does anybody still make a birdshead .357?

[WestKentucky]

I know that there are several models such as the birdshead vaquero but I can't find any current production .357 mag single action birdshead revolvers, or even birdshead grip frames to make what I want become a reality. If you know of any current production models I would certainly appreciate it. Even heritage dropped the birdshead in big bore.

 

[back40]

ruger makes a birdshead vaquero in .45 auto and .45 colt. you could buy one and swap the grip frames out for the plow handle from a .357. pricey, but will get you what you want.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Uberti has Bird's Head SA revolvers in .45 Colt, .357 Magnum and .38 Special and they are good revolvers too.
http://www.uberti.com/birds-head-revolver

Cimarron sells a replica of the Thunder revolver in 38/357 that's made for them by Uberti.
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/cartridge-revolvers/thunderer-1.html

They also sell a replica Lightning revolver but it is not available in .357 Magnum but they do sell a .38 Special.
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/cartridge-revolvers/lightning-model-p-jr/lightning-1.html

 

[Twiki357]

I don’t know if it’s still available, but Beretta also has/had a birdshead 357. I think it is/was made by Uberti.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don’t know if it’s still available, but Beretta also has/had a birdshead 357. I think it is/was made by Uberti.

It's been quite some time since Beretta has sold a revolver. I do remember them having them back then and I think they were named Stampede. (I think)

 

[Gary A]

Not sure about Beretta, but Cimarron firearms still lists them in several barrel lengths from 3 1/2 inches up in the "Thunderer" line. They are Uberti-made and lack the transfer bar of the Beretta versions, so they are "five up". Not certain about other makers like Pietta.

I have a couple Birdshead Vaqueros and have often wondered if the reason Ruger made so few Birdshead .357s (they did make a few on the large frame with 4 5/8 inch barrels) is because the BH grip is not at its best with sharp recoiling loads? I don't know. The 45 acp BH is really a sweetheart.

 

[anothernewb]

Would someone mind explaining "birdshead" to the uneducated? Just my curiosity eeking out.

 

[pendennis]

Would someone mind explaining "birdshead" to the uneducated? Just my curiosity eeking out.

The "bird's head" revolvers are round-butt single actions. The configuration of the round butt on the SA gives it a "bird's head" appearance. The guns usually have a shorter barrel for concealment purposes. Midway shows them online, but out of stock.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/821208/ruger-grip-frame-birds-head-ruger-new-model-single-six-vaquero-large-frame-stainless-steel

 

[WestKentucky]

It is strictly a different grip design, much like a round butt vs square butt smith and wesson double action. The standard grip on a single action is referred to a a plow handle as it resembles a plow bottom. The birdshead is very rounded and is much handier for quick shots but typically isn't quite as good of a platform for precision shooting. It does make it much more possible to carry a single action concealed...plus there's the cool factor.

 

[anothernewb]

huh. neato. don't know much about the western style handguns. they have quite the following with the groups out here.