#5 grip frames

[caryc]

I was reading the thread about the brass Bisley frames and I see lots of people would like to get a #5 grip frame. What is it about a #5 that you guys like? Is it the looks or the feel when shot?

I just don't like the #5 as compared to the XR3-RED. To me, the #5 just doesn't look as graceful as the XR3-RED. It's not that I think it's ugly, it just doesn't appeal to me. So I would like some honest opinions about the #5.

Thanks Guys

[magnumwheelman]

CARY... thanks for posting... I've never gotten one in my hand, so I have no opinion myself, other than I agree it doesn't look as graceful... but if it points more naturally, or puts your hand in a better position for absorbing recoil... I'm all ears

my understanding from my limited knowledge is that the design / designer has provenance

[ncrobb]

I have and have shot standard plow handles, Bisleys and #5s. For some reason I shoot the #5 better up to a certain point and for my TLA in 44 mag that’s a hot 240/250 grain lead bullet over 2400. Passed that I want a Bisley. Smaller hands might do better but I loose my pinky off the bottom with a #5 but get a full grip on the Bisley. This helps me tolerate heavy recoil better. At least in my experience. YMMV. I agree the plow handle looks the best.

[potatojudge]

I'm still learning to come to terms with the No 5 frame.

Pinky-under plow handles feel the best for me. Without the pinky under they still feel fine.

Bisley recoil well but are slippery feeling and I don't shoot them quite as well because of grip inconsistencies. FA 83 handles somewhere in-between.

The Dragoon trigger guard stabs my knuckles.

FA 97 crowded my hands at first, but I've come to really like it and hold/shoot it comfortably.

The No 5 is short and it feels like I should be trying for a pinky-under hold, but that's not how the grip works so I find myself kinda searching wondering what my hands are doing. With more time and handling maybe it'll feel better as the FA 97 did.

I like the original Bisley, I like the plow handle. Put them together and I'm lost, at least for now.

[taffin]

Mar 20, 2019 15:16:45 GMT -5 caryc said:

I was reading the thread about the brass Bisley frames and I see lots of people would like to get a #5 grip frame. What is it about a #5 that you guys like? Is it the looks or the feel when shot?

I just don't like the #5 as compared to the XR3-RED. To me, the #5 just doesn't look as graceful as the XR3-RED. It's not that I think it's ugly, it just doesn't appeal to me. So I would like some honest opinions about the #5.

Thanks Guys

THE #5 WAS DESIGNED FOR KEITH'S VERY SMALL HANDS. I LIKE THE LOOKS AND FEEL BUT FIND IT VERY UNFORGIVING--CONSISTENCY IS IMPORTANT. IT HAS TO BE HELD THE SAME FOR EACH SHOT.

[bushog]

I think they're clunky looking and had one on a really nice Harton .44sp.

Did't Bll Ruger say it looked "unrefined"?

Shooting with it even worse than usual.

Not for me......

[jimtx]

I’ve never held one to this point, But I’ve always been curious about them. I know “bisley=heavy recoil” but for me it’s opposite, a plow handle with my heavy loads up to 45lc is better than my bisley it puts the recoil back into my hand similar to a DA revolver. Maybe after all these years I’m not holding it right; IDK.

[squawberryman]

I'm gifted in that I can shoot ALL Ruger grip frames poorly.

[princeout]

Mar 21, 2019 4:36:26 GMT -5 squawberryman said:

I'm gifted in that I can shoot ALL Ruger grip frames poorly.

And I thought it was just me....

[eskimo36]

I have a #5 grip on a 500 Linebaugh. For me it’s just another option. I have Bisleys, plow handles, SBHs, BFRs, and Freedom Arms. The depth in the #5 grip allows for me to get a good solid grip. Less tendency to roll around on the side and get too much finger on/in the trigger. I also just like the looks.

Curtis

[Deleted]

i have small hands. The TLA #5 grip frame works for me. it does take extra concentration than a xr3 or xr3red or a bisley to shoot well, but to me it is as much about experiencing what Elmer experienced as anything else. just my take.

[bobwright]

I like the Ruger XR-3RED grip better than any Single Action grip profile, but when I go to magnum level recoil, I prefer the Super Blackhawk grip profile. This after my experiments years ago of several different profiles, including the much-like Bisley from Ruger.

Bob Wright

[bobwright]

Mar 21, 2019 4:36:26 GMT -5 squawberryman said:

I'm gifted in that I can shoot ALL Ruger grip frames poorly.

Wait until you get into your 'eighties!

Bob Wright

[blacktailslayer]

I only have one #5 gun and it is on a full size flattop Blackhawk in 45 colt. I also have a large frame Bisquero in 45 colt to compare side by side with the same loads and find the #5 is better on my hand and points more naturally for me. Also love the look!

Don D.

[Fowler]

Naturally your mileage may vary but I have grown very fond of the #5 grip frame on my Harton #5 44sp. Now mine is a bit different in that it had full blown Persinger carved ivory grips with the right hand palm swell. The carving takes some getting used to for sure, initially I thought you would put it into the hollow of your palm where it seems the natural fit would be. This made the recoil not very controllable for me and made me string shots high and left. It made the recoil turn in my hand because my hand was twisted and pushing in and to the left of my forearm. If I run the carving right down pads of my palm everything works great and is in line with the bone structure of my arm. Very easy to have grip "reference" points this was and get a super consistent grip.

Now the other thing the carving does is beat the hell out of palm of my hand if I am running heavy loads, 250gr Keith at 1000fps is a reasonable limit for my hands. If I am waqnting to shoot the full Keith load at 1200fps a pair of deer skin work gloves is all I need to protect my hand (or limit it to a few cylinder fulls). If the right panel was smooth the full Keith load would be absolutely fine.

I don't find the #5 grip as recoil friendly as the Bisley is but far better for me than the Super Blackhawk grip frame.