What is a "number 5 grip frame"?

[AxeHandle]

I'd bet that the rationale goes deeper... Perhaps even so far as a literal duplication of the original #5 hammer and grip frame profile. When people look at the original Reeder #5 they might think it is based on a Ruger or even a Colt.. It is based on neither. The action screws go in the wrong side to be a Ruger and Colt never made a stainless New Frontier.. It is a complete ground up new manufactured frame..

[Markbo]

I think one important thing to remember is that Mr. Keith was a lone voice. There was no internet. Heck where he lived there was the phone and mail. He alone thought of, envisioned and created all of the things he did. Obviously with help from S&W and a few others

But mostly just out of a need to make things better. I am not forgetting all the other pioneers of the day, but his contributions stand out. Remember too he was not a great big fellow and one of his hands was pretty crippled up. It's easy for us to look at picture after picture on a daily basis and throw out "What about this guys?" ideas and come up with neat stuff. His came from his own imagination and to a large extent his own two hands.

How many of you guys fashion your own grips? Do your own action work? Weld up grip frames or cut and stretch frames? How about cut your own cylinders from bar stock? I know Lee in particular here is a talented machinist and gunsmith, but I for one have never even THOUGHT of turning, boring and rifling a hunk of steel. It may not be the most comfortable grip in the world, but looking at it from the right perspective the original No.5 is one of the most important handguns of the 20th century.

How much of what all of us enjoy today is somehow related to that one gun?

[carl]

Markbo,
I think you've made some good points, however Keith was NOT alone. He had J.D. O'Meara out of Lead, SD and Harold Croft in Philly (I think) and many more. Keith was sharp enough to get the best of the best to help him bring "it all together" and make some amazing revolvers. I think Keith certainly listened to the others ideas while developing some of the interesting "shooters" he used. I've a friend who owns a Colt purchased from Keith by my friend's Uncle while on a guided trip in Idaho in the late 30's/early '40's. Holding that gun makes one "tingle".......... and it's much older than the Number 5.



JMHO,

Carl

[sixshot]

Read John Taffins book, he explains it quite throughly how Elmer took a little bit of the #1, #2, #3 & #4 guns of Harold Crofts & put all the ideas, plus some of his own into the #5 gun.
Phone.... I don't think Elmer had a telephone for quite a number of years, it was saddle horses & the mailman!

Dick

[newrugersafan]

I really like the looks and feel of the #5 grip frame. My Harton #5 is a pleasure to shoot although I'm not sure if it the way his grips fit my hand or the design of the grip frame. Either way I'm happy with mine.

Mike