I'm considering getting a single action Ruger, but I'm not sure which one I want. I've decided on the .45 Colt, but do I get the Blackhawk or the Bisley? I am under the impression that the grip frame on the Bisley is more comfortable under heavy recoil. Is this true? I have also noticed that the trigger and hammer differ between the two models. I have shot a Bisley and I do like lower hammer (not to say I won't like the BH hammer). Is the trigger all that different?

JTD,

I have a new blackhawk in .357 mag, the frame of the grip is not comfortable comares with Bisley one. I have a FA which have similar grip frame than Bisley or Vaquero. This grip allow to the revolver to "jump" in the hand that is helpful to handle heavy recoil.

If you are afraid about recoil, I advice you to purcahse Uncle's Mike shooting gloves with fingers cut.

I own a 4.625" Super Blackhawk with what is now a standard grip frame, that is, a steel Blackhawk grip frame with round trigger guard. I also own a 4.625" stainless Bisley Vaquero. I used to own a 7.5" Super Blackhawk with the then standard Super Blackhawk (larger) grip frame with square trigger guard. All .44 Mags. I also own a 4" 29 and a 3" ported 629, the former with Pachmayr SNS grips, the latter with custom grips.

In my experience, both the Blackhawk frame and the Super Blackhawk frame roll up in the hand. The short-barrel Blackhawk frame is less comfortable, partly because it kicks a little more and mostly because the trigger guard rubs a little hard on the inside of the middle section of my trigger finger. I don't know whether that is solely because of the shape, or simply because of the increased recoil. With Federal 300gr loads, I would prefer not to fire it a lot without a real glove.

The Bisley Vaquero does NOT roll in my hand, at least not so's I notice. I can fire the same 300gr loads comfortably with no glove.

Although the Bisley doesn't seem to roll in my hand, it DOES raise my arm, far more than the 29 or 629 would. Their recoil, of course, is a little more straight back because the bore is closer to the hand.

I don't know, but I suspect that a low Bisley hammer with a Blackhawk frame and a heavy load might put a world of hurt on the web of your shooting hand.

Hope this helps.

P.S. The trigger on both short Rugers seems to be in the right place. Different frames, different triggers, apparently properly matched.

[ 06-12-2002, 20:10: Message edited by: Recono ]

I'd get the Blackhawk in stainless steel with a 5.5 inch barrel and put a Houge grip on it.

I own some of each and wouldnt buy another over .357 without the bisley grip frame it is much easier to control and just seems to point better

Depends on the size of your hand? My 4" stainless 500 Linebaugh, is tamed some by the round butt bisley grip I have on it. Also have an alloy round butted bisley 45 Colt/ACP/AR that weighs only 29 ounces, and shooting my 335 grain bullet @1000fps out of the 3 11/16" barrel, is more comfortable to shoot than a 4 5/8" BHK I used to have, with heavy bullets. The BHK seems to roll more. Then again my gunsmiths says the bisley bring tearse to his eyes, when testing the big bores, and a BHK grip with Pachmyers he can shoot all day! Hate to say it, but you might want to try both first? Rent each if you can, but most shooters I've met at the range, are more than happy to let you try a cylinder full!

I went through the same delima. I was looking for a handgun for deer hunting. I already had a Blackhawk 10mm / .38-40 convertable I carried with my Winchester 92 in .38-40. I bought the Blackhawk Bisley in .45LC and love it. Of course with any Ruger in .45 Colt you have to get by that tight cylinder throat problem. (I can help you with that if you want).

All in all, I think the Bisley configuration is the most "user friendly"...

I agree with Sean. SS Blackhawk 45 Colt with a 5.5 barrel. Add a Hogue rubber mono grip. Changes the whole characteristics of the grip. Fills the hand and places the finger over the trigger. Mine is darn near impossible to shoot with the factory grip. I even like the Hogue grip on the Blackhawk better than the plain bisley grip.

Action job, Belt Mountain cylinder pin, honed cylinder throats, Bowen rear sight and Bowen custom front blade to sight in 300 grain cast. I am happy now!

[ 06-13-2002, 23:23: Message edited by: wildcat51 ]

If you dont plan on changing the grips then i myself would go with the bisley , theres more to hold on to and the gun will be easier to control. unless you have small hands then the sbh would be fine. remember the sbh grip hold is made so your pinkey is under the bottom strap , not so with the larger bisley fram.In my opinion you get a better hold on the bisley. I however own a super blackhawk and just purchased Pachmayr gripper disseleraters at the sugestion of others on this foram. And a big thankyou they did the trick.

There isn't a Hogue Monogrip on Earth that can do for you what a Bisley-style grip can do for you. Period. There is no sense discussing it further. If you EVER plan on loading "hot," and don't want to be punished, go with a Bisley grip. For shootability, there is NO comparison.

I did the research and had my .500 Linebaugh built on a Ruger Bisley. I further enhanced comfort by having the butt rounded, ala Gary Reeder. Having shot the gun quite extensively now, I can tell you it would have been a BIG mistake to go with any other style of grip -- and just swapping for a rubber grip wouldn't have done squat.

Russ

My Blackhawk is a 45 Colt not a 500 Linebaugh. Never plan on converting the pistol to anything bigger. The Hogue mono grip places my finger just right on the trigger. The grip fills the hand firmly and is non-slip. Even with hot loaded 300 grain cast it is a joy to shoot. I also have a set of custom fitted black marcarta grip panels that I install for show. They really contrast the SS finish but are not worth a crap for shooting with. I do agree that if you plan on converting the your Ruger to a gut wrenching caliber the Bisley Grip is the way to go. But my 45 Colt with 300 grain cast is all the power I desire for health prevention. Specially considering the cost of the conversion. The blawkhawk will provide the tradition look. The mono grip privides a way to enhance the shootability.

[ 06-15-2002, 05:29: Message edited by: wildcat51 ]

I finally picked up a SS 4 5/8" Bisley Vaquaro in 44mag. Trigger had been lightened and smooth ivory grips (Imitation) added. The gun just shoots awesome. I'm in love with how it feels as compared to the standard grip frame. It will be converted to 500 Linebaugh this winter for purely backup.