Probably a dumb question but......

[Paul B]

Probably a dumb question but how hard is it to convert a Super Blackhawk into a Bisley" Is it just replace the grip frame and hammer or is there more to it?

Has anyone here made the conversion? Did Ruger sell the parts necessary or does one have to go to an outside source?

I have a Super Blackhawk with the 4 5/8" barrel ,44 Magnum and it has a standard Blackhawk grip frame which to be blunt is absolutely brutal with anything near a maximum or serious hunting load.

I was trying put a not quite max load for it and also stiff load for my Ruger Bisley .45 Colt. Power lever would be just about equal in both guns. Even allowing for the Bisley's slightly greater weight (5.5" barrel) the apparent recoil from the Bisley grip frame as noticeably more comfortable.

Loads were 11.0 gr. of Unique for both guns with a 250 gr. bullet for the .44 and a 255 gr. bullet for the Bisley.

Thanks for any help in getting this done.
Paul B.

 

[powder smoke]

Try your question in the Ruger Smithing section. Got some sharp cookies there. ps

 

[contender]

Usually a straight swap of 3 parts.
Grip frame, Hammer & trigger. Screw holes will align.

However,, the stick in the mud MAY be how old is the Super. If it's a fairly new one,, then the main frame may not have the recessed cuts for the notches in the g/f. A few years back,, they (Ruger) eliminated the g/f "ears" as well as removing the cut out notches in the main frame.

If you get a g/f w/o the ears,, it can go on a notched frame. BUT,, if you get a g/f with the ears,, and the newer mainframe without the notches,, then it can require more work.

I put a NM Stainless Bisley g/f under a chopped 44 mag OM a few years back. It took an adaptor to use the trigger return spring,, but that wasn't too big of an issue.

 

[Bob Wright]

This was a plain .45 Colt Blackhawk when I bought it:



This is the same gun after I got over Bisleyitis:



And the .45 Colt "Super Blackhawk" was once a Bisley:




As to parts, I bought them from Brownell's. But I had a gunsmith do the work. But I have fit grip frames to Rugers and it's not too difficult. Fitting does require some patience and handiness with files and emery cloth. I wanted the bluing done professionally.


Bob Wright

 

[Sagebrush Burns]

I did that conversion once and I was lucky. Everything fit, everything timed up and everything worked on both guns. I understand it isn't usually that easy...

 

[Robb Barnes]

I'd just add the obvious in that you also need grip panels and the two allen head screws for the upper holes on the bisley grip frame.