[wired]

They just had to do it. The guys at the shop just had to get this thing in. I had decided I was going to wait a while and get a few things paid completely off before buying any more guns, but they just HAD to get this thing in.

Next week (when payday hits) I'll be picking up my New Vaquero with the color-case frame and 4-5/8" frame. I'll be getting some new grips, because those black hard rubber ones just don't do it for me. I'll be picking up a crossdraw holster for it at some point as well.

The part that I'm happiest about, I think, is the complete lack of roll-engraved safety bullsh!t on the barrel!! The only problem I have with my other two Rugers (other than some grip frame fitment on my Single Six and the cost of all that .357 mag ammo for my GP100) is the bunch of legal crap on the side of the barrel. Because of this, I was going to go with the Beretta/Uberti version of the SAA. When I saw the Ruger, I had to hold it (of course), and was shocked out of my gourd when I saw the blank blued steel barrel.

Yeah, this one's gonna stay in the collection for a while...... It'll make a very nice companion piece for my 1894C.

 

[TexNekkid]

I'll be getting some new grips, because those black hard rubber ones just don't do it for me.

The thin grip frames and grips on the new midsize Rugers don't fit me either. I replaced the factory grips with a pair of Cary Chapman's on my 50 Year Flattop and they're much mo' bettah.

http://www.clccustomgrips.com

 

[wired]

It's not that the new grip frame "doesn't fit me", exactly. It's just a combination of aesthetics and the fact that I don't like plastic grips. Either way, I'll probably end up sticking some rosewood on there.

 

[TexNekkid]

Ah...grip aesthetics. Now there's a topic that could provoke a lot of postings.

For me, aftermarket grip shopping is one of the pleasures of adding a Ruger to my accumulation. There's no easier or quicker way to "personalize" a handgun.

Have you found some nice rosewoods that'll fit your New Vaquero yet? Last time I checked (about a year ago) there weren't very many aftermarket grips out there for the new XR-3 gripframe.

 

[wired]

It's apparently the same grip frame as the old model Blackhawk, so I should be able to find some. Also, I've found a couple of places that do custom grips and they do wooden grips for the new grip frame, though they cost quite a bit more. I'm waiting to hear back from Hogue on the issue. I e-mailed them an inquiry, since they are my preferred supplier of aftermarket grips.

As much as could be posted about "grip aesthetics", you have to agree that rosewood is a lot nicer-looking than checkered black plastic. Mostly, I just prefer the feel of wood, but a real sidearm should have some individual touches. It's just the nature of the thing. A good personal sidearm SHOULD look good.

 

[TexNekkid]

It's apparently the same grip frame as the old model Blackhawk, so I should be able to find some.

Thy're the same size and shape, but the hole for the pin on the frame is in a different location.

 

[wired]

Ah. I figured there would be something like that :roll: . Hopefully I hear back from Hogue soon. If not, I'm gonna hafta go to a competitor :shock: . I know for a fact I can get them somewhere else, though I'll be spending twice as much (custom stuff always does).

 

[huntswithdogs]

Wired,
Contact Ruger. They sell grip panels, according to their site. You may also try Brownells or MidwayUSA.

HWD

 

[wired]

I'm ordering a set of spalted maple grips from www.klamathriverwoodworks.com. They make grips for the NMV in all the woods they offer. When I get them, I'll hafta post pics.