I do like the feel of the Ruger Bisley grip. This is a shot of my .45 Colt Bisley, which has been altered with a Ron Power conversion kit to load exactly like a Colt Single Action Army. You put the hammer on half cock, open the loading gate, and reverse-index to the point where the cylinder stops to automatically position the chambers for loading or unloading. I really hate the New Model system (I'm such a traditionalist). This revolver will handle any .45 Colt load from mild to magnum with aplomb.

Anyone else like the Ruger Bisleys for their feel, easier cocking or ability to handle recoil?

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Yes, a .45Colt and a single-six, but they are priced too high to buy new.

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Lost it all in a boat accident

Nice guns, I just sold an original pre 1898 Colt Bisley this week. Hated to let it go, but the offer was outstanding.

Ruger's Bisley is a love or hate thing. Some folks fall head over heels with them....I'm one... This is the best grip frame to handle heavy recoiling loads in a standard production gun. Plus they're just so danged sexy lookin'...


giz

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Non gratum anus rodentum

Don't like the Bisley grip , or the standard Ruger Blackhawk grip for that matter. I installed a stainless Super Blackhawk grip frame on my 4 5/8 .41 Mag Blackhawk. I've got large paws and this works much better with my hot handloads.

Yes, I prefer Ruger's Bisley grip over the standard Blackhawk grip. I wish I had grabbed a .45 Colt high gloss stainless while they were still being produced.

I've got large paws and this works much better with my hot handloads.



I'm with you on that,the Bisley sets my trigger finger to close so it's hard to index.

I bought one of those AccuSport specials. Bisley Blackhawk, stainless 45 Colt 5 1/2". Like it so much got a regular Bisley Blackhawk, blue, 7 1/2". Sent them both off to West Fargo. Got the blue one bobbed two inches, and got his 4-click action job done to 'em.

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I always take precautions

I was fortunate enough to snap up one of the hi-gloss stainless .45 convertible Vaqueros while they were available. This one has the Ron Power conversion so it works like a Colt SAA, and will handle really heavy .45 Colt loads as well as more economical .45 ACPs with its extra cylinder. It's one of my favorite SAs.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Does anyone make an "Army" grip for a Ruger?

I like the regular grip better, but it just isn't long enough.

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Lost it all in a boat accident

In single actions I like the Bisley grip, it works well and the only grip frame I've found that I like better is the Freedom Arms 83. It's close on that though.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

I love the Ruger Bisley Blackhawk, especially in 45 Colt. Mine is a 7.5" in blue and it is an excellent shooter. I find the grip more comfortable than the standard grip, and much better (for me) than the SBH grip frame, which I cannot shoot without wrecking my middle finger knuckle.

The only Blackhawk I own is a .45 Colt Bisley. The standard Ruger grip just doesn't work for me. I've had several and always end up selling them because they just don't fit my hand correctly. The Bisley grip works for me.

Love the Bisely grip on my Super Blackhawk. Wasn't sure about it till I picked it up. Handles my hunting loads, Hornady Flewtips, very well. My other Rugers are original Vaqueros. Like them better than the new ones. Need the bigger grips, feel a lot better in my hands.

Sir, I've been curious about (OK, sorely tempted by) the Ruger Bisleys for some time. The few I've handled felt good in the hand, but I haven't shot any, and I'd want to do that before buying one.

On another note, how are the chamber mouths on the .45 Colt Rugers? Are they dimensioned correctly?

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

I have one of the 5.5" SS Acusport Ruger Bisleys in 45 Colt/45ACP. I like the grip, but it's not quite as convenient as the standard grip for a packin' pistol field carry. It does help me with pointability and extra heavy recoiling loads so makes a good dedicated hunting revolver.

The chambers/throats (leade) on this particular model are just right. It shoots lead and jacketed equally well. And that is very well indeed. My other 45 Colt Blackhawks also seem to do well but some report that they like, or need, to have the cylinder throats reamed a bit to optimize shooting cast bullets. I haven't found that to be necessary. The worst any one of them has ever shot with a proper cast bullet load is about 3-4 inches at 50 yards; most do better than that.

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" I said, good DAY! "

I had one in .44 Magnum, I probably should have kept it but I didn't know any better. I really wanted a barrel that was 4 5/8 inch on the gun, but when I called Ruger, they would not put on a shorter barrel. (Same barrels that they put on their Super Blackhawks). I was told that it would create a custom gun, so they wouldnt do it. Had I known at the time of places like Bowen Arms and Gary Reeder, I would have just let one of them do the work.

Likewise, try getting a .22 Magnum cylinder for a Bisley Single-Six, which doesn't come with one from the factory.

There are easy ways and means around it though.

Hopefully, you have a friend with a blued convertible Single-Six that happens to need to be sent back to get a new .22 Magnum cylinder that he has temporarily misplaced.

