Changing a Super Blackhawk Grip to a Bisley

[tlmkr38]

can this be done? I am looking at a SBH at our local pawn shop but like the Bisley grip better I think. Problem is they don't come through here real often.  I know in the long run it would probably be cheaper to wait and hit a gun show or something but I was just wondering if the grips interchange with no major issues.

[tacklebury]

The guys on the Ruger forums sell and swap grip frames all the time.  Midway sells bisley grips and they are supposedly pretty easy to do final fitting to, but I've never done it personally.
 
Forum Link: http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=3
Frames Listing at Midway: http://www.midwayusa.com/find?&sortby=1&itemsperpage=20&newcategorydimensionid=3132

[Lloyd Smale]

yes you can but you will want to pick up the hammer and trigger out of a bisley too. most of the time its a straight swap of parts but ive had then that needed fitting.

[zoner]

Lloyd's right.....i've done a couple of those....you'll also need two screws for the "upper" holes in the gripframe( they're different than the ones used on the SBH and you'll need grip panels. Still the best way to go is find a used Bisley Vaquero, buy it, get the parts you need from the Bisley Vaquero, put em in your SBH. Then put the SBH parts in the Vaquero and sell the Vaquero. You can pretty much break even. By the time you Buy a gripframe in the white,buy the other parts you need, finish the gripframe and buy a pair of grips you'll have wellover 200 bucks in it.

[drdougrx]

 +1 on getting a Vaq and swapping.  I bought a grip frame kit in the white from Brownell's and had my smith do it.  It is neither easy nor cheap as it requires allot of fitting.
 
Here's the link to my experience: http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,236448.msg1099336310.html#msg1099336310

[tlmkr38]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I figured it could be done but knew it would cost more than it was worth really. If I could find a Bisley Vaquaro I would probably just shoot it as I have 2 old models ( 45 LC and 44-40 ) and love them. Always wanted to see how the Bisley grip felt when shooting as I think I would like it better.

[Lloyd Smale]

Ive done like loner suggested 4 times now and the most its cost me is about a 50 bucks loss on the resale. Anymore though bisley donar guns are tougher to find and usually cost a bit more. Fair warning though like i said its not allways a drop in and go ordeal. the last one i did was last winter. It was a 4 5/8s 45 colt blackhawk that i put the grip frame from a 7.5 inch 44 bisley on. The 45 grip frame worked fine on the 44 but after i fitted up the bisley frame to the 45 it would lock up right on two of the cylinders. Now im no gunsmith so if the parts dont work it goes to my buddys house. He had to do some filing on parts to get it right but it works great now. 

Lloyd's right.....i've done a couple of those....you'll also need two screws for the "upper" holes in the gripframe( they're different than the ones used on the SBH and you'll need grip panels. Still the best way to go is find a used Bisley Vaquero, buy it, get the parts you need from the Bisley Vaquero, put em in your SBH. Then put the SBH parts in the Vaquero and sell the Vaquero. You can pretty much break even. By the time you Buy a gripframe in the white,buy the other parts you need, finish the gripframe and buy a pair of grips you'll have wellover 200 bucks in it.

[BlkHawk73]

 I've got a few here that were converted to a Bisley configuration.   A pretty straight swap with the exception of some fitting and sizing the grip frame to the cylinder frame and refinishing it.   (I send mine off and for $80 it's done for me) 
 If it is a in the white one you were to end up using, it's MUCH easier to get a new grip locator dowel and a new trigger spring retaining pin as well.  As above, you'd need the upper screws (hex head) as well.   Personally, I prefer the Bisley configuration - just more user friendly and comfortable for me although many completely hate the style. 

[tacklebury]

I don't care for bisley in looks or feel personally, but that's just me. 

[Indiana Denny]

I have done two and since both were stainless you can really blend it.  I also have another option I really think is great.  John Gallagher will remove the hook on your SBH.  I think it offers a great chioce becuase I have always hated the hook on the SBH.  Its about 45 bucks and all he needs is the frame of course a blue one would need refinished.