Colt Bisley Model SAA 5 1/2″ .38-40 Single Action Army Revolver, 1905 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1333.01
LSB#: 220204RT031
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 261923
Year of Manufacture: 1905
Caliber: .38-40 WCF
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the barrel is marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 38 W.C.F.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and with an encircled Rampant Colt logo. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “53”. The hammer slot is marked with a sideways “1”. The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “261923”, the butt is marked “261 / 923”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “5”. The inside of each grip panel has an Arizona Custom Grips logo
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The top of the blade has been filed down, some. The rear sight is “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece faux-ivory panels. The grips have some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, shaping wear around the edges, and infrequent minor discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: The blued parts have been refinished. The remaining case color on the frame appears Original.
Bore Condition: The lands are mostly bright, the grooves are gray. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its current metal finish. There is handling wear in the grip areas and scattered light finish wear on the barrel. The exposed portions of the frame are mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina, but there is some good case color on the front face of the recoil shield and loading gate. The cylinder has generally strong finish with a turn-line and a few scattered light marks. There are a few minor nicks and scratches with some spots of minor surface oxidation. There is infrequent erosion under the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as partially refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light rotational play and barely perceptible end-shake on each chamber. The cylinder has a removable bushing which has had shims installed to take up end-shake. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Bisley was introduced in 1894 as a target pistol. The name Bisley came from the famous firing range in Bisley, England. The Colt Bisley can be distinguished by the longer grip, the wider hammer spur, and the wider trigger. These distinctive revolvers were serial-numbered in the range of 156300–331916, in the same sequence as the Single Action Army. This is an example of a 1st Gen. Bisley, made in 1905 and chambered for .38-40 Winchester with a 5 1/2″ barrel. The revolver has had its blue parts refinished and a new set of faux-ivory grips installed, so it looks great for its age. This is a classic Colt revolver chambered for a classic Winchester cartridge and will make a nice addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!