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Lost it all in a boat accident

Ron H,

All my Ruger .45 revolvers passed the .452 bullet test; drop a .452 bullet into the chambers, and if it doesn't come out, it's good. If it falls through, it's not. All of 'em, old and new, shoot great.

I have an old model Blackhawk convertible, a bright stainless Vaquero convertible, and a Bisley Vaquero. All are fine guns and built like tanks. Very rugged.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I'll have to get back to you on that. I just bought a stainless .45 convertible (same as the Accusport but later) from a guy selling them on 'that' forum. Haven't shot it yet but it feels good, probably better than the standard grips.

I really like my Ruger Bisley Vaquero 45LC with 4 5/8" bbl.

I own two Ruger Blackhawks, both are Bisleys and both are .41 Magnums.


grizz

Love the Rugers! Just wish the "Lawyer Words" would disappear from the barrels. Really messes up the looks.

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Term limits!

The Bisley grip on a Ruger crowds the knuckle of my middle finger against the trigger guard when I grip it. I don't think I have big hands, but the knuckle thing is a little annoying. I have the same problem with a Smith N-frame with grips that follow the grip frame outline. My knuckle rubs against the rear of the trigger guard. I have a Colt Mountain Gun (blued) with faux stag grips that is really nice looking, but if I want to shoot it I have to put the Ahernds back on. I guess I need a tyler t-grip if I want to keep the faux-stags. My brother said the revolver was so nice looking that I should have my knuckle surgically altered to fit the gun.

I don't have the knuckle-crowd issue with a standard grip frame on any Ruger single action. I'm currently selling my Ruger Bisley Convertible on line here due to the grip issue.

They are nice shooting guns, though. I was sorely tempted to buy a regular grip frame and trigger and swap it out for the bisley. Reall straight shooter, and easy on recoil. Purty, too.

Best of all, the 45acp/45colt thing is really nice. I was surprised by the accuracy of both rounds in the thing. I thought one would suffer due to the diameter differences, but it just wasn't the case. I guess what I'd really like is a 45colt/45acp Ruger Vaquero. But then I'd have to put down my Mountain Gun, and I just can't seem to get it out of my hand. I'm typing single handed at the moment. I'll have to get a 45acp Mountain Gun for the other hand. That'll solve the problem.

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Hastings

Hey, Paladin. I'm a big fan of sambar stag. At the Sacramento gunshow yesterday this guy had the most gorgeous pair of stags for a Ruger Bisley with super heavy bark for $150. He's the guy who has an Outdoorsmann I talked about in another thread. Just thought I'd mention it.

I'm a fan of them. The grip seems to fit my hand much better than the 'normal' grip.

Here's my pair in .45 Colt - a Bisley Vaquero, and one of the recent Accusports.

Think I have more Bisley Rugers then any other gripframe. That said, my favorite grip frame is the Birdhead by Ruger. Nothing else feels so right in my hand in a fixed sight gun...


giz

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Non gratum anus rodentum

Have one in the 45LC/45ACP convertible form. Must admit I do like it.

I have this 45/45 bisley grip pictured with two of my plow handle models. I think if I only could have one it would be the plow handle.

I like all three styles, though the Bisley feels good in my hand, it does seem to bite my middle finger more than the regular and SBH style with heavy loads. Go figure..lol

Larry

Attached Images

ruger 44s.jpg (73.5 KB, 26 views)

the bisley looks nice but the trigger guard rests on my knuckle as well.
for those that say the plow handle is too small/ short, you should be putting your little finger under the grip frame. with a little practice it works fine and it "indexes" your hand on the grip, ensuring you dont grip too high on the frame causing you to "short stroke" the hammer because the web of your thumb and forefinger got in the way

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the rules? there are no rules

I have one of these, too. It handles HSM "B'ar Loads" easily and once spun a 90 meter pig like a top.

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I shot the heck out if a .44 mag Blackhawk that I used for deer hunting. It was super accurate, but I'd just as soon shoot an original Colt SAA/Ruger XR3 grip frame.
I sold it as I no longer hunt with a handgun, or much at all.

Like them? Why yes, yes I do. I call this one the Schwamhawk:

I recently found a very good Bisley Vaquero in 44 mag (Same at the OPs pic), and didn't know what to expect recoil wise from the gun. I was pleasantly surprised that the recoil was milder from the Vaquero than it was with my Super Blackhawk 7.5" with loads from the same box. My next single action Ruger will have the Bisley grip frame.

Oh yes! Do like the Bisley grip.

I have one on a Casull and it is by far the best grip on a SA for me. The Plough handle is good too but that short cavalry grip - no way!

I recently had my eyes opened by a Ruger Birdshead. Found it for sale used but new and bought it after handling it. Full power (900fps) 255g RNFP is no problem whatsoever.



Previous owner had a song and dance about preferring a 1911, but when I took it to the range, it was a foot to the left at 7 yards! YIKES!

Fixed the front sight - easily done - did a trigger job and now it's 1 ragged hole at 10 yards and dialed in.

