Author Topic: Bisley Conversion Project (Read 640 times)

g_gunter · « **on:** January 14, 2006, 05:32:10 PM »

I found a Ruger Bisley in .44 mag for $269.00 in 99% condition and couldn't pass it up. I've been trying to find a bisely for a conversion project and now I have no excuse. The problem is that now I don't have $1200 - $2000 to do a full blown conversion (like John or Dustin Linebaugh or Bowen) but can handle spending from $600 - $800.

I've been looking at David Clements' work and am really impressed by some of the guns he has done and he has a 6 shot conversion going for $600 (custom barrel and bored out cylinder) and a 6 shot accurized conversion (line-bored cylinder & custom barrel) for $875. I'm wondering if, for now, its worth spending the extra $275 for the line-bored cylinder or would I even be able to tell the difference in the field with open sights (heavy .45 Colt at 50-60 yard shots on deer and hogs)?

Anybody have any other suggestions or other gunsmiths they would recommend? I really like what I've seen of Dave Clements' work but am open to suggestions.

Thanks,

g_gunter

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2006, 10:43:42 PM »

Dave does great work. His prices are real reasonalbe too. As to whether lineboring helps or not. Hers my take. If your looking for the preverbial one inch gun. Go with the lineboring. It will about guarantee a good shooter with some load experimenting. Dave uses match grade barrels and ive gotten guns from him both ways. The non linebored guns that hes done are shooters too but the couple that are linebored did well with about any load. Its tough to call without shootin your gun. IF its allready lined up properly it wont help much. but most arent perfect. One other option to consider is not having it done, shooting the gun when it comes back and if it is finiky or doesnt shoot up to your expectations send it back and have him taylor throat it. Ive had no real experience with taylor throating but have heard good things and have two smiths boxed up right now that are going to Dave to have it done.

Mainer · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2006, 03:09:11 AM »

g-gunter: You got a great deal on that Bisley. I wouldn't have passed it up, either. Good luck with the conversion. Let us know how it turns out once you decide on a smith and get it back.

g_gunter · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2006, 08:38:59 AM »

Sent it off last week to David Clements. Went ahead with the 6 shot accurized line-bored conversion. I was really pleased with working with David over the phone. He was very helpful and made good suggestions. I can't wait for the finished product.

Greg

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2006, 08:51:08 AM »

should be a hell of a nice sixgun when it gets back!