Ruger Bisley in 5.5 inch Stainless

[weisse52]

OK, So I start looking for a Ruger SA.

Thinking I wanted a SBH, and really wanted a 4 5/8th inch barrel. 7.5 are all over the place, but the shorter barrels are nowhere to be found. Today I am in a local shop and he has a stainless Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt with a 5.5 inch barrel. Now, I have never seen one in anything but 7.5. This thing really felt great.

So, my question is this. For those of you who have shot both a SBH and a Bisley what is the real difference in felt recoil between the two handle styles. I am told that the Bisley is really better at recoil with the heavy loads. I have shot the SBH with some pretty stiff loads so I know what that feels like. I know that the 45 can handle some big loads in the Ruger as well.

And, anybody knows how common the 5.5 inch barrel is on the Bisley?

 

[kount_zer0]

If it's a Bisley Blackhawk in 45 Colt buy it. Limited production and hard to find today. If it's a new Vaquero Bisley, you shouldn't use the Ruger only loads in it, so recoil isn't an issue.

I've shot both my 45 Colt BH and a 45 Colt Bisley BH with the Ruger only loads and recoil is easy in both to me. I think it's personal preference. The Bisley seems easier to aim well and it did handle the recoil differently due to the angle and curvature of the grip.

How does it feel in your hand? How will it feel in your holster

 

[weisse52]

It is the Bisley Blackhawk. He has it priced the same as the Vaquero. It felt Great! Pointed really well. It is looking tempting.

 

[Blacksmoke]

A local shop has a Bisely Vaquero 5.5 inch .45 Colt blue steel new for $450. I have an old model Vaquero 3.75 inch .45 Colt in stainless. Is the old model Bisely Vaquero .45 Colt blue hard to find? I don't get to many gun stores so it is news to me.

 

[BlkHawk73]

The stainless Bisleys are what's known as Acusport Bisleys. Acusport, a distributor, contracts manufactruers to buld non-cataloged models. Many distributors do this now. The 45Colt model is the third in what's so far a 5 model series. Got at least one of each myself. The one you looked at is my favorite by far. The balance and overall handling is great. For that particular model there were two runs with a total production of 1200 being made. I wouldn't call them impossible to find as they do pop up now and then but they are being seen for sale less often now.

If it's a new Vaquero Bisley, you shouldn't use the Ruger only loads in it, so recoil isn't an issue.

ALL Bisley vaqueros made were made on the lg frame, same as the Blackahws and Super Blackhawks and are quite capable of the same loads as these two models. With the exception being the sights basically, the cylinder frames and cylinders are the same for al three models. It's the New Vaquero model that should only be used with SAAMI spec loads and nothing more than that.

Now you say this Bisley is priced the same as the Vaquero. If the price of the Vaquero is in line with what other Vaqueros sell for, by it! Brand new, they could be had for between $420 and $500 depending on the dealer. Now they run towrds the higher amounts in that same bracket. Some of the models in the sereis, the .44 and .41 mags, will run $100+ more as there were only 500 of each of those made.
Buy the Stainless Bisley!

 

[Cosmoline]

I've owned and fired at least 100+ magnum revolvers, so when I tell you that the 5.5" Ruger Bisley Vaquero (the discontinued one) is the single coolest and most fun one I've shot I want you to understand my foundation. It's darn near the ideal, probably because it's based more on the Keith No. 5 than the actual Bisley. Keith's ultimate sixgun had somewhat leaner grips and was obviously a custom job, but the Ruger Bisley is a clear homage to the great one's favorite iron. And it's a very good foundation for custom work.

If it's a new Vaquero Bisley, you shouldn't use the Ruger only loads in it, so recoil isn't an issue.

Just to clarify (or not) the "new" Ruger is actually a return to the smaller old-style Blackhawk frame.

 

[campbell]

What BlkHawk73 said. It's one of the Acusports. I've got one myself. Fantastic configuration. Mine is from the run in 2006 that came with a .45 ACP cylinder along with the .45 Colt.

 

[usp_fan]

I've got one of the 1st run Accusport Bisleys that was purchased in honor of my son's birth in 2001. It will be his when he turns 21. Untill then, I'm doing my darnedest to wear it out.

The Ruger Bisley grip does handle hot loads very well. The hammer is comfortable to cock with either the shooting hand or the support hand thumb. I would snatch this revolver up if you like the caliber. The 5.5" barrel is a good compromise and very handy.

 

[Blacksmoke]

Well you have convinced me to buy the blue Vaquero Bisely, dang it! It is a three hour drive each way. The things we do for the love of the gun...

 

[weisse52]

I agree, I am going back and if this one has the 45 ACP cylinder I am buying this one as well.

Unless the Model 21 he has for $549 convinces me to buy it.

 

[kount_zer0]

I just wasn't sure if they make the new medium frame Vaq in a Bisley configuration, so thanks for clearing that up. I didn't want to recommend hot loads in the new vaq.

By all means buy it.

 

[Cosmoline]

Unless the Model 21 he has for $549 convinces me to buy it.

What Model 21? Glock or Smith?

 

[weisse52]

Smith Model 21.
I sold a Glock models 19 and 21 to buy another Springfield GI model and now looking for a revolver as well. I am going back to steel.