Ruger Flattop Bisley .44 spl

[Steven_Seagal]

Check out this article by Ross Seyfried. This gun is gonna be loads of fun and I just ordered one the other day. I spoke with a rep at Lipsey's and he said they are nearly sold out of these things once this write up was published. I hope I get it before Christmas! What a gift that would be!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ross...vers/#comments

[Ozzieman]

Thanks for sharing that. I have the new Blackhawk in 44 special setting under the Christmas tree. I am one of those strange people that like the standard Ruger grip better than the Bisley.
My only problem is the thing has been setting in my wife’s safe for a month now. She asked me if I wanted to see it when she brought it home but I said NO. Yes everyone I am that stupid.
I have been waiting for 4 decades for Ruger to come out with a 44 special in that gun and I don’t think it’s going to disappoint me.

[GeauxTide]

Yep, you'll love it. Got mine a few months ago.

[DennisE]

Best of the best! I love mine! Dennis

[Nomadicone]

Mine is awesome. I had it out this afternoon and it is shooting just under an inch at 25 yds. Lyman 429421 traveling around 1000. Only thing I had to do to it was a trigger job.

[Ozzieman]

Thank god you guys arent putting photos up,,,,, Its bad enough waiting now.

[Jim March]

This is what I posted to that blog - no reply yet.

---

Wonderful article, BUT…ummm…Mr. Seyfried, you DO realize this gun is built on the mid-frame Ruger SA platform and not the large-frame?

In 45LC the mid-frames are good for 20k to 21k tops. In 357Mag they can handle the older SAAMI spec of 43.5k I think it is, no problem – Buffalo Bore and DoubleTap Ammo sell 357 loads maxing out at around 800ft/lbs of energy at that pressure range.

But in 44Spl, I’m not sure the Ruger mid-frame should be fed 30k PSI loads. Certainly not in any quantity. The cylinder walls in the 44 version aren’t all THAT much thicker than they are in the 45LCs.

Here’s a page from 2004 reviewing the very first Ruger mid-frame 45LC, the New Vaquero – note the comparison photos between the smaller mid-frame cylinder and the large-frame 45 cylinder (the one rated for 30k loads):

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm

Clearly the smaller cylinder isn’t going to cope with 30k for very long (if at all)…and that’s the size cylinder we’re dealing with on the 44Spl.

Mr. Seyfried…you DID realize this, right?

[shooter1911]

I can't think of a more fun gun. Are you guys buying the 5 1/2 or 4in barrels?

[rclark]

If they run out, there is still the 'regular' cataloged Ruger .44Spec BH flattop . I do like mine!!! Oh, Brian Pearce has top loads in the 25,000psi range. Handloader 260.... I personally like the Skeeter load of 7.5g of Unique pushing 240g SWC.

[Jim March]

I can see 25k loads in a mid-frame 44Spl. Sure. 30k? No, I don't think so.

[Nomadicone]

"I can't think of a more fun gun. Are you guys buying the 5 1/2 or 4in barrels?"

Mine is a 5 1/2 inch

[DennisE]

My Lipsey Flattop Bisley .44 special is 4 5/8." Dennis

[fredneck]

Just picked one up for my "Christmas present". Shot 240 cast .429s with so-so accuracy but with .431 Laser Cast 240s behind 7.5 Unique? Well...that was the ticket. Little itty bitty hole 5 shot group at 25 yards. Schweet gun!

[rclark]

but with .431 Laser Cast 240s behind 7.5 Unique? Well...that was the ticket. Little itty bitty hole 5 shot group at 25 yards. Schweet gun!

. Now your talking!

[Ozzieman]

5 1/2 for the balance.
Once Christmas gets over (spelled THEWIFEPAIDFORIT) I will be ordering one in 4".

rclark NICE WOOD, please tell us where they came from?

[rclark]

These are Bear Paw Grips made from Amboyna Burl. I like how they fit my hand. These were special order (just send an e-mail request) as I wanted them a bit over size. That way I could sand them down to fit exactly my grip frame. Came out great. Took it out yesterday . What a joy to shoot! Didn't take long to send 100 bullets down range. Have a 1000 .44Spec cases coming next week with a 1000 bullets too. Should allow me a 'bit' of shooting in the next few weeks.

http://stores.ebay.com/Bearpaw-Ruger-Grip-Store

I can see 25k loads in a mid-frame 44Spl. Sure. 30k?

FYI, according to Brian, the Keith load of 17.5g of 2400 pushing the Keith 250 bullet generated 25,000psi in laboratories. "This load has been used from Alaska to Africa on big game..." ... Point is, why push the .44Spec beyond 25K? As I stated above, my .44Spec is going to get a steady diet of Skeeter loads ... for the most part. I will try different powders too for the fun on it (For example, I found 4227 works the best in my Vaquero, so I will try it in the .44Spec as well) , but velocities will be in the 900-1000fps range. All I need.

[Chesster]

When I was young and stupid, I would magnumize loads in my .44 Specials. But why try to reinvent the .44 mag when those guns are already out there!!!! I have found the Skeeter loads the hottest I want to push from a .44 Special. Usually 1-1.5 grains lighter for milder plinking or target loads.

[Edward429451]

Well C'mon it's Christmas! Pics already!!

[Slamfire]

I ordered a 5.5 " Lipsey Flat top as soon as I heard these would be available.

