round trigger guard that I will trade for. I really need a stainless SBH gripframe.

Thanks,
Doc T

frank405 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 30, 2008, 04:28:16 AM »

The Ruger trigger guard was made for a twelve year old small girl.............. I have big hands and put Hogue rubber grips on mine. You can also modify the trigger guard with some cutting and welding(love a MIG). We have modified my 45, 475 and 500L so my trigger finger doesnt get hit by the front of the trigger guard. The 44 and 357 dont kick, and I cannot stand a Bisley grip as it really hits my middle knuckle. I have not tried the Hogue wood grips, and don't really care my sixguns are ugly, they do shoot very well.

MePlat · « **Reply #16 on:** May 31, 2008, 12:23:45 PM »

I get a box of band aids and wrap my finger for practice. Out hunting with no more shots fired during a hunt the rap on an unwrapped finger will never be noticed.
Quick, simple and effective. All that is needed

wickerbill · « **Reply #17 on:** June 08, 2008, 11:48:14 AM »

Rubber Hogue monogrips.
Bill

Tn Jim · « **Reply #18 on:** June 17, 2008, 04:43:46 AM »

44 man, I know I've said it before, but that is the sweetest looking SBH I've ever seen! I have the same gun (stock) and would love to make mine look like that. I would go with some white grips myself. Too bad my budget won't allow it.

Cottonwood · « **Reply #19 on:** June 17, 2008, 05:07:05 AM »

I was very lucky when I found my Ruger SBH 4 5/8ths SS in .44 Mag unfluted cylinder and round trigger guard, but it came used with those FUGLY Hogue grips, that will soon be changed out to a nice pair of regular Ruger grips that were sent to me. The only nice thing about the FUGLY grip is shooting with real stout heavy loads, other than that I like normal Ruger grips.

Here it is with the new grips and my 290-gr SWC loads: