Ruger bisley fluted cylinder?

[brant]

I have a couple of bisley fluted cylinder guns. I have heard that they are supposed to be early guns. Ruger later changed to the non fluted engraved cylinders made today. I have some of those as well. These are the larger frames, not the new flattop frames.

Does the fluted gun have a better resale value than the other when both are in same condition and same caliber?

[kings6]

Typically they tend to bring a little more in my experience.

[z1r]

Apr 17, 2024 13:20:15 GMT -5 kings6 said:

Typically they tend to bring a little more in my experience.

I agree, since they are less common, people are often willing to pay more to have one. That was the case when I acquired my .41 Bisley. I wanted fluted.  For the heavier kickers, I actually prefer the unfluted. That additional 3/4 of an ounce really tames the recoil! 

[drycreek]

I have one in .44 mag. The only thing that makes it more valuable to me is the fact that it’s a shooter.

[brant]

I ended up with 2 in 44 magnum. I remembered trading for one years ago, but for the life of me don’t know where the other came from.

[aciera]

Apr 17, 2024 17:29:30 GMT -5 brant said:

I ended up with 2 in 44 magnum. I remembered trading for one years ago, but for the life of me don’t know where the other came from.

I know how you feel
Found a 10MM 1911 double stack the other day.
Told a buddy. He remembered me getting it. I don’t

[contender]

In general,, yes,, the fluted guns do bring a little more. Some Ruger collectors look for specific models of them for their collections.

[gnappi]

I always looked at those with the engraved cylinder as a Bisley, everything else just had bolt on Bisley parts.

[z1r]

Apr 18, 2024 7:05:48 GMT -5 gnappi said:

I always looked at those with the engraved cylinder as a Bisley, everything else just had bolt on Bisley parts.

Which is interesting because Colts had fluted cylinders.  

[drycreek]

Apr 18, 2024 7:05:48 GMT -5 gnappi said:

I always looked at those with the engraved cylinder as a Bisley, everything else just had bolt on Bisley parts.

Mine came from the factory that way, I checked. It was news to me as I had never seen one before and wondered if some previous owner had “Bisleyized” it. I bought it off Gunbroker if I remember correctly and while it wasn’t a steal, I thought it a fair price at the time, which was a few years ago and probably before this latest round of inflation. 

[GSSP]

Apr 18, 2024 11:14:44 GMT -5 drycreek said:

Apr 18, 2024 7:05:48 GMT -5 gnappi said:

I always looked at those with the engraved cylinder as a Bisley, everything else just had bolt on Bisley parts.

Mine came from the factory that way, I checked. It was news to me as I had never seen one before and wondered if some previous owner had “Bisleyized” it. I bought it off Gunbroker if I remember correctly and while it wasn’t a steal, I thought it a fair price at the time, which was a few years ago and probably before this latest round of inflation. View Attachment

How has your "fluted" cylinder model been as far as fit, finish and especially as a shooter?  I'm looking at that version now that has a serial # about 4000 earlier.  Never thought it would appeal to me but for undescribed reason is appealing to me.  I'd rather have a shorter, 4-5/8" barrel.  Suppose I could always have it shortened.  

[kings6]

The first fluted bisley 41 I found traveled to Eastern TN and became a 5 1/2” perfected bisley with French walnut grips by Mr. Fishpaw. It later grew a longer cylinder before I sent it to a new home. I have a spare untouched 41 fluted bisley tucked away just in case I get the bug again.

[z1r]

Fit and finish on mine is impeccable. Save for the grips, which fit better than most, but could be better. Throats are good, unlike my plow handle which only measured .409".

[drycreek]

Apr 18, 2024 12:39:34 GMT -5 GSSP said:

Apr 18, 2024 11:14:44 GMT -5 drycreek said:

Mine came from the factory that way, I checked. It was news to me as I had never seen one before and wondered if some previous owner had “Bisleyized” it. I bought it off Gunbroker if I remember correctly and while it wasn’t a steal, I thought it a fair price at the time, which was a few years ago and probably before this latest round of inflation. View Attachment

How has your "fluted" cylinder model been as far as fit, finish and especially as a shooter?  I'm looking at that version now that has a serial # about 4000 earlier.  Never thought it would appeal to me but for undescribed reason is appealing to me.  I'd rather have a shorter, 4-5/8" barrel.  Suppose I could always have it shortened.  

Fit and finish is good, but it has been to Alan Harton to have the innards slicked up. I rarely shoot it, but it’s a better shooter than I am. Grips are mesquite from Chig’s Grips. 

[bushog]

The fluted ones are so much nicer