Howdy 9.3X62AL; gotta question for ya.
I noticed you spoke of recoil in relation to your .45 Colt Blackhawk revolver and, in the next sentence, referred to the "magic" you found in the Bisley grip style.
I've always been amazed at how the old Colt single-action "plow handle" grip shape, and the very similar standard Blackhawk grip, seems to tame the recoil effects of the magnum revolver cartridges, in comparison to the recoil produced by the same cartridges in a handgun with the usual double-action grip design. The magnum pistol cartridges bellow and roar no mater what they are fired in, but to my tender, pansy hands they actually hurt when fired in double-action grip style handguns, yet produce no pain at all with the old single-action plow-handle grip.
My guess is the double-action grip shape directs more of the recoil force straight back into the palm of the hand, producing a potentially painful "hand-slap," whereas the angle and curves of the single-action grip style cause the revolver grip to slip through the hand as the gun twists in the hand under the muzzle rise of recoil. It seems to me that much of the recoil force is dissipated as the single-action grip twists downward through the shooters grasp as the muzzle twists upward in recoil.
I've never fired a single-action revolver with the Bisley grip shape, and I'm wondering how that grip shape effects perceived recoil in relation to the more usual single-action grip style. Do you find the Bisley shape is gentler on the hand during recoil, or is there some other reason for the "magic" you find in the design? I know the Bisley-style grip originated in single-action target revolvers, so I'm also wondering if you find any accuracy benefits in the design.
What, if anything, would I gain if I were to somehow substitute a Bisley-style grip for the original "plow-handle" grip on my .41 Magnum Ruger Blackhawk?
Happy trails,
-- Cary Gunn --