I had a chance to shoot a .475LB Bowen Nimrod yesterday and got a good comparison with a M83 in .454 that I've had since 1990. I can see how a guy could learn to appreciate the Bisley grip frame.

Seemed to me that the Bisley frame delivered the recoil in a better manner than the M83. Not only is the gun a bit fatter in the frame and cylinder but the shape of the grip makes it ride about 1/2-3/4" lower than the 83. I had an 83 in .475LB and sold it because it was just too much. It would torque up and rearward so much that the hammer left tracks on the top of the web of my thumb. Not so with the Bisley grip. Even my M83 in .454 leaps much more than that .475 Nimrod.

Looks like the BFR is configured similarly to the M83, like a Bisley grip mounted lower in more of a SAA position.

Any thoughts on what grip frame delivers recoil the best and most comfortable for the big bores?

Actually the BFR is nothing like the Model 83. It is a pure plow-handle Ruger in configuration (Dragoon style but a bit bigger). The FA grip frame more resembles a Bisley than the BFR/Ruger. I like the FA grip a lot better than the BFR grip for recoil handling. A solution is Jack Huntington's grip frame extension done to the Ruger/BFR which gives it a more vertical (Bisley-esque) profile. See photos below (unmodified BFR top, modified bottom -- same revolver):





This photo shows the Huntington modified Ruger grip frame (bottom revolver) next to a Bisley grip frame (also modified), so you can see the differences in profile.



And finally, this photo shows the unmodified BFR (bottom), with a Model 83 on top. Notice that the BFR's grip sweeps back, while the Model 83 more or less plunges down similarly to a Bisley.



Hope this helps out a bit!

Photos and explanations are priceless.
Thank you.

quote:

Originally posted by Snowwolfe:
Photos and explanations are priceless.
Thank you.

You're welcome!

Excellent comparisons, Whitworth. Thanks for taking the time to post the pics and explanations.

Not a problem! Glad it was useful!

Whitworth,does Huntington actually move the grip frame back or just rework the stock frame via metal removal???OB

Whitworths explaination with pictoral is great.

I have found that those folk who need better grip frames for recoil management AND who's hands are either small/short fingered, or those who are really thick in the palm, having little "air" in the middle of a closed hand, find the 83 to be a nice fit.
It is very small in the upper handle/ behind the trigger/ and has a nice round profile whic is easy to get a hand around.
Crudely described, It is kinda halfway between the plowhandle and the Bisley.

quote:

Originally posted by OLBIKER:
Whitworth,does Huntington actually move the grip frame back or just rework the stock frame via metal removal???OB

On which grip? He reshapes and actually adds material to the plow handle to extend it. The Bisley gets a recontouring, that gives you a little more space. My Maximum, shooting 525s at around 1,350 doesn't bang my knuckle.

I was talking about The Bisley.I am going to try a little stock removal and rounding the bottom ends of the grip off.Butch Lambert donated some nice Walnut to me and I will make a new grip also.

I'll photograph the modified Bisley next to a stock Bisley this weekend so you can better see the recontouring.

Thanks,that would be much appreciated.OB