As I had a bad deal with S&W, my new model 57 is long gone. I've kept an eye out for a good older model, but have yet to come across a reasonably priced one yet.
I've since had the desire for a 41 magnum again, and I think it's a good opportunity to try a Ruger bisley grip, as I've found I do not like the standard blackhawk at all. Ideally I'd like a nice compact gun, all my revolvers get carried, and I'm all for compact power. I really like the 4 5/8" barrel, and lighter the better within reason.
I've found two good options, if modified. The first is the Ruger 0471, a stainless 5.5" barrel bisley. The problem with that gun is the longer barrel, which isn't a big deal, plus I prefer blued, and on top of that, it advertises at 51 ounces. Not a lightweight. I'm thinking a barrel shortened to 4 5/8", and the frame skeletonized would be a good gun. I'd rather not try and shorten my own barrel, but I could lighten the grip frame myself.
The other gun I like better. It is the Ruger 0405, a blued 4 5/8" standard blackhawk. It advertises at 38 ounces, and is perfect beyond the grip frame. This gun is also about $125-150 cheaper, which is the cost of a grip frame.
It seems grip frames can be hard to come by, but I'm willing to wait. Has anyone attempted fitting one themselves? Other than polishing and bluing, which I can do, the only thing I gather is that the top has to be fitted to the inside of the frame. To do a true bisley conversion I would also need the hammer and associated hardware. Is there any reason I can't keep the standard hammer and trigger parts?