What? 4MUL8R is still thinking about lead dispensers for which there is no reason to own?

Years ago, I had a mildly customized Ruger Bisley Blackhawk in 45 Colt. Clements gold dot front sight, corian ivory grips, action job, etc. No, I didn't need it. I sold it to a friend, who politely refuses to sell it back to me.

What didn't I like about the former revo? Barrel length. Just too long for hiking, hunting backup, etc. And, aging eyes and iron sights.

The Ruger Alaskan works better. More comfortable. More of a real backup. But, there is something about the SAA design. I can change the front sight. I can find linen micarta grips. I can get a tooled leather holster and belt.

And, I can get real power with the 44 Magnum. Factory. Aftermarket. Custom. I could find a heavy bullet and have a reload made for 1050 fps. Fun!

I can't easily find a Belt Mountain base pin Sheriff's Model, which would be necessary for the 3.75 inch barrel. But, do I need one?

I can purchase the correct screwdriver bits to keep the revolver together. I can have someone special polish and refine the action. I can get a free spin pawl. I can learn to spin the revolver like Doc Holliday. Right!

It's not current production, so it is not subject to the reported excellent Ruger QC these days.

So what am I overlooking?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 4MUL8R,

No, sir. I will not.
Further more, I am offended that you think you can just post something like this and get away with it.

Buy the gun.
BUY IT!!!

I've been down sizing my collection for a while now.Of the two guns I most regret selling one was a Ruger Blackhawk Bisley in 45colt.

It is no wonder your friend wants to hang on to it.

I say get it and hold it for a least a year, then decide .

I have this same model revolver. I would say get it.

I'd buy it... but I have an aluminum Bisley grip that's been sitting in a drawer for several years, waiting for something to go on for no good reason.

Get it!!!

You’re asking the members of a firearms forum to talk you out of buying a handgun that you want? Really?

Of course you should get one! Sheesh.

We are all awaiting pics and a range report.

Buy that Bisley revolver and customize it exactly the way you want it!
FYI: Some new production Belt Mountain base pins are now produced by Skinner Sights. They bought the business name when the former Belt Mtn. owner aged out and retired.
I expect Skinner Sights will add more Belt Mountain base pin variants as time goes on.
You can see the single action revolver Belt Mountain base pins available now from Skinner Sights here: https://skinnersights.com/prod...t-mountain-base-pins

Plan on shooting a reduced load for most of your casual shooting/plinking.
Me, I'm looking at a Berry's Bullets plated projectile or the Blue Bullets polymer coated for my Vaquero plinking load.
Here, this new to me Vaquero: https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...0601935/m/3850060915

I attempted to buy a Doc Barranti carved leather holster for the Vaquero, and found out his holster lead time for fancy work is at or longer than 14 months.
I found something used, and almost free that will work for my Barbecue holster.
Just so you know, you're going to need a range holster, a field holster and a Barbecue holster for that Bisley!
GO FOR IT!

Underwood makes a .44 Special load that is tailor made for that gun. Go for it!

Owning both the Power Custom and belt mountain base pins I don’t see a huge difference. Both eliminate cylinder play.

Put some D&L fixed rear sights on my blackhawks. I love a u-notch.

Add a free spin pawl and you have perfection.

I’ve been looking at the 4.6” bisley in 44 mag. https://www.ruger.com/productImages/0876/detail/1.jpg

I say GET IT

Please tell me more about the need for the base pins and more about the free spin pawl. Thx

I’m almost 52, last year I shot 50 rds of .357 in my 3” 686 with VZ grips. Web of my right hand was bleeding and slightly bruised. So a 3.75” .44 would be a no go for me only for that reason

quote:

It's not current production, so it is not subject to the reported excellent Ruger QC these days.

Huh? Do you mean it's no longer supported? They will if they still have parts for it, but if you're going to modify/customize it in any way, forget it. Any part replaced with an aftermarket, every action part polished, etc., will get replaced, period. It is unknown whether they will return them. This is why if you have an "old model" that is subject to the safety conversion and want to keep it stock, don't send it in for anything.

A single-action, especially stainless, has an advantage in durability and sheer ruggedness over a double-action. It has a solid frame and the large base/pivot pin runs the entire length of the cylinder and frame window. Double-actions are subject to bending the cylinder crane/yoke. If the DA gets dirt in the cutout for the crane/yoke, the cylinder can't close.

Base pins are often upgraded for cylinder to barrel alignment. Free spin pawls allow for easier cylinder handling for loading and unloading.

Thank you - which brands do you recommend for those parts?

I don't recommend, as I have not personally purchased. From reading, from forums, the current base pin supplier is Skinner Sights, which purchased the previous best by Belt Mountain.

Power Custom is the purveyor of many SAA parts.

The Ruger forums are full of threads on these upgrades.

Bowen Classic Arms in Louisville Tennessee has some amazing parts and gunsmithing upgrades. If I purchase something like this one, I will be sorely tempted to just send it to BCA for the upgrades.

Too little barrel. Too much recoil. Doesn't look right with so little barrel. Jerks will razz you about having such a short barrel. Hmmm, ok, guess that's all whether it does the job or not.

Have you ever shot a 3 inch .44? We can save you the money and I’ll just periodically come by and kick you in the crotch as a reminder. Because short .44s are one of those things that you shoot every now and then. Then you go “oh yeah that does suck”

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jljones,

That sounds like the convo in my head every time I ALMOST buy a 45-70.