FA gripframe removal

[magman]

I recently picked up a Model 83 that has the dreaded Pachmayr grips. I want to send the gripframe off for new grips. So, how do I remove the grip frame. I have done many Rugers, but this is somewhat different. Thanks.

[gregs]

Although somewhat hidious, the grips are pretty comfortable with full house loads and are no longer made/available, thus can demand a premium.

[Snyd]

Ya, those pachmeyers are great in the realm of practical application. I like the looks and feel of the wood grips until I start shooting! I know I shoot mine much better with the PM's when shooting authentic 454 loads.

But, I've found I do like the "all business" look of the rubber grips!

My "rubberized" 454's

[magman]

They'd be ok if the ferrule wasn't loose. Can't get the grips real tight.

[gregs]

Oh, reffrence the original reason for the post, pretty simple.

Remove the two rear screws & the two rear bottom screws and loosen the front screw. As you release tension on the front screw, the grip frame will drop down so catch the pawl spring behind the left gripframe ear. The left rear bottom screw should have a spring and detent attached to the screw to lock the hammer pin into the frame.

[magman]

Thanks

[bradshaw]

Mar 14, 2019 8:10:50 GMT -5 magman said:

I recently picked up a Model 83 that has the dreaded Pachmayr grips. I want to send the gripframe off for new grips. So, how do I remove the grip frame. I have done many Rugers, but this is somewhat different. Thanks.

*****

To de-tension mainspring
Mainspring on the early Model 83 is held to the frontstrap by a threaded stud & nut. Loosen nut to de-tension mainspring for disassembly or to replace spring. Later on, the leaf mainspring sits in a slot in the grip frame. A spring vise or small screw clamp (I use a Kant-Twist 3/4” or 1” screw clamp) with a thin rod between spring and frontstrap, may be used to de-tension the spring.

Pachmayr
As the instigator of Pachmayr making grips for the Freedom Arms Model 83, my argument was to help competitors continue on the Firing Line one to two hours straight through without slipping a shot, or otherwise pounding their middle finger under Rocks & Dynamite. Always wondered whether the rough & tumble Carl Cupp at Pachmayr may have modeled his large hand in the design.
David Bradshaw

[magman]

Grip frame successfully removed and will be enroute to a grip builder for some nice wood. Thanks for the assist.