I would like to convert one of my .44 Special Flat Tops to a Bisley Grip. Anyone know a 'smith who does Bisley conversions... and about what it would cost? I have a Bisley grip on order from Brownell's, but it has been back-ordered for about 60 days, and I'm not sure it is going to come anytime soon. I guess I could swap my plow-handle grip/standard hammer for Bisley grip frame/hammer, if someone were interested -- is that a plausible swap? Thanks for any ideas on how to go about this.
Converting to a Bisley Grip
- Thread starter RoverSig
- Start date
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GasGuzzler
Hunter
It's not hard if you swap the hammer, grip frame, and trigger all at once. If you want the Bisley hammer and trigger only, it gets more involved but doable.
I'd like to swap the whole thing -- I even asked Ruger, but they told me they won't do any work at the factory that "creates a different model" from the one I already have. Any suggestions on where to get one, or who might do the work for a reasonable fee? Thanks.
Midway had, maybe still has the grip frame and trigger. The hammers are a different story. The grip frames will be "in-the-white" so it'll need fitting and finishing. I've had a few done by Gallagher and they were usually in the $80 range for the work when I supplied the parts.
Hondo44
Hawkeye
Rover,
The easiest swap will be a Bisley GF (including hammer and trigger) from the same model and vintage gun that you have. All Ruger grip frames can be screwed onto any other Ruger frame size and vintage, old or new model and made to wrok perfectly with more or less modifications; more to switch between OMs & NMs.
Less modifications within the New models, and none within same Models. NM Flat Top grip frames have no projections where the GF meets the main frame around the hammer, and a divit on the top side of the trigger for the free spin cyl pawl to work. Also swapping used parts off of guns is much preferred over new parts because the grip frames will already be fitted and finished, either blued or polished stainless. That saves a lot of work! Been there done that!
However, since the model configuration you want is already produced, you're dollars, trouble and time ahead just swapping guns or selling yours and rebuying a Bisley Flat top!
The easiest swap will be a Bisley GF (including hammer and trigger) from the same model and vintage gun that you have. All Ruger grip frames can be screwed onto any other Ruger frame size and vintage, old or new model and made to wrok perfectly with more or less modifications; more to switch between OMs & NMs.
Less modifications within the New models, and none within same Models. NM Flat Top grip frames have no projections where the GF meets the main frame around the hammer, and a divit on the top side of the trigger for the free spin cyl pawl to work. Also swapping used parts off of guns is much preferred over new parts because the grip frames will already be fitted and finished, either blued or polished stainless. That saves a lot of work! Been there done that!
However, since the model configuration you want is already produced, you're dollars, trouble and time ahead just swapping guns or selling yours and rebuying a Bisley Flat top!
Jimbo357mag
Hawkeye
Have your local dealer order from Lipsey's.
http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=RURNVB-444-SPCL
http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=RURNVB-444-SPCL
Hondo44
Hawkeye
Rover,
Jimbo is right. You won't see blue hammers and triggers on any blue guns soon like on that Lipsey's. The biggest issue is, Bisley hammers and triggers are impossible to obtain and no longer even made in blue (all models are supplied with stainless only now).
Many member swaps have been done. Post in classifieds on this forum. As I recall there was an ad about a week back by someone who wanted to do the opposite of you. Do you have a blue or stainless gun? Need to list which finish you have.
Does your grip frame have an internal lock? Probably does unless it's brand new, so you'll need to swap mainspring, strut and internal lock as well.
The new non-stainless grip frames from ruger/brownells come in the white and need fitting and polishing. And the last Bisley GF I got from them had a backstrap practically right out of the casting mould. The trigger guard was finished but the backstrap needed final grinding to shape, fitting and polishing. You might want to cancel order. You can always return it but that's another $6-8 return shipping on top of the original shipping.
Jimbo is right. You won't see blue hammers and triggers on any blue guns soon like on that Lipsey's. The biggest issue is, Bisley hammers and triggers are impossible to obtain and no longer even made in blue (all models are supplied with stainless only now).
Many member swaps have been done. Post in classifieds on this forum. As I recall there was an ad about a week back by someone who wanted to do the opposite of you. Do you have a blue or stainless gun? Need to list which finish you have.
Does your grip frame have an internal lock? Probably does unless it's brand new, so you'll need to swap mainspring, strut and internal lock as well.
The new non-stainless grip frames from ruger/brownells come in the white and need fitting and polishing. And the last Bisley GF I got from them had a backstrap practically right out of the casting mould. The trigger guard was finished but the backstrap needed final grinding to shape, fitting and polishing. You might want to cancel order. You can always return it but that's another $6-8 return shipping on top of the original shipping.
foxtrapper
Blackhawk
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2008
- Messages
- 545
Hondo I thought the same thing about no more blued Bisley hammers and triggers. Until I ordered a set from Ruger parts last week . These were delivered yesterday.
Hondo44
Hawkeye
Excellent, ya just never know, huh? Is that a full size hammer?
foxtrapper
Blackhawk
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2008
- Messages
- 545
Yup 
Hondo44
Hawkeye
Got one of those but what I need is a blue SBH.
mohavesam
Hawkeye
Wrong section - check out the "Rugersmithing" section for details and step-by-step.
