Clements NM #5 First Look...

[edwardyoung]

Today, actually, I discovered that Vista includes a Microsoft Office Picture Manager that will let you crop pictures. I cropped my toes out of a picture of my AMT this morning.

[nobearsyet]

If I'm still in AZ axe, we sure ca nget together, but people around here are really starting to p@#s me off, just found out I am no longer going to be paid what was agreed upon and have been being paid because the boss "has too much money going out in pauroll", looks like time for a new job to me, the sad part is AZ is "right ot work state" so employees essentially have no rights

[c.r.]

I have a question about the #5 grip on this gun.

I'm thinking back to a thread that involved Power Customs releasing it's #5 grip frame. I cannot recall the gentleman's name, but rather than go with PC's #5, he liked the idea of slightly modified bisley grip frame.

I know it's more complicated than this, but in a nutshell modifying the bisley grip frame included:
cutting off a portion of the bottom section.
Shortening the bisley frame.
then welding/reattaching the original butt section to the shortened grip frame.

(Or at least something like that)

Do we know if Mr. Clements used a similar process to achieve this #5 grip frame? Or is this a two piece grip frame that merged a SAA style grip frame with a bisley grip frame?

Thank you,
c.r.

[AxeHandle]

Interesting question that is obviously way over my head... I don't know how long ago the Clements #5 below was built... The forum member who had it build may chime in with the answer. The gun under the Clements is a TLA #5 for comparison... 2 Dogs may have some inside info about the Clements GF. He implied that Clements did more than one version of his #5 in the thread in the classified on the Clements NM #5....

[Aggie01]

I think David's early guns were two piece frames, and right now he is using heavily modified Bisley frames.
Note the Bisley trigger on the NM #5, and the straight trigger on the OM.
In addition, he offers the SAA style (as on the #5 front strap) front strap treatment for Bisley grip frames. (opens up distance between vertical grip surface and trigger guard)

If you check his website, he notes that his #5 is based on the Bisley, and if you like, he can leave it Bisley length for no extra charge.

Harton's Ruger #5 frames have used Power Custom's front strap with the backstrap being fabbed out of a Bisley.
Since Power's front strap incorporates the whole of the spring hanger, you can really gut the Bisley backstrap as required.

Axehandle - if you want to help clear this up - give us a picture with the grips removed. Likewise to those of you with Harton #5's. Thanks.
C.R. I think the name you were thinking was Jim March.

[AxeHandle]

I will get those pics asap... On the NM #5 I figure it will be mid July at best... I can tell you that the GF on my OM #5 is a two piece GF....

[targetshootr]

That #5 with the micarta grips was built in late 2004.

[2 Dogs]

Guys, Clements #5 grip frame for the Rugers is a precision part CNC machined from a block of steel. It is combined with a Power front strap to get his version of the #5 grip frame. It is a bit longer than a TLA and while expensive makes for a very fine conversion.

Clements also has one that he uses that has a round trigger guard like a Bisley. Im not sure how he arrives at that one, perhaps he modifies a Bisley grip frame. You can see pics of it on his website.

Harton will build #5 grip frames from either the Clements parts or the start with a Bisley grip frame and fabricate one by cutting and welding. Harton also uses the Power front strap.

Now, Power Custom also makes a frame, but I have not seen one. Funny thing, I remember talking to Mr. Power about it some 2 years ago.....

[2 Dogs]

C.R., what you describe is simply a shortened Bisley grip frame. A #5 has a different angle to the backstrap.

[c.r.]

thanks to all for the info on the variations and different smiths' individual methods to reproduce the # 5 grip frame. very helpful and informative.

I just feel a little embarrased and i'd like to clarify something........re-reading my initial question, I used "slightly modified" to describe the shortened bisley grip. I by no means meant it as a simple hack job. I don't think anybody interpreted it that way, but I just wanted to clarify my intent.

thanks again,
c.r.

[Aggie01]

Everything is a simple hack job. Its the execution of the hack job that makes them nice or not.

[mitch1352]

Besides being waaaaaay cool, what benefit is a #5 frame? I have Bisley's and "regular" frames and see the good in each...what does the #5 frame shape offer?
I hesitate to ask because you guys have cost me plenty in custom sixguns, grips, loading equipment, leather, etc. I get the feeling that I will have to try a #5 when Dave finishes my .41 Special (thanks to John T.!!) OM Blackhawk.

[c.r.]

Jun 26, 2009 8:08:13 GMT -5 mitch1352 said:

Besides being waaaaaay cool, what benefit is a #5 frame?

Mitch, I don't have first hand knowledge about a #5 grip frame, BUT i can give you a link to a thread from some time back that you can skim through till somebody with actual knowledge chimes in.

singleactions.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sas&action=display&thread=397&page=1

hope that helps,
c.r.

[AxeHandle]

Very subjective.... A feel good thing.... Perhaps a bit of looks good too.... The choice between XR3, XR3-Red, MR-3D, Bisley, and the various #5 shapes is simply a matter of what you like...

[wickerbill]

Jun 23, 2009 18:14:35 GMT -5 kings6 said:

At least David HAS a camera! I still have a new 327 bisley from John long with some goodies from Cary and old ivories for a XR-3 Ruger on the way that I'll just have to "paint a word picture" of.

I have the solution for your no camara problem, WAL-MART.
Bill