Colt Bisley Model SAA 4 3/4″ .41 LC Single Action Army Revolver, 1904 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1755
LSB#: 220204RT029
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 257029
Year of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .41 Colt
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) 41 COLT.”. 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 “5765”. The hammer slot is marked with an upside-down “3”. The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “257029”, the butt is marked “257 / 029”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece stag panels. The grips have a few light marks on the bottom and light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are alternately slightly proud and slightly shy to the frame. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly toward the rear, infrequent pitting, and some stubborn leading in front of the forcing cone.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Finish remains mostly in protected areas such as the cylinder flutes, around the front sight, inside and around the corners of the trigger guard, and on the butt. There is some good case color in the rear face of the hammer. Most other surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is scattered light surface oxidation and minor erosion. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light rotational play and minor end-shake on each chamber. The cylinder has a removable bushing. 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 1904 and chambered for .41 Colt cartridges with a 4 3/4″ barrel. The revolver shows wear consistent with its age, retaining strong mechanics and has been equipped with an attractive set of stag grip panels. This will make a nice addition to a Colt or old-West revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!