Bisley flattop grip fit problem

[BB Rvlr]

I bought a set of grips for my .44 SP Bisley Flattop from Esmeralda. They are absolutely gorgeous but they don't fit my grip frame properly. It seems like the hole in the bottom of the panels is not in the correct place. I am considering modifying the grips to fit (yes I know this will ruin my being able to return them).

I understand that there is a difference between stainless a blued Bisley frames. Does anyone know what this difference is? I was wondering if this difference is the causing the problem I am experiencing.

 

[G2]

Stainless Bisley Grip Frames do tend to run a tad bigger than the Blue ones.

If there is more staiinless than grip panel, I remove some stainless.

When the hole does not quite line up, I carefully expand the hole, untill the grips fit perfectly. Then apply some vasline(release agent) to the pin and surounding area, mix up a little JB Weld Black/Steel fill the grip panel hole and install the grips, let dry for 48 + hours. Carefully remove and clean it up.
Ends up looking like a neat little black bushing.

We want to see pictures... :D

 

[CraigC]

That's why it's best to have your grips fitted to your grip frame. Particularly important on Bisleys.

 

[caryc]

Here is the same stock grip on a blued and stainless Bisley grip frame. The top pic shows the grip on a stainless frame. The back of the grip is even with the back strap on the frame.

The bottom pic shows the same grip on a carbon steel frame, it's just not blued yet.

I don't even make Bisley grips unless the customer sends me the frame. I do not know how Esmeralda makes her grips but if she fit them to a stainless frame and you have a blued frame it would present the problem you have described.

 

[sack peterson]

The diferrence between the stainless and blued Bisley frame was encountered by shooters and grip makers in the past.

I think the Flattop Bisley / Bisley New Vaquero is yet another frame variation. I'm sure a new casting was created. For one, the gusset ears that fit to the back of the cylinder frame have been deleted on this version.

I have quite a few old sets of factory Ruger Bisley grips, and I can't say any 'fit' at all to my new Flattop Bisley frame.

 

[caryc]

The diferrence between the stainless and blued Bisley frame was encountered by shooters and grip makers in the past.

I think the Flattop Bisley / Bisley New Vaquero is yet another frame variation. I'm sure a new casting was created. For one, the gusset ears that fit to the back of the cylinder frame have been deleted on this version.

I have quite a few old sets of factory Ruger grips, and I ca't say any 'fit' to my new Flattop Bisley frame.

Thanks for the info Sack. Yet another reason to have the customers grip frame when making Bisley grips.

I know that lots of people don't want to send a customer their grip frame for different reasons. One being that they just don't want to be without it. The second being that they might not know how to remove it or are just to afraid to attempt it.

But I can tell you one thing. Customers that do send their grip frames for fitting forget all about the time without being able to shoot their gun when they get the frame back with grips that fit. They are always glad they sent it.

Being without your frame may be two or three weeks but looking at an ill fitting set of grips is forever. Unless you take steps to make them fit yourself.

 

[Robb Barnes]

Having custom grips made without sending your gripframe to the maker is about as ridiculous as a doctor diagnosing a sick patient from 100' away with a string and two tin cans.

 

[CraigC]

I agree Robb, there's just no better way to do it.

 

[mhblaw]

I took the time to remove the grip frame from my Bisley 44Special FT to send to Cary. Well worth it and the grips get lots of ohs and ahs at the range.