[Jeff Higgins]

Nope, no illusion - the single action grip shape is intended to allow more muzzle lift as the gun rolls back in the hand under recoil. Originally, back when Colt first developed the shape, it was to aid in cocking the gun for the next shot. We have since found that it also helps mitigate recoil a bit, as some of the recoil energy is absorbed in making the gun roll up in the hand.

That works o.k. to a certain point. With some of today's more powerful chamberings, the original shape can allow the gun to roll back more than desired. The Bisley shape helps with that, not allowing it to roll back as much. It is also a bit longer, so there is more room for the pinky finger for guys with large hands, like me. With the original grip shape, I'm forced to put my pinky under the grip, so I'm essentially just holding the gun with two fingers. This works for standard .45 Colt level recoil, but is less than ideal once we have to deal with heavy .44 mag or heavier recoil.