Bisley Conversion Project

[g_gunter]

I found a Ruger Bisley in .44 mag for $269.00 in 99% condition and couldn't pass it up. I've been trying to find a bisely for a conversion project and now I have no excuse. The problem is that now I don't have $1200 - $2000 to do a full blown conversion (like John or Dustin Linebaugh or Bowen) but can handle spending from $600 - $800.

I've been looking at David Clements' work and am really impressed by some of the guns he has done and he has a 6 shot conversion going for $600 (custom barrel and bored out cylinder) and a 6 shot accurized conversion (line-bored cylinder & custom barrel) for $875. I'm wondering if, for now, its worth spending the extra $275 for the line-bored cylinder or would I even be able to tell the difference in the field with open sights (heavy .45 Colt at 50-60 yard shots on deer and hogs)?

Anybody have any other suggestions or other gunsmiths they would recommend? I really like what I've seen of Dave Clements' work but am open to suggestions.

Thanks,

g_gunter

 

[Jim March]

Hmmm.

See, Ruger barrels are generally pretty good. In a lot of cases a custom line-bored cylinder plus a Taylor Throat on the stock barrel will work out quite well. You might give Jim Stroh at Alpha Precision a call, he's big on Taylor Throating.

The money you save might be better spent on sights and a better grip, something that matches your personal ergonomics needs or perhaps even switch away from the Bisley grip completely if it doesn't fit your hands.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Shoot the gun first and see how it is. The throating would likely help a bit and a spring change for some trigger feel improvement. If you want a complete custom job, wait and do it. Don't bother going part way, you'll never go the rest then. Also, consider Bowen or Reeder. Both do outstanding Ruger work and I believe only require 50% down on work. May make it easier for you.

 

[Tom C.]

The .44 SuperBlackhawk I got last spring is the best Ruger Blackhawk I have. The cylinder throats are .431", the barrel forcing cone was nice and clean, and it shoots great! All I had to do was clean up the trigger and add a Belt Mountain cylinder base pin and Wolff spring kit.
Before spending big bucks, see it the new Bisley is a shooter.

 

[Majic]

The .44 Rugers have never been bad shooters and it certainly has the power to handle hogs and deer. Why not just shoot it as is until you have saved all you need to do the complete custom work you want and by the smith you prefer? That way you will really appreciate the custom work as you can compare it to how it originally shot. You may find the .44 to be just fine and that will save you money on getting another barrel.

 

[Boxhead]

I'd send the gun to Clement's (who I have used) and have him cut the barrel to 5 1/2", mount his pinned front sight and Bowen rear sight, properly fit the factory or some replacement grips, do an action/trigger job, check the forcing cone and call it good. You will have a fine packable, powerful gun. The 5 1/2" Bisely is a fine balancing gun. Here's two Bisley 45's on the left. The upper one was done by Clements starting life as a Bisley Vaquero. Note his front sight, the rear is from a J frame S&W. The lower SS one is one of the Acusport guns fitted with a Bowen rear sight, taller factory front blade, drilled factory basepin. The factory crown on this one was not true so has been recrowned.

 

[eagle24]

I would shoot it first. I have a bisley .44 with 2x scope, leupold base and rings. All I did was trigger and spring work. Accuracy is very exceptable for a hunting wheelgun. My gun is very finicky about bullets and likes the heavier loads best. I'm shooting 240 gr Hornady XTP maxed out with H-110 (really flattening the primers) and it shoots tight at 50 yds. You might use the $$$$ for another gun????

 

[rWt]

A Bowen-modified Bisley with Roy Fishpaw grips. Caliber stayed the same-45 Colt.