I want a new handgun...only one problem - no one makes it.:( What I want is a .44 blued Bisley with a 5.5" barrel.

http://www.alphaprecisioninc.com/revolver/images/sa1a.jpg

So the question is:

1) Should I buy a .44 Bisley and chop:eek: the barrel to 5.5", recrown, reattach the rear sight, and reblue, or...

2) Should I buy a 5.5" .44 Super Blackhawk, and replace the gripframe and grips?

I know this has been done, but I've never heard which is the best and most economical way to go.

Also, what's the best crossdraw holster for this gun?

I would imagine that chopping the barrel would be cheaper than a grip frame. Any way you look at it, the warranty is void.

I would imagine that chopping the barrel would be cheaper than a grip frame. Any way you look at it, the warranty is void.

Really? Changing the gripframe to another Ruger gripframe will void Ruger's warranty?

Ask Ruger to rebarrel it for you. They would send your old barrel back I would think.

Cheezywan

Grip frames are serial numbered, they will look up the information and know things aren't right.

Its worth it to call Ruger and see if they will do the service for you, that way you can keep your warranty.

Grip frames are serial numbered, they will look up the information and know things aren't right.

Its worth it to call Ruger and see if they will do the service for you, that way you can keep your warranty.

Anyone know what Ruger would charge to put a 5.5" barrel on a Bisley?

If you haven't already bought the gun, it might be worth it to call and see if they will just build it for you. Ruger does have some of the best customer service in the business and they have pretty good turn around time as well. I would hope they can do it for you.

When I was in Alaska a good part of my business was chopping the barrels off Ruger single action 44 mags and making 4 5/8 inch guns out of the to pack while out in the woods for bear protection. This isn't hard to do and a good smith shouldn't charge you to much. You'll need a higher front sight to compensate for the shorter barrel. That would be the least expensive way to go.

It would be nice if Ruger would build you a gun, I've never ask them about that, but their sure great about fixing a broken gun.

Oh I'm retired now and all my equipment is gone. So check with Ruger first and then see if you can find a good smith. Larry Kelly of Magna-port does that along with Bowen.

I am with Bowen or Kelly for the work. Gary Reeder also does work in this area.

Personally I took a 7.5" Redhawk and cut/crowned the barrel and have a 4.5 Inch 44 with a very comfortable grip to hold onto.

338

I made that gun with a 5.5 inch blackhawk and the Bisley conversion kit from Brownells. Only thing missing from your pics is the un-fluted cylinder which was very OK with me as the Bisleys have all that funky roll marking on them. You will have to get the grip framed finished and it MAY require fitting (mine did not) I had mine parkerized and it gave it a very nice looking contrast and was very durable unlike blueing.

Iron Addict

Easy, cheap solution:

Buy a Super Blackhawk with the barrel length you like.

Dig around till you find a .44 mag Vaquero with the Bisley grip frame.

Swap grip frames, hammers, & triggers.

Sell the Vaquero.....

Or haunt the auction sites, till you find a short take-off barrel.

I'll agree with you on the handiness of the 5.5" barrel with the Bisley frame. Stainless works for me, though.

I made that gun with a 5.5 inch blackhawk and the Bisley conversion kit from Brownells. Only thing missing from your pics is the un-fluted cylinder which was very OK with me as the Bisleys have all that funky roll marking on them. You will have to get the grip framed finished and it MAY require fitting (mine did not) I had mine parkerized and it gave it a very nice looking contrast and was very durable unlike blueing.

Iron Addict

I've decided on this route also. Looking for the 5.5" Blackhawk now.

Remembered Briley is here in town (Houston). They do revolver work, including chopping, recrowning, and putting the front sight back on. Quite reasonable on the pricing.

Well, I changed my mind once at the gunshow.

First of all I liked the 4 5/8" barrel on the SBH once I got it in my hand. Second, I liked the way the grip felt in my hand. I'll have to shoot the thing first, and I think I'm gonna still want the Bisley grip frame, but at least it's shootable in the meantime. Third, I got the stainless gun. After considering the weather I could encounter in south Texas, along with Marshall's article on his 4 5/8" stainless SBH 45 Colt that he put a Bisley frame on, I decided on practics over beauty...this time. It came with a .003 cylinder gap!

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/122T.jpg

So I guess I'll have to build a blued 5 1/2" Bisley also!!!

So does anyone know where to get the stainless Bisley gripframes? Brownell's says they don't carry them anymore, and I can't find a Bisley Vaquero in stainless anymore.

