Author Topic: Conversion to a Bisley grip frame??? (Read 3529 times)

drdougrx · « **on:** December 06, 2010, 03:45:25 AM »

Hello All!

I have a BH in 41mag...standard model XRN-Red alum frame (Serial # 48-XXXXXX). I'm finding it fairly uncomfortable to shoot with heavy loads (250gr WFNGC / 21gr H110). Maybe it's me but there's got to be a better moustrap out there for the heavy stuff. The grip just doesn't fit my hand very well at all. I've even tried some (heaven forgive me) rubber grips)...though it's better...still not great.

As I was think'n about it, I came to realize that I've not had all that much experience with the Bisley frame. This frame appears to lack the wide, plough handle at the bottom of the grip which is 90% of my discomfort. So I started to do some research and found that alot of smiths use a Bisley or modified Bisley grip frame. Brownell's has a unit in the white (though currently out of stock) that seems interesting. I'd even be interested in a brass unit...might be kinda different.

May I ask your opinions???

DennisB · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2010, 11:04:23 AM »

Do it!! I shoot 250s over a healthy dose of IMR4227 in my .41 Bisley and they're pleasant. So too are the 300 grainers in either of the two Bisleys I have in .45 Colt (5.5 stainless & 7.5 blue). Even my .22LR Bisley is tolerable!

I guess the ergonomics of the Bisley work for some folks while others dislike them. And that's OK; I like the plowhandles as well, it's just that shooting the heavy stuff is more fun with a Bisley--

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2010, 11:09:41 AM »

The Bisley variation is my favorite - have 10 or 15 here now. Changing from one style to the other isn't really a big deal, have done it to a few here. However, the parts to do these conversions have been scarce for while now. If you can find a grip frame that's already been fitted up and finished you'll be a bit ahead. If you go with a grip frame that's "in the white" there's more to it. In such a case you'll need to order the grip frame and then it's best to also order the grip locator dowel and trigger spring retaining pin. SOO much easier to buy new for a couple dollars than to try and remove and then re-install used ones. You'll also need the hex hex upper grip frame screws too. If you're going from one of the current internal lock models, you'll also need to order a new hammer strut, hammer strut seat and hammer spring. If you stick with the BH hammer, you'll have a large gap in the hammer slot using the Bisley grip frame. IMO, go with a Bisley hammer and trigger as well.

Ok...you have all the parts. VERY good chance the new grip frame will need fitting to your cylinder frame. The ears will be off. Once those are filed and match up you'll need the final finish work on the grip frame and then blueing done.
For me, the lack of patience for such work lets me give Gallagher some work. All he's done for me have come out perfect!

Now..you mention a brass one... Well if you have found one, GET IT! If you haven't good luck. they're the proverbial needle in the haystack. They are aftermarket and there was VERY few made. From what I understand, there's not much more than a couple handfuls. I heard less than 35. Two are here and I know where 8 others are. The rest... like I said, if you find one, buy it (or let me know

)

drdougrx · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2010, 01:06:21 PM »

Thanks Guys..I have this on order from Brownell's :http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=319/Product/BISLEY_GRIP_CONVERSION_KIT

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 06, 2010, 01:22:18 PM »

I'd be expecting a wait. As I said above, these have been very scarce for quite a while now. Expected availability dates have come and gone and nothing still. Have actually bought Bisley-ized Vaqueros and stolen the parts to get what I needed I waited so long. Hope they don't charge you until it actually ships.

zoner · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2010, 01:31:09 PM »

i did one by buying a Bisley Vaquero then swapped parts with a NMBH. After the swap you have a Vaquero with a alloy grip frame left to sell. I pretty much broke even on that one.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #6 on:** December 06, 2010, 11:56:11 PM »

what ive found to be the cheapest way to do it is to buy a bisley gun swap the parts out and sell the original with your parts on it.

drdougrx · « **Reply #7 on:** December 07, 2010, 03:08:19 AM »

Hmmm....seems I'll be buying a junker for parts.....never easy....

drdougrx · « **Reply #8 on:** December 07, 2010, 02:01:12 PM »

Found a bisley conversion kit from Florida Gun Works. They have brass and birds head frames as well.

http://www.floridagunworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FG&Product_Code=285&Category_Code=FA+GRIPS

zoner · « **Reply #9 on:** December 07, 2010, 02:26:40 PM »

Quote from: drdougrx on December 07, 2010, 02:01:12 PM

Found a bisley conversion kit from Florida Gun Works. They have brass and birds head frames as well.

http://www.floridagunworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FG&Product_Code=285&Category_Code=FA+GRIPS

that's the best deal on the kit i've seen. Recently I paid the same for the grip frame only at Brownell's. That's a real good deal there.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 07, 2010, 03:37:16 PM »

Try some Google searches on them first!!! Customer reviews are NOT good!!!

jcn59 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 07, 2010, 04:50:35 PM »

I think I got my Bisley conversion stuff from either Midway or Brownells a few years ago for around 180 total plus shipping. Mine was a stainless conversion so I turned around and sold the SS plow handle on ebay for around a hunded bucks. The fitting was not difficult (or meticulous). I'm easy to please.

If I had to do a carbon steel one, I would just finish it with a good bake-on finish in whatever color I wanted.

drdougrx · « **Reply #12 on:** December 08, 2010, 03:16:23 AM »

Hey Blackhawk...I thought I did and didn't find anything overly aweful. Worse comes to worse and I'll send it to my smith if need be. I'll do a bit more searching for negatives......

