Modify my Bisley? hmmmm

marko · September 19, 2008, 07:55:45 PM

I have a Very Nice USFA Bisley but i want something different smaller barrel diff caliber so i contacted the wonderful people over at USFA about my thoughts. As usual they responded to me very quickly and i wanted to see what you all thought. I asked how much it would be to change my 5 1/2 barrel to a 3/12 also to change it from a 45lc to 38 spcl. They told me it would be around $775 in parts and another $200 in labor and shipping so a total of $975.. it sounds steep but. I don't think $975 is that bad for essentially a new firearm with all the things i want the bisley hammer grip...and shorter barrel basically a one off piece. I wanted to hear everyone's feedback and thoughts as to my project. look forward to hearing from you all.

Marko AKA--- City Slicker

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · September 20, 2008, 10:51:52 AM

Buy 'nuther f'arm!

Then y'll have two.

Decisions! Decisions! Which one do I want to shoot today?

Wild Will · September 20, 2008, 02:54:53 PM

I'd get another if I was having all that done. How 'bout this, Bisley with 3 1/2 barrel done all in armory blue with pearl grips?

Will

Capt. John Fitzgerald · September 20, 2008, 05:55:39 PM

From a purely practical standpoint, a short barrel on a Bisley doesn't make much sense. The main purpose of the shorter barrels was to make the guns more concealable. The over sized grip on the Bisley would pretty much defeat that purpose. Also, the Bisley was designed with competitive target shooting in mind.
However... If you want a truly unique, possibly one of a kind, pistol, the short barreled Bisley would be it. I agree with those above. I would just go for a new pistol. Doesn't sound like you are really going to save that much by having your gun converted.

Hobie · October 08, 2008, 07:03:27 AM

A little more and you'd have a second firearm.

Doc Sunrise · October 08, 2008, 12:07:09 PM

First, you are not far from having a second USFA firearm. I would definitely go for a new one.

Secondly, I do agree with the Capt. on the fact that the original idea of short barrel guns were for hideaway guns, and the Bisley grip is not the most advantageous for hiding. But, if it is what you want, just go for it.

In any case, go for a new gun and have two. Then you will see how fast they multiply after that.

Kinda Sudden · October 08, 2008, 07:02:06 PM

Not to flame you, but, it would be more strange then custom. Doc and the Capt nailed it for you. If you got to do it, buy another.

Wild Will · October 08, 2008, 07:45:23 PM

The new USFA newsletter shows a Bisley "in the vault" with 4 3/4 barrel in 45 Colt. There is also one in 44SP with 4 3/4 barrel.

marko · November 12, 2008, 05:02:22 PM

Quote from: Kinda Sudden on October 08, 2008, 07:02:06 PM
Not to flame you, but, it would be more strange then custom. Doc and the Capt nailed it for you. If you got to do it, buy another.

Looks like Doug T Had the same idea as i had....... off it goes

http://www.turnbullrestoration.com/client_images/catalog19872/pages/files/Silver-BlueBisley_Rdetail.jpg

Marko

Grogan · November 13, 2008, 10:59:19 AM

I was looking through Kopec's book on Colt SAAs and came across a couple of photos of "Sheriff's Model" Colt Bisleys.

Now there were some nice looking Bisleys!

(I'd bet USFA could make some of those up for someone who wanted one

)

marko · November 13, 2008, 01:36:43 PM

Grogan

Doug Turnball is going to do mine for under $600 out the door....

Marko