Midway still has stainless grip frames listed on their website.

I've ordered the Bisley grip frame, trigger, and hammer. I'll update on how the project goes. I'll also update on load development. I've ordered the BTB 265gr WFN as a compromise between the 250gr WFN and the 280gr.

You also mentioned you wanted a cross draw holster. They are not too hard to find. Just my humble suggestion but if you are carrying in the field I suggest a full flap holster. 2 reasons. First is the protection a full flap offers. Second (which nobody ever mentions) is that when you lift the flap to draw the gun, the flap moves all your "stuff" out of the way so as not to catch the hammer on straps, pack, coat or whatever.

Ejnoy that 5.5" Bisley. Should be a fine shooter. If you are going to shoot heavy bullet (300 + gr) be sure to tell the gunsmith to give you a taller front sight. Good luck.

You also mentioned you wanted a cross draw holster. They are not too hard to find. Just my humble suggestion but if you are carrying in the field I suggest a full flap holster. 2 reasons. First is the protection a full flap offers. Second (which nobody ever mentions) is that when you lift the flap to draw the gun, the flap moves all your "stuff" out of the way so as not to catch the hammer on straps, pack, coat or whatever.

Enjoy that 5.5" Bisley. Should be a fine shooter. If you are going to shoot heavy bullet (300 + gr) be sure to tell the gunsmith to give you a taller front sight. Good luck.

Thanks Bill M. Thought about the full flap, but I found a nice used Bianchi thumb-break crossdraw holster that was for S&W "N" frame revolvers, but for some reason fits the SBH like it was made for it. Rides high, unlike a cowboy rig. I've had it in the field already and it worked like a charm.

For now I'll shoot BTB's 265gr WFN in it and the Marlin 1894P, both in .44 mag.

Been trying to reach BTB for 2 weeks...email, phone. No luck. Just need to check on a ship date for my order. Are they on vacation? Anybody know?

Here is a picture of one that I did that too. Started out as a SBH with a 7 1/2 inch barrel. I had the stainless Bisley parts sitting around for the conversion. I packaged up the parts and sent them off to Dave Clements to do the work. This is my best shooting revolver.

http://usera.imagecave.com/JCW/100_1009-copy.jpg

http://usera.imagecave.com/JCW/100_1010-copy.jpg

Now it is good for hunting and great with hot load that I couldn't shoot in my S&W 629.

Jay

Deputy450

What kind of sights are those? And what loads are you shooting in it? Mine will look like yours, but with walnut grips. Now if Midway can just get the grip frames and trigger in...they're on backorder.

You could be waiting awhile on Midway. A better option is to call Ruger in Newport NH 603-863-3300; have your credit card and parts numbers handy. Hammer, trigger, grip frame, 2 hex head back strap screws, and the trigger return pins and grip frame dowel. If they have it in stock, you'll get it in a week! Get used grips off ebay for around $20.

I got the items as a kit from Brownells a few years back..they don't carry them anymore. Jim Stroh at Alpha Precision fitted up two 5.5 inch SUPERS in strainless for me while doing trigger jobs. He had previously cut a 7.5 inch BISLEY to 5.5 inches and did a trigger job. Better work than factory fitting on my ACCU SPORT.

You could go to Gunbroker, Auction Arms or Guns America and look for a 44 ACCU SPORT limited edition Ruger...a 5.5 inch stainless BISLEY like you want. Do a little shopping and get it for under $600...and have it in your hand COMPLETED AND READY TO SHOOT in a week or two.

Deputy450

What kind of sights are those? And what loads are you shooting in it? Mine will look like yours, but with walnut grips. Now if Midway can just get the grip frames and trigger in...they're on backorder.

The rear sight is a Bowen Target and the front is a custom one made by David Clements. Cary Chapman made the grips.

Jay

EDK is right. If you don't have the parts and the donor gun on hand, it would be way cheaper to buy an Acusport. My gun above is about a $1000+ gun. Would be much easier to find an Acusport.


Good luck getting a stainless gripframe too. Two years ago they were not to hard to come by. Now that Brownells no longer carries them they are hard to find to say the least.

Jay

You could be waiting awhile on Midway...You could...look for a 44 ACCU SPORT limited edition Ruger...a 5.5 inch stainless BISLEY like you want.

