I just booked a black bear hunt with hounds for this spring. Since it will involve quite a bit chasing dogs through the mountains, I've thinking that I'd much rather do this hunt with a handgun than a rifle.

I sold my old 629 last spring and the only handgun I currently have that would be a possibility is a S&W 396 .44 Special. At 18 ounces, it bucks a little with full power loads. I'm sure it would work, but I think something new is in order.

I was thinking that a 10 inch Contender in 7-30 Waters would be a good choice, but then I found a mint, stainless Ruger Bisley at the gun shop today in 45 LC for $369. It almost seems like it would be a sin to pass that up.

Anybody have any thoughts? I'm not looking for something to hunt with that also serves as a backup weapon when I have a rifle. I already have that covered. This would be a dedicated hunting gun for deer and black bear sized critters at less than 100 yards.

Pete

Before we get ahead of ourselves, what exactly is the name and contact information for the gun store where you found the Bisley?

You're right, it would be a sin to pass up the Ruger Bisley, especially if the stainless gun in question is the 7-1/2 inch Hunter version. Even if it's the 5-1/2 inch belt gun it's a great pistol, especially in 45 Colt.

I would get another S&W 44 Mag, with a 6" barrel

Might help if we know what's in the budget for this..and what type action you favor..single shot, bottom feeders or wheelguns. There's no end of each that will cleanly take bear.

Getting another S&W 44 Mag ain't a bad idea. Ruger SBH in .44 Magnum is another easy choice. And if money is no object and exotics are not off limits, others can be named..

The S&W 629 that I just sold was a 6.5 inch Classic. I killed a couple of deer and a bear it, but just never really liked the way it handled. The only single action I've ever owned is a Single Six which I do like quite a bit.

The Bisley I was looking at was the 5.5 inch model, which seemed to point real well. For those of you who have them, how does that grip style handle recoil?

I don't have a set budget for this, but I was thinking I'd find something used for around $500 or so.

I actually went in to see if they had any used Contenders, as being able to get other barrels is tempting. I think a .223 barrel could be a lot of fun on a dog town.

Some like the Bisley, others don't...... That said, a 5.5-inch barrel is easy to pack, carry, and point, and plenty long for accurate shooting. I would go with the Ruger personally..... Keep us posted.

S&W 657 41 mag..............

I've never owned a Bisley, so I too would be interested in knowing how that grip style handles recoil. I have done a lot of shooting with the Smith N frames in .41 and .44 and the SBH in .44 and if it's any help to know, in my opinion under actual hunting conditions none of those have recoil that's objectionable. When you're shooting at a deer you might not even notice it. That's with factory loads in Hornady's 240 grainer @ 1350. When I move up to Cor-Bon's 240 @ 1450 then I start to feel it, but still no deal-breaker.

So, I'll venture a guess if the Bisley is same or less recoil then it couldn't be too bad.

Fwiw, I've always thought the traditional grip frame better looking than the Bisley, but that's a matter of taste and as we all know, there's no accounting for that..

One more Fwiw, on the Smiths I doubt the $500 in today's world would buy one of the older Models 29 or 57 that don't have the underlug. And the newer 629 to my knowledge is now listing on GB for more than that also. A good condition used SBH can probably be had locally for $400 to $500. I got mine at a local gun show for $600, but it appeared unfired and the dealer threw in a real good looking set of genuine stag horn grips from another gun.

first you should not pass up that bisley if they still have.The 45 will do the job wonderfully and while not enough time to send out now and get back in time for hunt you can convert to 38-40,475 or 500 linebaughs.The bisley grip does help recoil but also bites your middle finger when firing heavy loads

The bite of the Bisley relates to the size of your hand. If it handles and fits well in your hand, you should be okay. I have the Bisley Hunter in .44.

I went in today and bought the Bisley. My handgun purchase permit had expired, so I won't be able to pick it up for another week or so until I get my new one. For the price, if I don't like it I know I can at least get my money back out of it.

Since I'm just going to be using it to shoot a bear out of a tree, I'm thinking that a hard cast wide flat nosed bullet of around 300 grains at 1100 to 1200 fps out to be more than meet my needs and be easy to shoot.

I'm still thinking about getting a Contender though...

quote:

Originally posted by talentrec:

Since I'm just going to be using it to shoot a bear out of a tree, I'm thinking that a hard cast wide flat nosed bullet of around 300 grains at 1100 to 1200 fps out to be more than meet my needs and be easy to shoot.

Absolutely! Put that slug through the boiler room and head's up for falling bears!

Some find the Bisley grip objectionable; but then again others feel the same about naked women.

If one does not fall into the above mentioned group, the Bisley grip handles recoil from the heavy kicking calibers better than any other grip design.

Congratulations on the purchase! I don't think you will be disappointed? Is it a .45 Colt? If so, you are in really good shape.

It's the 5.5 inch 45 Colt.

I just looked on my loading bench. I have AA#5, AA#9, Blue Dot and Lil'Gun. Anybody have any favorite loads using any of these powders?

Pete

I bought the first two .44 Bisleys I ever saw, will never need another pistol. Had a 629, but have always had Super Blackhawks prior. The Bisley grip directs recoil straight back, with only the barrel torque otherwise, very little muzzle flip or rise. The original Peacemaker-style grip was designed for Cavalry use, allowing the pistol to rock back in the hand for quick thumb-cocking and chopping down on the target in combat. The Bisley grip was designed for Target use, and directs the recoil straight back to allow for quicker return to battery and target acquisition. The only thing that feels better in MY hands is a woman's breasts. The only thing that feels As Good is an 1858 Remington Army. How could ANYONE not prefer a Bisley?! Also, the Bisley grip is a half-inch longer or so, allowing for a FIRM grip with ring and little fingers. The only problems I had with the factory grips was the corners coming off the frame behind the trigger were a little TOO Defined, making for edges which cut blisters inside my fingers after a box or so of shells. I have since took the rasp and sandpaper to these edges and rounded them, Most Excellent. Also, the rear sight blade inserts are a mite fragile, send off to Brownell's and get a couple Spares. Had these guns for fifteen years, don't ever see me owning any other revolvers. No, Ruger doesn't pay me to Advertise, I do it for FREE, because it's Merited.
KY Jim

I have the very same 5.5" bisley and love it. It handles the recoil of the heavier loads better than my blackhawk. I have also used lil'gun and had pretty good results. I used it with cast performance 325 & 335gr bullets. If you can get H-110 or W296 you might do better.

Has anyone tried 21 grains of Alliant 2400 with 240gr. XTP's in the .44's?

A Ruger Bsley in 45 Colt is an excellent choice IMHO. I would not pass it up, especialy for $369.00

I have a Bisley with the 7 1/2 " barrel.I have big hands and with stout loads it raps my middle finger pretty good.Very accurate.I will look up some of my favorite loads and post them Mon.

buy your smith back!

You did the right thing with getting the Bisley.