Custom work on Ruger question

Was just looking for recomendations or thoughts if it's worth doing.

I have. New model blued flattop 5.5" bbl, bisley in 44 special. I really love the midframe setup. I like the bisley aswell, however I think the gun would be a whole lot handier of it had the aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing that are used on regular blackhawks, and maybe a super blackhawk hammer. The bisley is nice but is not needed for 44 special. Also I believe it has tight cylinder throats and they should be opened up so the hardcast shoots better and doesn't sling lead down the barrel. The aluminum grip and ejector rod would compliment the handiness of the mid size frame by shedding a good amount of weight. I'd like to send the gun out to have it done and have everything fitted properly, and maybe an action job while it's out. Not sure who could do the work or if its even worth it, but then again there's something about taking something and making it your own. I was also wondering if I sent it out if the Smith doing the work may keep the bisley grip hammer and trigger and credit them towards the work (maybe)?

What's your guys thoughts? Anyone come to mind to do the work?

The Evangelist Cowboy said:

There are several guys that are top Smith's in this country that can do the work. Bowen comes to mind initially but for the work your describing I fail to see why the local Smith can't make any changes your wanting it's not like the Ruger Blackhawk is an uncommon gun and the big name Smith's will typically take quite a awhile based on job inventory. If I were you I'd look at my local Smith's if there aren't any around maybe even the next town before I thought of shipping it off.

Click to expand...

That's one of my issues ,not much in my neck of the woods Smith wise. There's a fella about 20 min from where I work who does milling of slides ,191'1s, Glocks, etc, but I don't think he dabbles in revolvers. There's a place about an hour and a half south in kingston that does rifle work , I should call them and see if they do revolver stuff.

ontarget said:

Other than opening up your throats it sounds like pretty simple swapping of parts. Maybe order the new parts from Ruger and give it a go? Not sure but you may be able to get Ruger to do your cylinder work too.
What about Cylinder and Slide? Is that company still around?

Click to expand...

I think they are still around. I could just send the cylinder out to dougguy again. He did my 45 colt and it came out nice. As for the frame swaps, I believe since the midframe has a Ruger free spin kit, you need to make some sort of notch for it in the grip frame? I was doing so googling and someone mentioned that in one of the threads I found, so not sure about that one.

ontarget said:

You may be right, I don't have any Ruger single actions only doubles so I was just guessing based on other S/A models.

Click to expand...

That reminds me. I was going to try and convince my dad to switch grip frames triggers and hammers with me. He has a 7.5" 45 colt Blackhawk. But I did some digging and I guess around 2005 or so Ruger changed the ear height on the back of their grip frames? His was made in 73 I think, so that takes that option off the table

CraigC said:

Surely Jack would take your Bisley parts in trade. Even though we griped about the aluminum, it really is what made the Old Model conversions so light and handy. Definitely get the action tuned and you may want to opt for some finish work. Personally, I prefer the aluminum bead blasted and left bare over applying a coating.

Click to expand...

I spoke with him on the phone this afternoon on my way home from work, he supposed to shoot me a text tomorrow with a ballpark on work I want done . Seems like a really decent guy.

I wonder... Beadd blast the grip frame and ejector rod housing like ya said , and pair with a set of black micarta grips.

Touched base with Jack, liked his numbers, packaged my gun up tonight, sending it out tomorrow after work. Eagerly looking forward to the results.

Arkansas Paul said:

You have to post before and after pics when you get it back.
We love that.

Click to expand...

That's for the reminder, I'll break it out and take a few pics before I send it off. Lighting won't be to great, but it's something for comparison.