[Slow]

I have never fired either of these and don't know when I'll get a chance ... but for those who have ... either or both... which one handles recoil better in your own subjective opinion... I would like to get one of these in a Ruger brand .45 Colt Sheriffs model or Vaquero or Blackhawk... Thanks for replying.

[Jim March]

MOST people will tell you the Bisley handles big recoil better than the BH. But "hand fit" matters a lot too.

You can convert either grip type either way. The BH parts are available at Qualitas, and if you want, in brass...which is easier to hand-fit to your primary frame with basic hand tools in your garage. Brownell's has a complete Ruger-original-parts Bisley conversion package for just under $200 I think.

So if it was me:

FIRST, go to a shop and handle both. See how they feel. IF you've got decent sized hands and IF you want to play with 45LC+P power levels (more or less 44Mag horsepower class) then even if it feels a little funky, you should be biased towards the Bisley unless it REALLY feels "wrong". If it doesn't work out, switching to Bird's-Head with the Qualitas kit will be a reasonable option, and your barely used Bisley bits will be worth almost as much as the Qualitas parts.

One other complication: most 45LC Bisley Vaqueros are 5.5" barrels. A few are 4.68", none are 3.75". Factory Bird's-Heads in 45LC are now available in 3.75" and 4.68". So, if you want the shorter tubes, you may not have a choice.

Qualitas parts page:

http://www.qpr-inc.com/cowboy_stuff.htm

Hope this helps.

[popbang]

I use a Blackhawk with Hogue Mono-Grip for hunting and heavy loads. The Bisley just din't feel right at all to me. The Blackhawk in this steup handles recoil just fine. I also have a Bird's Head Vaquero and it does pretty good with heavy loads. The only caution I would have if using it for hunting and such is with Vaqueros and fixed sights you have to develop a load and/or file the front sight down to ensure point of aim and point of impact are the same. In my opinion I would rather have adjustable sights.

[Slow]

Thank you guys for responding.

[Cableman]

I have the Ruger Birdheads 45lc Vaquero. It is very comfortable with the 300 grain heavy loads. Plus it is better looking than the Bisley Grip.