Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisley: Smooth and Functional

Just over 70 years ago, Bill Ruger introduced one of the most important single-action revolvers since Colt’s Single Action Army: the Blackhawk. Since its inception it has been offered in a wide variety of configurations and calibers, and last year a Lipsey’s exclusive .41 Magnum with a Bisley grip took center stage.

It’s available with a blued or a brushed stainless finish like you see here. The hardwood grips are, in a word, exquisite—dark brown/blonde figuring set off by silver/black Ruger medallions and stainless grip screws with stainless escutcheons. The fitting is as good as you could ask for in a gun that’s not built by hand, with only one or two slight gaps at the top of the stocks.

The Bisley design traces its origins to competition-minded Colt SAAs, the Bisley term referring to England’s renowned shooting ranges. The Bisley grip is straighter and longer than the original plowhandle, improving handling. Ruger’s take on it, which debuted in 1980, adds some extra beef for better control with magnum loads.

Other Bisley hallmarks on the new Ruger include a hammer that sweeps back more than up, along with a more deeply curved trigger.

A New Look

The New Model Blackhawk Bisley is of the flattop variety, giving the gun a nice, clean look. The barrel is 5.5 inches long, which I think is perfect for this chambering. It’s worth noting that the Lipsey’s Bisleys are also offered in .44 Special with 5.5- and 4.6-inch barrels.

The polishing on the brushed stainless finish is well done and would be flawless except for a few spots on the barrel where it joins the frame. The only other blemish is a buggered front frame screw that for once isn’t my fault.

As a New Model, it has the requisite transfer bar and loading gate safeties. The latter also adds convenience, as you don’t have to manipulate the hammer for loading and unloading. Simply open the gate, and the cylinder spins freely.

Both the adjustable rear sight and the front sight blade are plain black. They’re also pinned and therefore replaceable if you wish.

Fully Functional and Used

Typically we don’t fire “Back Page Beauties” guns, but this one is mine, and I’ve taken it to the range several times—plus it had a star turn on “Handguns” TV last season. While I wouldn’t call myself a Blackhawk collector, I do own several, and the new Bisley .41 is by far my favorite.

I don’t know how long this model will stick around, but as of press time it was still on lipseys.com for $889. It’s a great addition to a collection, and in the .41 Magnum chambering it’s a sweet-shooting, very capable field revolver.

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