Fluted Bisley

[azleite]

Hi Folk’s, I stumbled onto a NIB .357 Bisley with the fluted cylinder. Ser# lookup says shipped 1985. Any ideas how many of these were made in this configuration? Thank’s for any feedback Dave

 

[GYJ44]

Bisleys all used the standard fluted Blackhawk cylinder for the first year or two. Then they went to the roll marked, unfluted cylinder for all models. No idea as to production numbers, Ruger never shares that info except on special distributor runs.

 

[azleite]

10-4 Thank you-Dave

 

[Hondo44]

Bisleys with fluted cylinders:

357 = 2000
41 mag = 2000
44 mag = 3000 to 5000
45 = 500

 

[ds55]

Those fluted cylinder Bisley .357s were never a cataloged item, just small early runs and some distributor specials in the mid-’80s. Exact numbers aren’t published, but they’re definitely uncommon compared to the later unfluted guns.

 

[chet15]

Those fluted cylinder Bisley .357s were never a cataloged item, just small early runs and some distributor specials in the mid-’80s. Exact numbers aren’t published, but they’re definitely uncommon compared to the later unfluted guns.

They were regular cataloged items, not special distributor models. It is just that when the first guns came out everybody was upset that Ruger didn't rollmark the cylinders like they showed in their advertising. Apparently Ruger had issues with such a large rollmarking die so decided to try to slip the first guns by the public with fluted cylinders instead. Didn't work.
Well, Ruger got the rollmark dies figured out and soon thereafter dropped the fluted models.
Chet15

 

[Timbo23]

This is great info. Do the number refer to blue or stainless models? I have both a 357 and a 45 Colt 5 1/2 inch stainless Bisley models. Both have the roll marked un-fluted cylinders. I didn't know they ever came with the fluted versions.
I have been looking for a 44 Mag version but never have seen one 'in the wild' so I bought all the parts to convert a plow handled one. I have a 'raw' factory grip frame, a set of factory wood grips, hammer and trigger, and the proper upper grip frame screws. I was worried that the fluted cylinder would look out of place but not so much now. The raw grip casting needs still some work to get it to match the cylinder frame but it's getting there.
I'd love a 41 version too although I have a Bisley Hunter in that caliber so no pressing need right now.

 

[GYJ44]

These were early guns, so all blued 7.5" models.

 

[HandyAndy]

This was my Dad's .44 SBH with a fluted cylinder. It was originally a Bisley, but I fitted a Dragoon grip frame on it. I saved the original parts so I can put it back if needed.

 

[chet15]

A red eagle Wrangler!!! Rare gun there!!
Chet15

 

[LAH]

Mine is an early one. I ditched the Bisley stuff to lighten it. They are heavy from the factory & I much prefer the standard grip frame.

 

[HandyAndy]

A red eagle Wrangler!!! Rare gun there!!
Chet15

Yes, one of a kind actually. I made the grips myself. Bought the red medallions on eBay.

 

[Lynchburgsam]

Just looks right to me

 

[Hondo44]

Single actions need fluted cylinders:

Fluted cylinder from the 5 1/2" SBH
SBH round guard SS grip frame
Bisley trigger
Colt ejector rod

equal the prefect SBH:

 

[GYJ44]

Single actions need fluted cylinders:

I guess Colt had it wrong all those years ago?

 

[Hondo44]

They had it right for that evolutionary period. In fact that's what influenced Bill Ruger to use unfluted cylinders on the SBH and Bearcat. And even though Colt Bisley models have fluted cylinders, (except for the first production run), Ruger used non-fluted cylinders on the Bisley. He was enamored by the engraving on the black powder Colt revolvers.

 

[GYJ44]

They had it right for that evolutionary period. In fact that's what influenced Bill Ruger to use unfluted cylinders on the SBH and Bearcat. And even though Colt Bisley models have fluted cylinders, (except for the first production run), Ruger used non-fluted cylinders on the Bisley. He was enamored by the engraving on the black powder Colt revolvers.

You can go back 400yrs and find them both ways.

 

[Hondo44]

Sure but the point was Bill Ruger was influenced by COLT's guns. Another example is the SBH square back trigger guard and Dragoon size grip.