RUGER GRIP STYLES

“Which Ruger grip panels fit my frame?”

There has been much confusion over Ruger grip frames and which model uses which grip panel. The greatest confusion is between the XR3 style frames and the XR3 Red style frames. This can be very confusing, even for those of us in the industry.

What follows is the information that I was able to gather from a number of sources and is provided as a guide for our customers to assist in ordering the correct model of grip panels for their revolvers.

XR3

Ruger introduced the XR3 model grip frame in 1953 on the Single-Six. This frame was was modeled after the Colt SAA . This same grip frame was also used on the original Flattop Blackhawk which debuted in 1955. These grip frames were in production until 1962.

(NOTE- These early model grip frames have the locator pin in a slightly different location than the current models.)

Ruger reintroduced the XR3 frame in 2004. The New XR3 frame is almost identical to the original frame in profile but was revised for the internal locking mechanism. These frames are on the New Vaquero and the Flattop Blackhawks.

Texas Grips has these available in an XR3 extended version that is approximately 1/2″ longer than the standard grips. (More Info)

XR3 Red

Ruger introduced the XR3 Red (Redesigned) grip frame in 1962 to replace the original XR3 frame. These frames are on the 1962 and later Single-Six, Super Single-Six, Blackhawk, Hawkeye, & Old Army. NOTE: Ruger is now building the New Vaquero .44 Magnum on this grip frame.

These grip frames were modified in 1972/1973 for the new trigger spring and safety transfer bar, but they retained the same basic profile. These frames are on the New Model Single-Six, Super Single-Six, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk with 5-5/8” & 5-1/2” barrel,  the 1993-2005 Vaquero. (Early models had “Alcoa” stamped on the frame.) & the New Vaquero .44 Magnum model.

Texas Grips has these available in an XR3 Red extended version that is approximately 1/2″ longer than the standard grips. (More Info)

XRN-3RED & KXR3 Are identical in shape to the XR3 Red. The XRN-3RED designates the black anodized and blued steel versions. The KXR3 frame are the stainless versions.

Ruger also produced the XRN-3RED frame in a “short” version. That grip frame is about 1/4” shorter than the standard XRN-3RED and was released on the Single-Six with Vaquero sights on the standard stainless frame. (Not currently available at Texas Grips)

Super Blackhawk

Ruger introduced the Super Blackhawk “Dragoon” in 1959. The Super Blackhawk Brass “Dragoon”, marked MR-3DB, and the New Model “Hunter” with the round trigger guard, marked KHRN use the same Super Blackhawk grips. Super Blackhawk revolvers with the 5-5/8” & 5-1/2” barrels do not use standard Super Blackhawk The one exception is a production run of about 300 of the earliest frames, which were about 1/4” longer than the standard frames. These are referred to as the “Long Frames”

Bearcat

The Bearcat grip frame was produced from 1958 – 1970. The Super Bearcat 1971 – 1974, the New Model Bearcat 1993 – present, and the original Bearcat, all use the same size grip panels.

Bisley

The Bisley grip frame, a modified version of the Colt Bisley frame was introduced in 1986. It is available on versions of the New Single Six, New Single Seven, Blackhawk, Super Black Bisley Hunter, and Bisley Vaquero. current production

Birdshead

The Bird’s Head grip frame was introduced by Ruger in 2001 and is still in production on Vaquero frames.

Please see the attached drawings for further confirmation.

*I gathered this information from multiple sources. If you notice and errors, please let me know.*

Ruger Grip Frames Dimensions