Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley 44 with 5-6" barrel (or get the 3.75" version)?

[Macchina]

I've been eyeing the Lipseys Blackhawk (Bisley with 3.75" barrel):



I've been wanting a 5.5" 44 for a while and the Bisley above ticks every box but barrel length. This gun would be for informal range shooting and field carry (fishing during deer season mostly because I've missed some opportunities in the past). Should I wait for a longer barrel or go for the 3.75" version available now? I do think I'd miss the sight radius and velocity boost of the longer barrels but it would be nice to carry!

I currently field carry a 4.2" SP101 in 357.

 

[Sappyg2.0]

I'm a big ruger bisley fan. I check them out on GB from time to time and one day...

Cant say if you should opt for the lipsey offered bisley now or waite for the gun you want but more barrel length is more better IMO.

Curious, did you miss passed opportunites because of the 4" 101 or was there a lack of power?

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

The 3.75 is pretty cool but I think the 5.5 would be my pick.

 

[MidRoad]

What are you hunting/range? Does it need to be a MAGNUM? I picked up a lipseys 5.5" 44 special flat top. It utilizes the mid frame Blackhawk frame that the old .357's used to come in. It's lighter and points really nice. 44 special with the proper load will get the job done, don't knock it. Just look up elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton.


I was actually going to buy that exact gun you pictured (posted a thread on here about it ) a few months ago but decided against it. IMO unless its a dedicated hiking/fishing /similar activity type of gun I wouldn't give up the barrel length. from Please for the love of God let's not turn this into a bear defense thread. I would not settle. Just get the gun you really want. It would be worth it in the end.

As for feild carry that sp101 is hard to beat it's light , much smaller than a black hawk, and hardcast bullets will put a hole through whatever you need. Anyways good luck with whatever you buy.

 

[Macchina]

To answer a few questions:

The missed opportunities were from carrying a snub instead of the SP101 . I just didn't think about carrying a longer revolver on those days.

I definitely want a 44 Magnum. I have an 1894 44 and it's a big reason I'd like a 44 Mag (instead of .41, .45, etc.)

Not about bears: I've seen plenty of black bears where I hike and fish and it would take a ton more aggression from them to ever shoot one. I've been threatened by wild dogs far more than bears even though I've seen far more bears.

 

[adcoch1]

I have a 5" super blackhawk and it isn't too much barrel for comfortable carry, I personally think the 3.75" guns almost look funny. Get what you want, don't settle.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Good looking gun. I would wait for a 5in though.

 

[bannockburn]

Another vote in favor of the longer 5 1/2" barrel. The shorter 3 3/4" barrel just looks too disproportionate to the rest of the gun. For myself I have always had a certain attraction to single action revolvers with 4 5/8" barrels.

 

[Shane in MT]

The 5.5" is probably the best balanced and all-around length.

Mine is 7.5", shown here with some 44 Mag, and 44 Russian handloads.

 

[FROGO207]

I also like the longer sight radius (for target shooting). I have the 7.5" and 10" ones in SS with the plow handle grips. Personally I would not go shorter than 5.5" because of balance and controlability.

 

[IlikeSA]

Be patient and get the one you really want. Nothing like buying and saying to yourself "I wish this one had..." or "I got it, but I really wanted..."

 

[Panzerschwein]

Another vote in favor of the longer 5 1/2" barrel. The shorter 3 3/4" barrel just looks too disproportionate to the rest of the gun. For myself I have always had a certain attraction to single action revolvers with 4 5/8" barrels.

View attachment 793873

View attachment 793874

Bannock are those factory ivories? I really like them!!

 

[bannockburn]

Panzerschwein

Bannock are those factory ivories? I really like them!!

No they're actually American Holly wood by Private's Custom grips.

 

[Bartojc]

I think the one in my Avatar is a Davidsons. It's 5.5 in 45 Colt though. I love the size and balance of a 5.5.

-Jeff

 

[Armybrat]

The 3.75" Bisley is really cool.
Changed the grip frame on my 5.5" to the longer Hunter:

 

[Tallball]

Wait and get the one you really want. It will be worth it in the end.

 

[JO JO]

I really like my 44 bisley with 7 1/2 inch barrel , my next one will be a 4 7/8 barrel I think ,

 

[PapaG]

I personally can't see any reason for a 44 mag barrel shorter than 4". Had a 29 with a 4" and grew to hate it. I have four Ruger single actions with 4 3/4" barrels and wish a couple were 5 or 6". Two 357, one 44 sp, one 45 Colt. My Super will always wear the 7 1/2 it came with. Had one with 5 1/2 and it was fine.

 

[Dain Bramage]

To each his own. My 3.75" Bisley is a sweetheart to shoot. It points much more quickly and is more accurate than my 6.5" .44 Mag. You might not wring out all the velocity of a longer barrel, but the Bisley grip tames the heavy loads. I shoot 300 gr LBTs, and love it.

 

[CraigC]

I do not understand why Ruger doesn’t offer Bisley .44’s and .45’s with 4 5/8” barrels.

 

[Airman Basic]

I've really enjoyed this one. Least as accurate as my longer barrels and a hoot to shoot. Always creates interest at the range

 

[RealGun]

I really like my 44 bisley with 7 1/2 inch barrel , my next one will be a 4 7/8 barrel I think ,

View attachment 793948

I don't believe you can get a current Ruger Bisley 44 Mag in any barrel except 3.75 SBH and 7.5 SBH Bisley Hunter. I have just made inquiries about having a Bisley grip fitted to my Anniversary model Flat Top (6.5), which I believe is the only 44 Mag I could have still bought new that indexes on the loading gate. I learned that as a 44 Mag it is built on the large frame, as opposed to the other Flat Tops. It still has the short grip though, which is not so good for controlling 44 Mag.​

 

[JO JO]

I don't believe you can get a current Ruger Bisley 44 Mag in any barrel except 3.75 SBH and 7.5 SBH Bisley Hunter

appears you are correct the other option barrel length is in the super blackhawk line up ,

 

[paul105]

I'm a big fan of "short" barreled handguns. I have several; a 2 1/2" Ruger Alaskan 480 Ruger, 3 1/2" Round Butt 45 Colt/45 ACP, and a 2 3/4" 5 Shot .44 Mag (S&W M69). Sure, you'll give up some ballistics, sight radius and maybe some shootability. These are personal preferences and certainly not for everybody. Why don't you buy the 3 1/2" Bisley and shoot it a bit -- if it doesn't work for you, sell it and buy something else (consider the money lost as a rental fee).

First six shot from the 480 Ruger to check point of impact with three different loads.
.

.
480 Ruger at 25 yds while chronographing and 12 yard POI.
.

.
The .45 Colt Belly Gun.
.

.
.
The 2 3/4" M69 and a target:
.

.

.

 

[a2x4bbl]

I think that looks great . But why be torn ? Buy both . Or is a bad word , and is much better. Bisleys are great for 44 mag . The Super Blackhawk would roll in my hand every shot regardless of the grips I put on it . Not a lot but would do it every time. Maybe it's just the shape of my hand. Reward yourself , buy both.