larger grips on a single action revolver

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bucksureshot

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I have been looking into purchasing a single action revolver for myself. The major problem I encounter is that the standard grips are way to small for my hands. My hands are big, but not gigantic. Upon the chance there are some models that will fit without extensive modification would be nice to know. My desire is to purchase two or maybe three revolvers of different calibers. The largest being the .45 LC. I have handled a few models of different manufactureres and the only one that seems to be large enough is the Ruger Vaquero. Are there any other models available for the larger hand to grasp and shoot comfortabley. I have a touch of arthritis that can present problems holding smaller grips.
 
I've seen some Vaqueros and Blackhawks sporting some over sized after market grips. They are ugly as all sin but whatever works. I'm sure someone will chime in with some options.
 
Three revolver options come to mind.

The current Ruger fixed sight single action revolver is the New Vaquero which has a smaller frame (including grip frame) than the prior Vaquero. You might want to look for one of the larger framed older guns.

Ruger also makes a Bisley version of the New Vaquero (fixed sights) and of the Blackhawk (adjustable sights). I have a .44 Special Bisley Blackhawk flattop; the grip frame of the Bisley is longer and thicker than the New Vaquero. It's also got a less pronounced curve than the Colt styled "plow handled" grip of the New Vaquero.

Pietta (an Italian manufacturer imported by EMF) makes a single action called the "Alchemista" with the longer grip frame from an 1860 Army revolver. You might look for one of those.
 
In addition to those mentioned, longer barreled Super Blackhawks have a gripframe all their own. If the gun itself doesn't suit, it's possible to graft a SBH gripframe onto a "regular" (large and I assume mid-frame?) Ruger..Also Uberti's Callahan (.44 Mag and maybe .45?) - which also uses the 1860 grip mentioned for the Alchemista. This gun also sports a unique-to-this-gun 6" barrel.

Also, larger-than-stock grip panels can make all the difference in the world on the smaller "mid frame" gripframe like the New Vaquero, virtually matching the large (old) Vaquero in apparent size--if the smaller framed Rugers please you otherwise (they've got other advancements over the large frame that recommend them anyway). Replacing stock grips, customizing to your desires, is a route many go anyway. Carl Schultz at www.privatescustomgrips.com is one maker that builds a nice hand-filling grip for the New Vaquero and (same framed) recent years' Ruger Flattops, but most any aftermarket makers grios are "more filling" than those guns' stock panels.
 
It's a bit pricey but Gary Reeder is now making a Ruger Bisley replacement grip frame that gives a tad extra room by moving the trigger guard forward slightly. It is supposed to keep it from beating up the middle finger under heavy recoil when using the heavy weight and +P loads.
 
Make your own grips, or look for grips that fit your hand...

I make a lot of grips now for myself and others, and none of them are as 'skinny' as the OEM Ruger grips...

Been making some Magna style S&W grips also, and they have all been oversized...
 
I too couldn't hit anything with my stainless blackhawk until I installed a set of pachymayr rubber grips.

Pachmayr makes grips for the super blackhawk with squared trigger guard, and blackhawk with the round trigger guard (guns with no lock).

Hogue makes rubber and wood grips for some of Ruger's single actions but I have had zero luck getting their rubber grips to fit. Their wood grips fit perfectly, but these were bigger than their rubber counterpart!!

I recommend checking into the Rugerforum and research the topic more thoroughly, just to make sure aftermarket grips are available for the model you desire.

I have tendinitis in my arms too and the tiny wood grips had to go.
 
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