Ruger Bisley Flattop 44 SPL

[KRal]

This Christmas I got my son the Bisley Flattop 44 Spl for a belt hunting gun. I'd heard good reviews on these particular Lipsey's Exclusive guns. I was wanting to get the stainless version, but couldn't find one anywhere, so I settled on the blued version.

When I opened the box, I immediately noticed the craftsmanship on this revolver.



The blued finish is not that of the old models, but the grip to frame fit is the best I've seen save for Freedom Arms or a custom - It is almost seamless...




The only complaints are the usual horrible grip panel fit that's become standard for today's rugers....




...and the front sight being just a little too short, which is why I was looking for a stainless version with the pin in front sight.

He wanted to shot cast bullets in it and we discussed the standard Skeeter load being the idea load. I first checked all the standard dimensions before loading and shooting. The barrel excepted a .415 pin gauge all the way through with no binding/thread choke...



...and each cylinder throat measured a uniform .431...



After doing an action job on it, we got started with load development.

So with new Starline brass, some 250 gr Keith bullets sized .430, WLP primers and 7.5 grains of Unique, we loaded a few and went to the target. He was wanting it zeroed dead on at 50 yards, but we were unable to attain that zero with the Skeeter load and too short front sight (4" high). After bumping up the load to 8.5 grains of Unique and rear sight bottomed out, we were able to get point of impact at 1" high at 50 yards. With this load combo, he was getting 2" groups at 50 yards from the bench (sorry, no photos of target, we were in a hurry to get it zeroed before dark so he could hunt with it the next morning).

All in all, I think if you're looking for a hip revolver for hunting, these Lipsey's exclusive Flattops are a bargain!

And he did christen it...

[Encore64]

Those are some mighty fine Rugers. Quality of the ones I've bought far exceeded price.

I replace the grips with those from lsgrips.com. They've fit the Blue Bisley Frames perfectly.

[dale53]

Well, I am not surprised at the excellent results you are getting with the .44 Flattop. I have two of them, and they rank high amongst all of the Rugers I have had over the years.

Mine were easy to regulate dead on at 25 yards with the Skeeter load. Accuracy runs under 1" at 25 yards.

Congratulations to the O.P. for acquiring one of the best single action revolvers out there!

Dale53

[bigtee]

I love my Bisley Flattop

[eagle1899]

Great guns for sure!!!

Love mine!

[jt]

Way to go on the whitetail ... those flattop's are great guns, definitely among the best Rugers offered

[x101airborne]

Great job! Excellent revolvers!

[Joe S.]

Excellent gun and excellent results.

Congrats!

[bigmuddy]

Very cool, both the gun and the "christening "!

I have two sons and they got consecutive serial numbered 4 5/8" versions for Christmas from me.

Dan

[sixshot]

Ruger knocked it out of the park with these new flat tops. What a bargain & in a classic caliber & an easy shooting, packing six gun. Congratulations on a fine buck with your son Kim.

Dick

[mc89]

I’ve got the blue 4 5/8” 45 convertible plowhandle. It is really a nice revolver. Very well fitted. My only issue was that during shooting only the third cylinder full of rounds through it, the fake ivory grips came apart. The bushing in the left panel pulled through the back, taking a huge chunk of the plastic with it. I ended up super gluing it back in place. I hope it holds until I can get another set of grips.

[bullseye]

Excellent purchase... Those are some of the nicest Single Actions to come from Ruger fit & finish wise. I have one just like it & also a 4-5/8" with the standard grip. Don't hunt with mine but they get shot plenty with lighter to medium loads.

[cas]

I've been looking towards getting a stainless one. A few weeks back there were many on Gunbroker.

This week, none.



I see Ruger is listing a 45 colt/45 ACP Flatttop.... because it's a Flattop that means it's the medium frame? (man I'm out of the loop, I haven't bought a factory new Ruger in twenty years or so.

Since I plan on changing the grip frame anyway, the idea of a 45 ACP instead of a 44spl intrigues me a little, which I almost find uncomfortable, because I've never seen the reason or attraction and been opposed to the idea. But as I crank out more 45 Acp than anything else, and I'm getting more and more lazy, perhaps it's not a ad idea.

[KRal]

Jan 19, 2020 18:19:35 GMT -5 cas said:

I've been looking towards getting a stainless one. A few weeks back there were many on Gunbroker.

This week, none. Hmm...

Those stainless Bisley’s that were on GB were incorrect. Every one I purchased, I got refunded and was told they were sorry that they forgot to pull the ad’s once stock had depleted.

[cas]

There was a used one I would have bought two months ago, but the seller wouldn't ship to my state. (not bad enough we get screwed by our government, but also from people who are supposedly on "our side".)