Bisley grip frames

[areslagae]

Hi all,

I am a bit confused about Bisley grip frames.

Can someone verify that there is indeed only one kind of Bisley grip frame, i.e., that grips advertised as "Bisley" fit all Bisley models (in particular the original Vaquero Bisley and the New Vaquero Bisley)?

Brownells seems to have three schematics that might apply to the Vaquero Bisley: (1) "Vaquero", (2) "Bisley Large Frame", and (3) "Bisley Small Frame" (link below). Is it correct to assume that (1) is non-Bisley or common original Vaquero parts, (2) is Bisley-specific original Vaquero parts, and (3) is Bisley-specific New Vaquero parts? I.e., that the "small" is for the New Vaquero and the "large" is for the original Vaquero?

(1) http://www.brownells.com/schematics/Ruger-/Vaquero-sid724.aspx
(2) http://www.brownells.com/schematics/Ruger-/Bisley-Large-Frame-sid726.aspx
(3) http://www.brownells.com/schematics/Ruger-/Bisley-Small-Frame-sid727.aspx

Also, what is the difference between the Ruger simulated ivory grips "BR01003" and "70050" (link below)? Will these both fit the original Vaquero? Is either of those the original one from the original Vaquero Bisley in 45 Long Colt? I guess not, since the manual lists them as "BR01000SI".

BR01003: http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grip-panel-parts/grip-panels-simulated-ivory-prod44204.aspx
70050: http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grips/grip-panels-synthetic-ivory-prod12077.aspx

Many thanks in advance!

 

[wapiti22]

I've bought new and used Bisley frames for my Rugers and they all took the same grip. As far as I know there is only on Ruger Bisley grip.

 

[BlkHawk73]

The grip frames all interchange - they're the same basically. The hammers and trigger differ between the small frame and the med/lg frames. If doing a Single Six, you'd need the small frame trigger an hammer.
The grip frames will most always have a slight difference between the steel and stainless ones however. Nothing major but enough that perfectly fitted grips to one may not have the same perfect fit on the other. Using bulk production grips however, it's a non-issue.

 

[G2]

BISLEY Grip frames come in 1 size only. Will fit single six, vaquero, new vaquero, blackhawk, montado & super blackhawk.
The stainless frames always seem to be a tad (1/16-1/8) bigger in the grip area and length of the grip area, not a big deal as it is easy to flat file down and re-finish. I think this slight size difference is attributed to the difference in the alloy and the way they cool/shrink. It is minimal.

The first schematic you posted is to a Vaquero, the grip frame is not Bisley.
The next 2 schematics posted (large/small Bisley) both show Ruger part # BR00301 is a in the white Bisley GF.
STAINLESS YOU ADD A "K" so this part # would be a KBR00301.
That's it for Ruger Bisley Grip Frames.

Bisley Triggers, Only 1 and they work for ALL. Ruger part# KBR03901. Blue triggers are no longer made.

Bisley Hammers, only 2. Single Six is it's own Ruger part# KBR04000B.
The other part number works for ALL models except Single Six. KBR04001B.

It has been widely rumored that Ruger has stopped making hammers & triggers in BLUE STEEL, ONLY making them in Stainless (K) some of the parts houses show them in Blue, I can assure you they are not correct part #'s, they will reply with this is the superseded part #. Well call it what you want. :roll:

AT RUGER STAINLESS PART #'s allways start with K.

 

[G2]

Also, what is the difference between the Ruger simulated ivory grips "BR01003" and "70050" (link below)? Will these both fit the original Vaquero? Is either of those the original one from the original Vaquero Bisley in 45 Long Colt? I guess not, since the manual lists them as "BR01000SI".

BR01003: http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grip-panel-parts/grip-panels-simulated-ivory-prod44204.aspx
70050: http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grips/grip-panels-synthetic-ivory-prod12077.aspx

Many thanks in advance!