I have always liked the 44 Spl and always wanted a Ruger in this caliber.

I have a USFA in 44 Spl and pushing bullets much above standard velocities has resulted in upset base pins. I don't know why, the factory told me everything was fine, but I cannot push 240's much past 800 fps in that pistol.

But in this Ruger, the Keith load of a 240 with 7.5 grains Unique is just at 1000 fps and this strong revolver shows no issues at all. Cases just fall out.

It is plenty accurate. It is heavy enough that the 1000 fps loads are not uncomfortable, but for me, it is the maximum recoil I want in these revolvers.

I like the fact the warnings are under the barrel.

I really don't think the flat top is as good an idea of the later frame as the sights are not as protected. However, that is what was on the market.

44 Spl Ruger Blackhawk 5.5" 	
					
240 LSWC Valiant  6.25 grs Unique thrown, 1992 powderMidway cases, Brass WLP
T ≈  60-65 ° F	19-Apr-09		 		
		 			
Ave Vel =	835.4				
Std Dev =	26.83				
ES =	74.52				
High = 	877.5				
Low=	803				
N =	24				
					
					
					
240 LSWC Valiant  6.6 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Midway cases, Brass WLP
T ≈  60-65 ° F	19-Apr-09		 		
		 			
Ave Vel =	875.4				
Std Dev =	25.94				
ES =	109.6				
High = 	914.8				
Low=	805.2				
N =	25				
					
					
240 LSWC Valiant  7.5 grs Unique thrown,  lot UN364 3/9/92 Midway cases, Brass WLP
T ≈  60-65 ° F	19-Apr-09		 		
		 			
Ave Vel =	1001				
Std Dev =	17.32				
ES =	64.32				
High = 	1027				
Low=	963				
N =	27	

[rclark]

Hey, thanks for the chrono data!!! I don't have one, so 'assumed' the Skeeter load was 900-1000. Now I know . Average 1001fps.

I really don't think the flat top is as good an idea of the later frame as the sights are not as protected.

I agree. But it appears mine is very 'protected' anyway as I had to bottom out the sight to get it to shoot to POA with the skeeter load .

[Ozzieman]

Well finally got to open my Christmas present and I can only say “”WOW””!!
Nice trigger.

[Ozzieman]

Had my new toy out for the first time today at an indoor range. The first target was in 3 groups at 15 yards with adjustment on each set till I was hitting center. I then shot about 200 rounds of hand loads and the gun held center.
The last target which was at 25 yards I was pleased with the accuracy. I know the gun is capable of better than this but my eyes aren’t. I am still very happy with the gun.
I had one failure, these were all hand loads and about half way through the 250 round string when I pulled the trigger all I got was a click. I waited 30 seconds and pulled all the rounds from the gun. I had only fired 2 and the 3rd it looked like a light strike. The indent on the primer was only about half as deep as the remainder.
Putting it back into the gun on the second try the round fired normally. Since this is not a carry gun I’m not worried but a little surprised. These were Winchester primers in RP cases with W231. Never had a light strike like this so don’t know what to think.
Over all impressions:
Normally I am not that impressed with Ruger triggers out of the box. I have owned many Ruger's and this is one of the best triggers I have ever owned on a Ruger. Very clean break, absolutely NO creep and smooth.
The lock up on this gun the cylinder is very tight. The cylinder lock/latch is gouging the cylinder but not evenly. This doesn’t bother me since this gun will be shot a LOT.
These were hot for 44 special with 210 gr at around 850 FPS (book numbers) and the recoil was very pleasant with minimal barrel lift. I was a little surprised at the torque. It’s not a problem but with the weight of the gun it surprised me, the gun feels like it wants to turn to the right in your hand.
Negative comments:
I would like a little wider hammer. Trying fast second shots with the weak hand thumb pulling the hammer back, a little more width would make it less painful over the long strings. I might take a little of the sharp edge off the left side of the hammer.
With all of the fingers (other than the trigger finger) wrapped around the grips the trigger guard did hit the middle finger just below the knuckle and after about 40 rounds started hurting and started effecting accuracy. I put my small finger under the bottom of the grip which lowered the remainder of the hand and it was much easier to shot.
I have been waiting for Ruger to come out with a gun like this in 44 special for a LONG time.
Thank you Ruger and GOOD JOB!

[rclark]

These were hot for 44 special ... 210g ... 850fps

Ha. They were barely getting out the barrel . Those are 'mild' . I know what you mean about the eyes! Am there! If your like me, I feel the gun is way more accurate than I am at shooting it. I've got 500 rounds now 'waiting' for more testing. All 240g SWC loads. 300 Unique 7.5g, 100 6.5g W231, and 100 15g 4227 loads. Itching to get out today, but temp was hovering around 0F with blowing snow, and tomorrow its going to be worse -20F overnight . Had to work part of today too.

I felt the trigger was very good out of the box too. I dropped one leg of the trigger spring (poor man's trigger job) and now it's 'very' nice. Also added a Belt Mountain base pin (the fit is just so perfect). May help a bit on accuracy ....and what's a .44 Special without a #5 Base Pin .

[Ozzieman]

They were hot only in the fact that they were max book numbers.
Once I get the gun broke in I will start pushing some Keith loads that I have shot in my 24’s.