Ruger Bisley

Moander

Inactive
In the "Knoxville Gunshow" thread I wrote that I purchased a Ruger Bisley 5 1/2" Stainless model in 45LC Sunday. This not a Vaquero. I called Ruger today to ask about getting a 45ACP cylinder fitted. I was told that Ruger will not fit an auxulary cylinder to any Bisley, Vaquero or not regardless of caliber. The reason given was that "It is not cataloged as a convertable item".
I see no reason for this as the grip frame and hammer should not have any effect on the timing and I see no other differance between the Bisley and the regular Blackhawk. Oh Well, it is still a nice gun and shoots well but it is not quite as nice as before.
 
That is a good question, I have wondered about a .22 mag cylinder for a .22 Bisley. Was wondering if there were differences the Bisley being a "target" type revolver. Closer tolerances?
 
Bowen has "cylinder blanks" available in Old Model or New Model layouts, fluted, made of top steel and drilled with .218 pilot holes. These can be fitted to your gun by any competent 'smith, and set up as whatever caliber you need (within length limits of course, and high-pressure bottleneck cartridges such as .357Sig not recommended).

Option 2: look around the various gun auction sites, and you'll find people who don't use their .45ACP cylinders because they reload their .45LC easier, therefore they dump the ACP cylinder on the used parts market. Your odds of it fitting right the first time without gunsmithing are about 50/50 I think I've heard?

Screw Ruger :).
 
I agree with Jim.

FYI, you have a pretty unique revolver there. I have one too. Ruger made these as special run items for Accusport. Its considered one of the most desirable permutations. It has the recoil handling capabilities of the Bisley model with the better handling of the shorter barrel. Enjoy.

BTW, it WILL shoot high with hot loaded heavy bullets. Give a call to Ruger and they'll send you the taller front sight that will get it on track for you. Hamilton Bowen makes an interchangeable front sight that will allow you to shoot heavy .45 Colts and the .45 acp.
 
Ruger's policy is to not alter any of thier firearms in such a manner that it was not produced. Had they offered your particular gun as a convertable, then you'd be all set, however this isn't the case as the SS Bisleys were a exclusive run for Acusport Distributors.
There are no didferences between the Bis and the BH other than the hammer, trigger and gripframe. (although the bbl is 7 1/2" for the Bis)
If you really need the 45ACP cyl, Bowen, as previously mentioned, Gary Reeder or a few other 'smiths could accomodate you.
 
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