Is there any advantage of these over regular grips on a revolver....Blackhawk or Vaquero?

The arthritis in my wrist gives me a fit after shooting and I'm looking for something that may help.

Hopefully I can answer the question better after I take my new Ruger .45 acp Birdshead out next weekend for a long overdue initial range visit.

Weather pending of course.

I can't give you an answer from the perspective of wrist pain, however, I can report that I really like the birdshead grip on my Ruger New Vaquero 45ACP. All I can say is try one if you can. The Ruger Bisley grip frame also has a different feel than the traditional plow handle grip frame.

Are you aware that MidwayUSA sells a Ruger birdshead rough frame. It may be a less expensove way to at least try one.

https://www.midwayusa.com/prod...rame-stainless-steel


Vaquero1K by GaryBF, on Flickr

quote:

Originally posted by GaryBF:
Are you aware that MidwayUSA sells a Ruger birdshead rough frame. It may be a less expensove way to at least try one

That's what I was planning on getting if it will help the situation. My guns are blue but they sell one "in the white" that I think I can make do with.

I used Birdshead grips mainly when I shot Duelist and Gunfighter because it was a shorter reach to the trigger. They didn't do anything for me in terms of Recoil reduction. I would suggest you try the lower bore axis of the Bisley Blackhawk or Bisley Vaquero before making a decision.

You can also try reduced power loads.

Old picture, I don't have my Birdsheads anymore.

I've owned several Blackhawks over the years in 45 Colt. I picked up my Birdshead Vaquero when they first came out. It is the original large frame Vaquero.

I have shot very hot "Ruger only" loads in both types of guns, and I much prefer the birdshead grip for the heavy recoil of those loads.

My dream gun, small or medium frame da/sa Birdshead revolver with a 3in barrel.

I like the Birdshead grip. My last birdshead purchase was in .45 Colt, next, later this year I think, will be .44. I'd like to find one in .41, or perhaps modify an existing revolver. My .45 has a 3" barrel.

Don't overlook the Gunfighter grips on a regular Vaquero or New Vaquero. They don't roll so much in the hand and make hanging on a bit easier, especially if one has a condition in their hands or forearms.

I've read or heard that it was basically an attempt at making the pistol butt more concealable under clothing. Basically an early bobtail or "carry melt" option.

I have no use for that, but I really want one bad. Something about the look of it on an 1873 or clone is very appealing to me. I wish Ruger made birdshead gripframes for the New Vaquero, I'd get one for mine. Maybe it would get me off my butt to make a matching pair....

My experience, bird's head look really, really nice and don't handle nearly as well as a traditional square grip frame. YMMV.

quote:

Originally posted by Bigboreshooter:
I've owned several Blackhawks over the years in 45 Colt. I picked up my Birdshead Vaquero when they first came out. It is the original large frame Vaquero.

I have shot very hot "Ruger only" loads in both types of guns, and I much prefer the birdshead grip for the heavy recoil of those loads.

I remember you allowing me to run a cylinder full at those steel plates years back.
Sweet gun.