I'm tempted to send the PO a few pics just to irritate him.

I much prefer the Bisley grip over the standard Ruger Blackhawk grip especially with heavy recoil loads. I am not at all fond of the Super Blackhawk squared trigger guard either. Therefore , I own this....

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" I don't recall, senator."

I liked my 44 spcl flat top quite a bit, but someone liked it more than me so away it went. For me the short barrel birdsheads are where it is at now

A friend who used to shoot cowboy action has a couple of them.

They're nice guns.

Personally, since I'm never going to compete with or carry a single action, for self-defense or hunting, I'd prefer a Cimarron Bisley since I prefer the original look, feel and action.

I was in my LGS a few years ago when he pulled a Ruger Bisley in .41 mag from out back and showed it to me knowing I like 41s. He threw out a good price on it but I balked thinking I shouldn't be spending the money right then on another gun. That's when he pulled out a Hunter cowboy rig for it in my belt size and said he'd throw it in for that price. Well I couldn't say no and bought my first Bisley.
I shot it and was surprised at how the recoil felt reduced to me compared to my regular Rugers. I really like it and also the Hunter holster for carrying in the field with a long gun hunting. I've given some thought to converting my other Rugers to Bisleys but find that too expensive to do.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy another perhaps in .44 mag next time.

got one a few months back, wanted to try out the new .44 special flat-tops..

however, found out it's one of the so called " Mistake Bisleys" .
So now I'm trying to decide what to do with it..

Just got a SS "old" model 4 5/8" Vaqureo Bisley in .45 Colt just before the cold set in and only have shot 100 rounds of heavy loads out of it so far. I really don't know what to think of the grip yet, maybe its been all the years of shooting the old style "plowshare" grips have influenced me. I don't dislike it but as an improvement that has yet to be seen.

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Stay safe people!

See my post under the Bisley thread that's current. My short Ruger with the Bisley grip was good at controlling recoil with HOT 45 Colt loads.

Pointability, I prefer the Colt grip and I admit I am a Colt Bisley fan. I sold my Ruger and am (anxiously) awaiting a Gary Reeder 454, 5 shot.

I love traditional single actions, but detest the 1st series "new model" Ruger Vaqueros for their actions. Safer, yes. Clumsier, also yes. It's hard to line up the chambers for loading and extraction. The traditional SAs and old model Blackhawks allow indexing and then reverse indexing to the point where the chambers automatically line up for loading and extraction. Not good to leave a loaded chamber under the hammer. Load one, skip one, load four, bring to full cock, lower hammer on empty chamber. Only disadvantage: 5 shots vs. 6.

On the other hand, the original Ruger Vaqueros and new model Blackhawks were built like tanks, and can take magnum-level .45 Colt loads easily. And they can carry 6 rounds safely.

My solution was to modify both my high-polish stainless Vaquero and my Bisley Vaquero with Ron Power conversion units, which allow loading at half-cock the traditional way, plus re-instating the reverse-indexing-to-load feature. 3 clicks to full cock rather than 4, but that's the only discernible difference from traditional SAs. And 6 rounds can still be carried safely.

For regular shooting, I feel the traditional grip suits me better. For hell-for-leather .45 Colt loads, the Bisley gives a better feel and I do think it alleviates heavy recoil a mite better.

Here are both of my Vaqueros at half cock to show the improved loading capability.



I wish the NEW Vaqueros and Blackhawks could handle magnum-level .45 Colt loads - I hope no one reads "Ruger only" loads to allow them to be loaded in the newer guns. That would be a definite potential for ka-boom.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I may be in a minority here but I simply do not like the Bisley grip frame at all, nor do I like the Birds Head grip. I prefer the "Plow Handle" grip.

I very much like the Ruger Bisley grip.
I once bought cheap a "Bumper Chromed" 1st gen Colt bisley 32/20.
SCORE !!
The Colt version of the Bisley grip somehow cramped my wrist VERY uncomfortably.
Sold it.

Regards
Russ

If that Cimarron Bisley is an exact copy of the original Colt, you can keep it. I have fondled a Colt Bisley, and it is the most awkward feeling firearm that I've ever had the displeasure of having in my hand. I have no idea how the original users of these were able to hit anything. I know that they were intended for formal target shooting, but they're just plain ol' strange feeling. Nope, I don't want one.......You have have them all.........

My Bisley is just like Eaglestrokers, in .44 Special. It points naturally for me. I like the shorter tube, too.....

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Even older, even crankier....

I just sold the same model gun this week . I bought it last month new off GB . It sure looked good but needed way too much work to make it right . Well right by me .
The cylinder throats were undersized. .450 .
The B/C gap was .008 .The cylinder end play was .005 .
Yes all of that can be tightened up but I wasn't willing to shell out that kind of money on a Ruger .

Who posts a pic of a Bisley revolver in a plastic box alongside a TRIGGER LOCK in a plastic bag?

That could make me really not like that Bisley.

I'm just sayin'.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?