Davey G · « **Reply #13 on:** December 08, 2010, 04:16:06 AM »

I converted my stainless .44 SBH to have a stainless Bisley gripframe. It really soaks up the recoil. I ordered the stainless parts, including Bisley trigger and hammer, and walnut grip panel, from Midway. It required some filing and fitting on my part - not too bad, and the Dremel with foam&abrasive wheel helped matching the brushed finish. The Flat-Tops will mate up the best, with the least amount of fitting. I still want to take it to the smith for dehorning and bead-blasting. I was fortunate to get a Ruger with a .002 cylinder gap. If yours is more than .003 a revolver smith can tweak that for you while he's got it.

drdougrx · « **Reply #14 on:** December 08, 2010, 04:56:31 AM »

Thanks Dave....my smith is quite good. He's a former supervisor for Pachmeyer Gunworks and has been building everything from raceguns to rifles and shotguns. It's LaRocca Gunworks in Worcester MA BTW. Have had him build guns for me since 1985.

Davey G · « **Reply #15 on:** December 08, 2010, 06:29:48 AM »

Quote from: drdougrx on December 08, 2010, 04:56:31 AM

Thanks Dave....my smith is quite good. He's a former supervisor for Pachmeyer Gunworks and has been building everything from raceguns to rifles and shotguns. It's LaRocca Gunworks in Worcester MA BTW. Have had him build guns for me since 1985.

Yep, that's the kind of guy you want.

Axehandle · « **Reply #16 on:** December 08, 2010, 09:53:25 AM »

I've converted a few blackhawks to Bisley with parts from Brownell's. Not what I'd call hard to fit. The ones I have played with could be put on the gun and taken to the range. The parts of the GF that need fitting are where the external surfaces mate up and have no effect on the mechanicals of the revolver.. The stainless Bisley GF at Brownell's is marked discontinued. Hard chrome looks to be the fix for that. FWIW I make a point to buy every reasonable priced Bisley I find just to have them on hand for customs..

drdougrx · « **Reply #17 on:** December 08, 2010, 10:13:05 AM »

My real problem is my state...Massachusetts....and no I can't move out just yet....it's coming though. Most used anything are at tremendous prices bcause it's MA. Used ruger single actions are $400+ and I haven't even seen a bisley anything. It's crazy...I bought my current 41mag for 325ish because it was in rough shape...rust, dings, worn parts...couldn't even shoot it with the cylinder pin coming out! Wanted to cannabalize it and send to ... well ... the GNR guy.

Decided I really liked the caliber and the frame size (older, smaller BH frame) and sent to Ruger who virtually rebuilt it for free (that's customer service!) and I had them reblue and it's like new!! Now...here I go again...mess'n with it...

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 08, 2010, 11:26:22 AM »

Quote from: drdougrx on December 08, 2010, 03:16:23 AM

Hey Blackhawk...I thought I did and didn't find anything overly aweful. Worse comes to worse and I'll send it to my smith if need be. I'll do a bit more searching for negatives......

It's their service that's the common issue people have with them so it;s not a matter of having to have your 'smith do anything additional.

Just go to Google.com and do a search under "Florida Gun Works". More than enough hits on negative reports/dealings to convince most to avoid them.

drdougrx · « **Reply #19 on:** December 08, 2010, 01:50:32 PM »

I can be such an idiot.

I Googled "Bisley Conversion Kits" and not FL Gun Works.......really...I need to be removed from the gene pool......

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 08, 2010, 03:32:09 PM »

Quote from: drdougrx on December 08, 2010, 01:50:32 PM

I can be such an idiot.

I Googled "Bisley Conversion Kits" and not FL Gun Works.......really...I need to be removed from the gene pool......

I can certainly understand having "Bisley" on the brain.

Just heard way too many bad stories about that place so any mention now gets a warning. Would hate to see another Bisley person get screwed over.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #21 on:** January 08, 2011, 04:24:52 PM »

BlkHawk73, I know where one other brass frame is. Had the pleasure of talking with John Linebaugh today and he pulled out his carry piece. A blued 500 Linebaugh with the brass Bisley frame. He has thinned the grips where they are behind the trigger guard, made me wish I hadn't sold my Bisley.

I had sold mine as it didn't feel like I had control when the shot went off, twisting sideways, not rolling up. I gotta get another and send to John for some tweeking. Got invited to his shoot in June, gonna try to make that one. Man's really down to earth, a real pleasure to talk to him. DP

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 11, 2011, 11:28:35 AM »

John initiated the brass Bisleys and I believe made a single sun of them - I was told less than 20. I have one of those and know where 4 others are. Qualite also made a run of which one resides here. The first one went on a 357 mag Bisley. The second... Haven't decide it's fate yet.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 08, 2011, 03:01:35 PM »

Im seriously considering 'converting' me to a Bisley BH 44Mag factory model and not messing about......

drdougrx · « **Reply #24 on:** May 08, 2011, 04:17:58 PM »

Mine is still at the smith....will post as soon as I get it back.

coyotejoe · « **Reply #25 on:** May 12, 2011, 01:45:41 PM »

I did my own conversion on my 50th Anny flat top .44 mag. It was pretty easy and I'm well satisfied with the results. I've since done another for a friend. Total cost was less than ten bucks, just some walnut for grips, a bit of gas for the torch and a tad of silver solder.
First step is just visualizing what you want, then working up the nerve to cut and bend.
I think the photos pretty well show how I went about it. It is so much more comfortable to shoot now it seems like a totally different gun. Making the grips fatter at the top takes all the sting out of it and making them 1/4" longer than the frame gives me room for my pinkie without crowding my second finger into the guard. Removing that stupid rearward swoop at the bottom also removes the recoil smack to the heel of the hand. The friend for whom I did one is also very happy with the way it handles and shoots. Some people rave about the "plow handle grip" but I've never seen a human hand that was bigger at the bottom than at the top.
Had I not figured out a way to do it myself I would have sold the gun and bought a Bisley, that would be WAY cheaper than converting the grip frame and all internals.