Except I already have the 4 5/8" SBH. I'm going to wait on the items to trickle in unless they're 4 months out; then I'll order from Ruger like you suggest. I'm doing the work myself cuz it's all bolt-on stuff. The exception will be if I need to square the cylinder face like I suspect. I purposefully found a SBH with a tight cylinder gap, but when I added the Belt Mountain locking base pin the tighter tolerances make it slightly drag on the forcing cone for half of the turn of the cylinder, so I'll get that fixed and put a black powder chamfer on the front edge of the cylinder at the same time.

It will eventually look a lot like like the revolver Marshall did in 45 Colt which he wrote about in the Tech Notes article: "Ruger Single-Actions: America's Best Do-It-Yourself Kit! by J. Marshall Stanton on 2005-07-17" http://beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/59

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/images/tech_photos/Finished-Blkhwk1.jpg

Well good news! The drag on the forcing cone I mentioned was caused by too much torque on the lock screw on the new base pin. I replaced the stock base pin with a locking base pin by Belt Mountain that also has tighter tolerances than stock. If I don't torque down on the lock screw it functions just fine. Live and learn.

Now if I can just get those stainless Bisley parts here...

In the meantime. how's this for a beautiful .45 Ruger flat top Bisley (by Bowen)?

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/images/Bisley%20Flat%20Top%20.45%20Colt%20002.jpg

This all reminds me of my friend who had a single six in .32 H&R. He just had to have a birdshead grip. Bought the brass gripframe and it had to be fitted as did the black plastic grips and he ended up putting over two hundred bucks into it, over the original cost of the gun. Shortly after it was finished Ruger dumped a bunch of them on the market and I could have bought one just like his, new in the box for $250 on close out.

This all reminds me of my friend who had a single six in .32 H&R. He just had to have a birdshead grip. Bought the brass gripframe and it had to be fitted as did the black plastic grips and he ended up putting over two hundred bucks into it, over the original cost of the gun. Shortly after it was finished Ruger dumped a bunch of them on the market and I could have bought one just like his, new in the box for $250 on close out.

Somehow I find myself not encouraged by this remark. :>)

It thrills me. I wish I had a Bisley grip on my Stainless SBH.:)

Well, would you rather be encouraged or informed?:D Converting a Blackhawk to a Bisley will certainly be a lot more expensive than just shortening the barrel of a factory built Bisley. A new grip frame will certainly need to be fitted. At the factory, the frame and grip frame are assembled and finished togather, the only way to get it right. It is really tough to finish a grip frame without damaging the finish of the frame itself. To just shorten a barrel and remount the front sight should not cost over fifty bucks.

Well, would you rather be encouraged or informed?:D Converting a Blackhawk to a Bisley will certainly be a lot more expensive than just shortening the barrel of a factory built Bisley. A new grip frame will certainly need to be fitted. At the factory, the frame and grip frame are assembled and finished together, the only way to get it right. It is really tough to finish a grip frame without damaging the finish of the frame itself. To just shorten a barrel and remount the front sight should not cost over fifty bucks.

Yes I agree. However, I already have the 4 5/8" SBH and it's in stainless as well. I wanted the 4 5/8" for a good crossdraw field carry length. As for fitting, I can file, sand, and Dremel the grip frame to fit, and there's no refinishing cuz it's stainless.

I also want a blued Bisley in 5.5", and I will start with the Bisley 7.5" for that project.

Got an email from Midway and...the Bisley grip frame, trigger, and hammer are on their way!!!

Parts came in Monday for converting the Ruger Super Blackhawk to a Bisley.

Wow what a job! I spent 5.5 hours putting the Bisley grip frame, trigger, Wolff trigger spring, hammer, and Wolff hammer spring on it. Mind you I’ve never had a revolver apart before, so I was very unfamiliar with the innards. I must have assembled/disassembled that thing 8 times. Finally figured out I had the cylinder lock spring reversed, so it kept slipping off the lock bar, causing the cylinder to not lock up. Maddening until I figured it out, but I remained a Christian as no expletives exited my mouth. I’ve not done any fitting, polishing yet, and the grip frame ears do stick up 1/16” or so, so I will report on how that goes. But I’ll shoot the thing first before I do the finish work. The new walnut grip panels feel and look great and all of it together will provide the needed recoil control I was after. All in all I was pleased with the project.

With this revolver configured so, and the new loads with BTB 265 grain WFN bullets, I’ll have no qualms or misgivings about helping any cantankerous hogs meet their maker sooner rather than later.

