The Frontier Sixshooter Community Message Board - Flattop Conversion to Bisley

Flattop Conversion to Bisley (reply)

2 dogs — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 01:19:45 +0000

Sir, I did one. The route I took however was to start out with a .44 Special Bisley. I sold the cylinder and barrel. A spare .357 cylinder dropped in and fitted nicely. I used a 7 1/2" barrel from a .357 Maximum however, the ERH screw location is different. It wasn't a problem as we used the maximum length ERH which covered the original hole and drilled and tapped a new hole.

So, I ended up with a Ruger .357 7 1/2" flattop Bisley. I would point out converting the standard frame to Bisley can be expensive and the dang Bisley parts are hard to find anymore. While Ruger .357 cylinders are everywhere and so are .357 take off barrels. Just remember to use one off a flattop unless you want something different than the normal 4 5/8s and 5 1/2 inch barrels.

They are heavy (reply)

Dave B — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:15:53 +0000

I know the all steel grip frame adds heft, especially when compared to my NM Blackhawk in 45 Colt with the aluminum grip frame. I have the 45 Colt Flattop as well, and it is considerably lighter than this new 357, the bigger holes make a big difference. I am quite fond of them, just wish the 44 Special wasn't the only one offered with the Bisley grip frame. My 45 Flattop is already missing a good bit of bluing from the back strap from my sweaty hands.

I was wondering (reply)

Dave B — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:10:10 +0000

These are my 3 main squeezes in the 357, I also shoot the 158XTP and 158gr Rem JSP.

I was wondering (reply)

Paul — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:03:58 +0000

if it was the NOE, but hadn't seen any of the fruits of your labors yet so wasn't sure. Nice looking bullet, look forward to seeing how it shoots for you. That'd be REAL sweet in a Maximum case out of a rifle.

I like The new flattops (reply)

Jared — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:02:10 +0000

But am amazed how heavy they are. My 4 5/8" Bisley .44 special on the small flattop frame is slightly heavier than my 3 3/4" Bisley .44 magnum on the large frame. There really isn't much difference,

I have a .44 special built on a original flattop and it weighs around 34 oz and is a delightful revolver to carry. The new model with the XR3 or Bisley is more than a half pound more. Totally different feeling revolver.

Paul (reply)

Dave B — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 14:49:49 +0000

That is a 188gr WFNGC from the new NOE mold I received on Tuesday, initially I wanted the HP option, but I am very pleased with the results from the 5 cavity solid only mold I purchased, besides, I have a good HP mold from MP molds.

Dave

I knew they did (reply)

Paul — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 14:41:55 +0000

I really like the look of that one on the left. What is it?

I knew they did (reply)

Dave B — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 14:25:16 +0000

I just haven't taken the time to see what the frame width difference is between the mid size frame and the full size frame. Aesthetically, I prefer the standard grip, but the reality is that I shoot the Bisley much better. I am looking forward to trying out the new 357 bullet tomorrow.

Ruger made them in .44 Special (reply)

Andrew — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 01:36:44 +0000

I had a 5.5 incher. I learned that I am not fond of that grip shape. Be patient, I'm sure Ruger will crank out a batch.

Flattop Conversion to Bisley

Dave B — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 18:03:33 +0000

I am thinking the new Flattop 357 might be nice as a Bisley, but not sure if the Bisley grip frame would be easily fit to the mid-sized frame.

Dave