Ruger's Single Seven Bisley in 327 Fed Mag Part I

I realize there are several companies that manufacture single action revolvers, but none as well as Ruger. Not in quantity, not in quality and not with so much diversity of models. In addition to a multitude of catalogued firearms, Ruger, also produces a large number of firearms that are sold exclusively through select Ruger distributors. In this case, the Ruger Single-Seven products are exclusively available from Ruger’s distributor, Lipsey’s.

Ruger’s Single-Seven products are further examples of what contributes to the continued popularity of single action revolvers and why Ruger is the leading producer. The Single-Seven, built on the same compact frame as the Single Six and is available in six distinctive configurations as detailed on the table that follows.

In general, I am not a single action revolver kind of guy. Could be the extra coordination and dexterity required for proficiency but, more than likely, it is the traditional plow handle grip I find difficult to master. I am probably the exception, because virtually every cowboy action shooter can, and Elmer Keith could, pop rabbits while shooting off hand at 300 yards. Elmer Keith shooting, not the rabbits.

Yes, I do realize the plow handle grip is supposed to roll in my hand under recoil, but you say that as though it is a good thing. No, I like to keep my gun’s front sight down in the event I want to squeeze off another shot and I do want my entire arm and shoulder dampening recoil and my gun hand wrist doing something other unscrewing itself. Subsequently, my preferred big bore and small bore single action revolvers have Bisley grip frames which allow me to comfortably shoot even heavily handloaded 45 Colt, 454 Casull and 480 Ruger chambered revolvers with accuracy.

Above – Bisley grip top, plow handle lower. Notice the Bisley grip’s reduced bottom flair and straightened front and back strap. The hammer thumb piece sits lower for an easier reach for one hand cocking. Not a surprise that the Ruger Single Seven Bisley does well in the accuracy department, as the style of grip appeared on the 1894 Colt Special Target Revolver. The pistol was later renamed in honor of its showing at England’s target matches, held at Bisley Common 1). 

While I appreciate the Colt history and the grip style, for me the grip shape is of much greater consequence when affixed to a modern Ruger. In the case of the Single Seven, grasping the Ruger in a one or two hand hold and pointing outward, the sights naturally come up level, the grip is secure and thumbing the hammer take little exertion or shift in the gripping hand.

All of the Singles series share a common cylinder frame pictured above a Single Six 22LR and Single Seven 327 Fed Mag have common cylinder windows, 1.529″ W x 1.445″ H, and both have 1.420″ diameter cylinders. The 327 Fed Mag Cylinder measured 1.462″ long – chamber and throat, the 22 LR cylinder measured 1.405″. The 22 LR base pin bore extends further from the face of the cylinder and the barrel shank protrudes further into the window to accommodate the shorter cylinder. .The exterior cylinder wall thickness for the Single Six is a huge overkill for what is required. At 088″, the 327 Fed Mag cylinder wall is more than enough for the 327 Fed Mag cartridge. No, that is not a super short barrel 327 Fed Mag Ruger. The barrel was “removed” from the Single Six cylinder window so the frame would stand out for illustration.

The Single Seven really is an easy open carry revolver. At 39 Oz it isn’t the lightest revolver to carry, but it may be for an all steel firearm with a useful barrel length. It is only 1.4″ at the widest point.

Fit and finish of materials is excellent. The 5.5″ barrel and all steel construction, including grip frame, results in a pistol that is well balanced and has enough heft to mitigate. The sights are micro click adjustable and present a very clean silhouette against a target. Adjustments stay put regardless how hard the Single Seven is pushed.

Cylinder rotation is clockwise, both indexing and loading. A transfer bar prevents a dropped gun discharge. Loading is through a right side loading gate, a manual ejector empties spent casings.The hammer forged barrel is finished with a target crown. With very little use, the Single Seven pull checked 4 lbs 14 oz. Pretravel was virtually nonexistent, let off was crisp, overtravel was minimal.

The cartridge half of the partnership

Two 327 Federal Magnum rounds; 85 grain Federal Premium, next to 115 grain Speer Gold Dot, next to 357 Magnum. Approximations to place the cartridge into context with other common cartridges:

1) Bisley Bops the Bull’s-Eye Colt’s redesign pleased 19th-century target shooters.November 1, 2005 by Phil Spangenberger