I have a special edition .45 stainless 5.5 barrel Ruger Bisley and really like it. I ordered a slim jim crossdraw holster from Cabellas and did not like it because the belt loop was too low on the holster. The revolver kept trying to fall out because the center of gravity was higher than my belt. I restitched the loop to make the rig hang a little lower and it's ok now.

I have a special edition .45 stainless 5.5 barrel Ruger Bisley and really like it. I ordered a slim jim crossdraw holster from Cabellas and did not like it because the belt loop was too low on the holster. The revolver kept trying to fall out because the center of gravity was higher than my belt. I restitched the loop to make the rig hang a little lower and it's ok now.

I've seen those special editions and thought they were awesome. I wanted the 4 5/8" to carry, and am happy with my decision. So my efforts to convert to the Bisley grip is so I can have your gun with the shorter barrel. I personally think the Bisley grip frame looks best with the 5.5" barrel length, and I will have a blued one done sometime in the future. Bowen has put together some beautiful ones in .45, starting with a .357 Ruger Bisley. That way they can ream the cylinder throats to be properly sized for .45 (Ruger typically has them too tight) and then add a quality barrel in .45. I like the one he did with case hardened frame...WOW!

I found a used Bianchi crossdraw thumb-break holster that was really for large-frame S&Ws, and cut it off to the right length for the 4 5/8" barrel of the SBH. Haven't seen one I like better.

Got the missing grip screw in from Hogue so the grips go on today:D. This week I'll go to the range:p to make sure I got everything back together correctly. When confirmed I will disassemble once again and begin to file the ears of the gripframe down to match the cylinder frame, then polish. Remember I've never done this work before:eek:, so I'll let you know how it progresses.

Man I love this gun now! Put the walnut grips on the new Bisley grip frame last night, and I love both the feel and the look. To the range, then I'll do the finish work.

Well, I made it to the range Saturday. I had factory .44 mag 240gr JFPs and .44 Special 200gr LSWCs as well. The Bisley grip I've installed has indeed given me more control during shooting of full house loads, as well as distributed the recoil from these loads much better, and without the pain of the standard SA grip. The .44 Special loads reminded me of .357 mag load from my 6 inch S&W 686. All of this makes me very anxious to now do the finish work on the new grip frame, and develop loads for the BTB 265gr WFNs and the sample 300gr WFNs that arrive this week. I'll send another range report when I shoot the newly developed loads.

I can't find the bisley grip frame on midway, where did you find it?

I can't find the bisley grip frame on midway, where did you find it?

shooterpunk, here are the -

Midway Part Numbers

699239 - Ruger Bisley Grip Frame [stainless]
393315 - Ruger Bisley Trigger [stainless]
797832 - Ruger Bisley Hammer [stainless]

Hope this helps.

thanks a lot

The 4 5/8" Stainless Bisley project is now complete.

I completed doing the finish work (matching the cylinder frame to the grip frame and polishing the grip frame to match the gun) today. All I used was a flat file, my wife's emery board, and an abrasion wheel with the Dremel. It looks great, shoots great, and carries great. Better yet, they're not available anywhere out there in this barrel length, unless someone does it them self or hires a gunsmith...i.e. custom! I've never done any custom gun work before, and I've never taken a revolver apart. I'd still like to do a blued Bisley in 5 1/2", and I could get that just by chopping off a stock 7 1/2" Bisley, recrowning, and reattaching the front sight.

Thanks for all the encouragement along the way guys; and for all the comments. I'll still send the range report when I load and shoot the BTB 265gr WFNs that are coming this week.

The BTB 265gr WFNs came in and I got to reload some today:D. I have not chronographed yet, but I will. I was going for a midrange load. The recipe so far is:

BTB .44 (.432) 265gr WGNGC - over 9 grains of W231 - Winchester Brass - Winchester Large Pistol Primer

Very accurate. Much better fit to the throats. Recoil was easy to control and I could get off a quick second shot and still be accurate. Feels lots warmer than the .44 Special loads (no surprise), but not as hot as the factory .44 Mag Winchester JSPs. I'm gonna guess 1050-1150 fps, but I'll verify.

I'll also verify accuracy and fps in the 1894 20" barrel. More to come.

Here's a pic of my Gary Reeder custom .45 Colt 4-5/8" Blackhawk/Bisley conversion. It's got the slickest action of any SA i've ever owned before.

http://www.cqbarms.com/photos/albums/userpics/Bisley_1.JPG

Mine is just like this except in stainless with Walnut grip panels.