Originally Posted by
JEC
Here's a little background on the Flattop Bisley 44 Specials. In 2009 we (Lipsey's) convinced Ruger to make us a run of mid-size frame Flattops in 44 Special. Originally they only wanted to do 4-5/8" barrel models, but I finally talked them into making both 4-5/8" and 5-1/2" models. Reason being is most of the custom converted 3-screw Ruger 357's that had been converted to 44 Special were done with a 4-5/8" barrel myself included. Those guys may want something a little different and that proved to be a good move since the 5-1/2" guns outpaced the 4-5/8" by a small margin that first year. I was at a Ruger dealer promo that fall and Ruger's revolver product manager was working the show as well. He asked me if I'd gotten one of the Flattop's yet and I hadn't because we were still swamped with orders and mentioned that I'm partial to the Bisley model guns anyways. He said, well how about I just build you a Bisley model just pick a barrel length. After going back and forth over the day about it, he finally just said, I'll make you one of each. So those were the first two Bisley 44 Special Flattops. When I got them in at the office, all the guys here were all over them and said you have to order more. It kind of worked out because Ruger decided to catalog the standard Flattop 44 Special in 2010 so we got he exclusive on the Bisley version that year and have continued to run them ever since. After a few years we did add the stainless models. There was a small run of 7-1/2" guns for The Shootists and an even smaller qty of "mistake" Shootists guns that didn't have Shootists serial numbers.
I've always considered these guns as a Working Man's Keith #5. The 5-1/2" version is my favorite of the three lengths. Brian Pearce did a great article in Handloader Magazine on loading for these and I encourage you to find that article if you can. Ross Seyfried did a great write up on them for Gunsamerica. Ross was a big fan of the guns and commented that Elmer would have very happy with them.
Mechanically, these guns seem to be some of the better single actions Ruger has made. I attest a lot of that to new tooling and such. Generally the throat dimensions and tolerances are spot on with these guns.
I've loaded a lot of different loads for mine and have settled on a 250gr. Keith SWC with 8.0gr of Power Pistol. Runs right at 1000 fps out of my 5-1/2" gun and 975 fps out of my 4-5/8". Pressure is under SAAMI Spec and accuracy is exceptional. We've found that the Ruger's like cast bullets sized .431 in the 44's if you are casting or can select sizing when buying.
Just wanted to give a little of the back story on these. Since Covid the supply of these has been sparse, but I do anticipate seeing a better flow this year. I have a lot of single action revolvers, but the 5-1/2" Bisley Flattop 44 Special is my favorite.
Jason / Lipsey's
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