The first link is what is available today made by Eagle Grips, brass hardware, slimmer gunfighter design. Ok quality, too much $$ IMO. :wink:
The other link were Letts, no longer in business. They were nice, very well crafted and looked great, it's to bad there gone.

 

[Hondo44]

BR01003: http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grip-panel-parts/grip-panels-simulated-ivory-prod44204.aspx
70050: http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grips/grip-panels-synthetic-ivory-prod12077.aspx
Many thanks in advance!

There is only one size Bisley grip frame. But there's one small detail being overlooked:
Earlier castings include frame projections. They must be removed to assemble to New Vaqueros and NM Flat Top Blackhawks.

Grip Frame Projections shown here pointing to the left just above the two rear trigger guard screws and under where the hammer would be. To fit grip frames with projections to guns w/o the cut out in the cyl frame, just saw or grind off the projections:

Also, the first grips have OM medallions and the 2nd have NM medallions

 

[areslagae]

Thanks all for your input so far!

One more follow-up question: What does the "large" and "small" mean in "large/small Bisley frame"? Assuming this is about the cylinder frame, is the "large" and "small" determined by the time they were produced (i.e., original Vaquero's being large cylinder frames and New Vaquero's being small cylinder frames) or by caliber?

Thanks

 

[G2]

Thanks all for your input so far!

One more follow-up question: What does the "large" and "small" mean in "large/small Bisley frame"? Assuming this is about the cylinder frame, is the "large" and "small" determined by the time they were produced (i.e., original Vaquero's being large cylinder frames and New Vaquero's being small cylinder frames) or by caliber?

Thanks

In the Bisley ,,, Single Six (sm) -vs- Everything else (lg).
The only parts that change are the Hammer and Pawl.
All the rest of the parts are same/same.

Your point about the Vaquero / New Vaquero is noted, but again only the Hammer & pawl change.

FWIW, Birdshead Grip Frames, One size made for ALL, & in the 2 flavors, SS/Blue.

 

[Hondo44]

Hammer, pawl AND safety transfer bar. But I know you knew that.

 

[CBUL]

I swapped out a SB plow style grip frame for a bisley frame from Brownells. The $96 dollar one in stainless.
Worked fine. Keep in mind it requires lots of work to remove casting blemishes. But they have the flat surfaces that mate with the original gun machined flat. The Original SB trigger and hammer will work with the bisley frame but looks goofy. If your even a little bit handy you may try making your own grips. Then it may become clear the why they cost so dammed much. (painful)
I am a curious why many feel obligated to swap out the hammer??? The stock SB hammer feels fine to me. As In I can reach it.

Be warned I'm not a Ruger expert or a gun smith but I just liked the feel of bisley grips. So I made it happen on the cheap.

 

[medicdave]

What looks goofy about a standard trigger, I like it much better as the bisley bites me pretty hard. I also use bear paw grips on bisley frames they help a ton with recoil.





I actually prefer the bisley hammer and standard trigger on plow handles also.

 

[Hondo44]

CBUL just meant the SBH hammer. It leaves a big gap in the top of the Bisley grip frame. Nothing goofy about the standard trigger in a Bisley grip that isn't already goofy with the standard trigger in a plow hamdle grip frame. The goofy webbed return spring perch.

I prefer the web contoured:

SBH grooved trigger with web contoured to the trigger guard:

 

[medicdave]

Again Hondo you make the coolest stuff. It's amazing how much impact a small change like that has.

Cbul, got to quit posting when I'm tired I end up sounding like a recalcitrant child instead of tongue in cheek lol.

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

I like Hondo44's set up. I have SBH hammers on all my blackhawks. Hondo has helped me figger out a few projects. Thanks Hondo! BhK!

 

[dougader]

My 45 Colt Bisley grips don't fit on my 44 Special Flat Top Bisley. It's not even close.

 

[medicdave]

Any more if you want grips to fit the grip frame you need to have grips fit to the frame, or the grip frame to the grips. Not a lot of consistency. I just take it as a sign my darlings need a new set of shoes to look their best. I don't want them looking like every other girl at the dance anyway.