The Ruger Blackhawk Bisley is a single-action revolver in .44 Special with a 4.625-inch barrel and a satin stainless finish. The Bisley grip frame is the defining feature here — it sits lower in the hand and angles differently than the standard Blackhawk, which distributes recoil more evenly and makes extended shooting noticeably more comfortable. At 42 ounces it's a substantial gun, but that weight works in your favor with the .44 Special. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Blackhawk Bisley 
• Type: Revolver 
• Caliber: .44 SPC 
• Barrel Length: 4.625 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight: 2.625 pounds (42 ounces) 
• Finish: Satin Stainless Steel 
• Manufacturer: Ruger 
• Manufacturer Part Number: 5249 
   

Detailed Features 

The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, which slows the rate of fire but gives you a clean, consistent trigger pull — a real advantage for accuracy-focused shooting. The transfer bar safety allows the hammer to rest on a loaded chamber safely, which addresses the old single-action concern about carrying six rounds. 
 
Adjustable rear sights and a ramp front sight let you dial in for different loads, which matters with .44 Special since velocity and bullet weight vary considerably across factory ammo. The polished rosewood grips look good and provide a secure hold during extended sessions. Satin stainless is a practical finish for a working gun — it handles weather and handling marks better than blued steel.

The Blackhawk Bisley in .44 Special has a dedicated following, and the core of that support comes from the Bisley grip itself. Shooters who've tried both the standard Blackhawk and the Bisley version consistently prefer the Bisley grip for anything beyond a quick cylinder's worth of shooting. The lower grip angle and wider hammer spur improve control and reduce the tendency for the gun to rotate in the hand under recoil.

The .44 Special chambering draws its own praise — it's accurate, manageable, and handloads well for anyone who reloads. Factory ammo availability is decent if not abundant, and the caliber sits in a useful middle ground between .357 Magnum and full .44 Magnum.

The main criticism is weight: at 42 oz it's not a gun you'll forget you're carrying. Some shooters also want a double-action option for faster follow-up shots, but that's a fundamental design choice — the SA-only trigger is part of what makes the Bisley accurate and the action smooth. Ruger's build quality on this model gets consistent credit. Cosmetically, the satin stainless and rosewood is a combination most owners appreciate, and it ages well.