Bisley Style Revolvers

The old Colt plow handle grip design tends to roll up in the hand, which is not a bad thing for some loads. It can get kinda squirrely with full power magnum loads however.

Ruger's Bisley shaped grip tends to fill the hand better and allows better control when using full power loads... tho that may be a subjective statement based on hand size, and perceived felt recoil.

The original Colt Bisley design was, I believe, based on a target version of their SAA. Note that the hammer is lower and somewhat easier to cock as well.

I think that Ruger took their design from one of Elemer Keith's numbered revolvers as it is somewhat different than the original Colt design.

Bisley was a handgun shoot in England

If I recall correctly. The grip frame was changed to provide a better grip or ergonomics for long range. How much more successful it was over the traditonal plowhandle I'm not really certain as most people drool over the Colt flat top target model as a precision shooting tool. It could be that the bisley is ugly as a mud fence when compared to the original.

Bill Ruger revisited the bisley concept and made a grip that really seemed to help control the recoil when using heavy loads. Most heavy duty custom revolvers tend to be built on bisley frames.

Totally a personal preference issue in my opinion. Some people love the Bisley grip, I hate it. They're not right, but neither am I, completely. I can cap off full house 44 mags with my regular old Vaquero with no issues; it does move, but it's smooth so it doesn't bother me, but one cylinderfull out of a Bisley Blackhawk and I have had enuf.
One great things about rent-a-ranges is they give you a chance to try stuff before parting with the big bucks. You preference is all that should matter to you.

I like the bisley grip in my super blackhawk 44mag hunter because the grip rolls up during recoil so I can shoot more than 12rd. and not get tennis elbow.

The Bisley is my favorite revolver model. It holds better for me and is more comfortable with heavier loads than the traditional plow handle style on other single actions. It does seem to be a love it or hate it style though.