Help with a quandry

[29aholic]

OK so I am a Smith guy that truly loves single actions as well. Gave up on Colts a long time ago due to the money involved, and I can't bring myself to buy a replica. I have owned several Rugers over the years and prefer the OM's but really dont have an aversion to NM's.

Any how, being an avid fan of Skeeter Skelton I REALLY want one of the new 44spl flattops. I THOUGHT I wanted a Bisley (I have an FA-83 with a similar frame profile), but the more I look at the standard guns I dont know any more.

I appreciate all thoughts on the matter.

 

[32magfan]

I have several Ruger SA's - all NM. Don't dislike the OM, just never had access to any at the start and never got into them.

I have the FT 44 SPL's in 5.5" Blue and 4-5/8" SS. I really like the SS, so much that I bought a pair of the 45 FT Convertibles and gave one to Dad for Christmas.

I bought him the Bisley FT 44Spl a couple of years ago when they came out. I really like how it handles.

I don't get into the same quandry you are in - I just buy one (or Two ) of everything. Problem solved!

You won't be disappointed with any of the above choices - go for it!

Thanks,

32Magfan

 

[NorEaster]

Get a 44spl flat top and don't look back :)
You will thoroughly enjoy it.
If the lack of 4 clicks to get the thing cocked doesn't bother you , you'll be just fine.
Me, as long as it goes boom and puts the bullet where I want, I'm happy.
If you're a Skeeter fan, look at this one!
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=132351&highlight=skeeter

 

[29aholic]

Yeah I've seen Steve's Skeeter tribute, and I really like how it came out.

I guess the real question is, is one easier to shoot than the other. If I was contiplating a magnum it would be no contest to go with the Bisley, but I have plenty of magnums so that's not an issue.

As for OM vs NM the only issue I really had was the ejector did not line up with the chamber on NM's, but apparently they have fixed that. On that note, I have an OM flattop 357 that doesnt line up either.

I was hoping that hoping that someone who has both could give me a side by side comparison.

 

[Rclark]

Really only you can make the call :) . However, if you are an avid Skeeter fan you 'need' a .44Spec flattop. The Bisley or regular handled flattop are some of the best revolvers Ruger has put out in recent history. Because recoil is not a factor with the .44Spec (even loaded to the Keith load IMO), it comes down to personal preference on which 'hande' you get. You could always get 'both' as I did :) . I found no advantage to either in this case. If it means anything, I shoot the standard version more often.

BTW, my 'standard' load is the Skeeter load 7.5g of Unique/Universal under 240g bullet. I've tested several other powders, but nothing stands out as a 'must change to it' for better performance.

 

[Rainman]

Don't forget to give the satinless 44 special New Vaqureo (even though mine is just marked Vaquero) a good look. Mine came with the smoothest action and best fit & finish right from the factory of any Ruger I have.

Dan

 

[hittman]

I shoot the Bisley much better; prefer it "hands down" (pun intended) for any caliber bigger than .22 Mag.

But ..... it's your call to make. Hard to go wrong with either.

 

[targetshootr]

Have an om 357 flat top converted to 44 spl. He was big on that kind of thing.

 

[BlackEagle]

Have an om 357 flat top converted to 44 spl. He was big on that kind of thing.

I haven't done this yet but it is high on my want list. I have heard a lot of good things about the .44 Special New Models but I'll probably wait until I can afford to get an Old Model converted. I have an early 4 digit serial number Flat Top that I'd really like to get converted.

 

[two bit okie]

I had a quandry once. but divorce cured that

 

[M'BOGO]

29aholic, that's really a Ford Vs. Chevy question, personal taste answer. They are both winners, the Bisley is a distributor model, vs. the cataloged Blackhawk though.

 

[Ken ONeill]

The .44 Special and .45 Convertible flattops are outstanding. Get one ... of each.