[amprecon]

Ok, I've always kind of wanted a Vaquero, but never gave much thought to the grip styles, Bisley or traditional (dragoon?). Which do you prefer and why?
I have shot the standard gripped Vaquero in .45LC and it felt great, so I lean towards that because I have no experience with the Bisley.

[jjmorgan64]

A lot will depend on caliber, many people like the Bisley grips to help with the recoil of the 44 mag and hot 45 colt loads, I'm just more comfortable with the traditional grip frame.

Best idea is to go to your local shop and hold both, see which feels better.

[caz223]

It's a question of intended use and caliber.
If you want a short barreled .45 colt and don't intend to shoot anything handloaded to the moon, then by all means get the bird'shead.
If you want a .44 to shoot hot loads with-get the bisley.
If you're in the middle, the regular vaquero is prolly the most conventional choice.

[tex_n_cal]

I've had a Super Blackhawk .44, and the Bisley Blackhawk in .45 is MUCH more comfortable, even with heavy loads.:)

[dev_null]

I have two Vaqs in .45 LC, one a "standard" grip in 4-3/4" and one a birdshead in 3-1/2". I actually like the feel of the birdshead a bit better, even though aesthetically I prefer the standard.

Neither one is as accurate as my replica Remington '58's with the Taylor's R&D conversion cylinders, btw.

-0-

[swifter]

When I buy one, it will be a Bisley, in .45 Long:neener: Colt, because I plan to losd it with heavy handloads, and the Bisley handles recoil better. For looks, tho, the traditional is tops.
Tom

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I went for the "Traditional" model's; as they just seem
like a perfect fit, for me!:) :rolleyes:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Tom C.]

Which grip you prefer will depend on several factors: intended use, hand size, 1 hand or 2 handed shooting, caliber, load intensity. I have large hands and usually shoot with both hands using light loads. I use traditional, checkered grips on my CAS revolvers. The checkering anchors the gun in my hand for quicker follow-up shots with light loads. For heavier loads, I have another gun with smooth grips with rounded edges. I also have one of the SS Bisley .45 Colt. I had to put on thicker grips on the Bisley for my large hands. The Bisley and smooth grip Blackhawk feel much alike in recoil, but the Bisley has a lower hammer spur which works well one handed. It is a little too low for two handed work for my large hands. For one handed work, I don’t have a problem with the Blackhawks higher hammer spur, but people with smaller hands may.
Try both and make up your own mind based on your criteria and anticipated use.

[J Scott]

Whatever my Freedom Arms 97 is. More on the Bisley side with a
splash of added perfection. So, I voted other.

J Scott

[Standing Wolf]

I've never cared a great deal for single action revolvers, but must admit the bird's head grip looks mighty pretty.

[444]

I have the traditional grip on a Single Six, and Blackhawks in .357, 45 Colt :neener: and .44 Mag. I only have one Bisley and that is on a .22LR Single Six. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten the Bisley frame on all of them. It feels much better to me, and obviously it isn't about recoil.

I do think the traditional grip frame LOOKs better though.

[Oracle]

I found that the Bisley grip was just too big for my hands, so I opted for the Traditional (plowhandle) grip on one of my Vaqueros, and the Birdshead on the other, and got thinner "gunfighter grips" on both of them. They both fit my hands extremely well now, and that helps with recoil more than anything.

[Ravenwolf]

It took me a minute to decide on which to vote for because, umm, my Bisley is Birdheaded. It is on my 45 Long Colt Hunter from Gary Reeder. With heavy 45 Colt loads (335 gr and 360 gr LBTs) this grip frame really helps me in controlling the recoil. I wish I could have all my grip frames converted to this one....RW