Open top change

[Cole Bluesteele]

Just got back from Texas Jacks's, where I picked up a pair of Open Tops with Navy grips.  Guess what? The grip dimensions are different from my other open tops!  The old navy grip frames will fit the new main frame.  However, the dimensions of the grips and grip frames themselves vary significantly from the older Navy grip frames. 

So be warned that replacement grips for the older grip frames will NOT fit the new grip frames on the Open Tops.

Tonight, I will check my stock of various old grips to see which models these new grip frame match, if any.  Hopefuly, Uberti is using the brass frames off one of their SAA clones.

[Fox Creek Kid]

However, the dimensions of the grips and grip frames themselves vary significantly from the older Navy grip frames. 

As did the originals in the 1800's, depending on who did the final fitting at the factory. 

[Cole Bluesteele]

I know each one is fitted by hand.  These are a completely different grip frame. I sent the tracings of each frame to Lois at  Buffalo Brothers in the hope that she can identify the new grip frame Uberti is installing on the Open Top Navy.  Based on my limited assortment of grips, they look like the same frame as on the Uberti Cattleman.  Maybe Uberti is just cutting production of the older 1851 navy grip frames and just using the one brass grip frame. who knows.  I have faith that Lois will identify the new grip frame.

[Fox Creek Kid]

Based on my limited assortment of grips, they look like the same frame as on the Uberti Cattleman.

The original Colt SAA (and all good clones) used the '51 navy grip frame.