Colt Bisley Model SAA 5 1/2″ .32-20 Single Action Army Revolver, 1906 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1800
LSB#: 220204RT027
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 279526
Year of Manufacture: 1906
Caliber: .32-20 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) 32 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 “3775”. The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “279526”, the butt is marked “279 / 526”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, the left rear “T”. The inside of the left panel is hand-scribed “1938” and “JG Rentz”, the inside of the right has “1838” and “JC Rentz”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The blade has been filed down significantly, with three punch-marks on the right side. The rear sight is “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. The grips have light handling wear. The left panel has a patch of more notable wear below the grip screw escutcheon and the right has a notable ding at the bottom edge toward the front. There are some other scattered minor marks. The checkering is generally well defined and there is decent detail in the colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in protected corners. The exposed surfaces have mostly gone to a light-moderate patina with some areas worn to white. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and minor surface 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 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 play 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 1906 and chambered for .32-20 Winchester with a 5 1/2″ barrel. The revolver shows wear consistent with its age, but retains a decent bore and strong mechanics. This will make a nice addition to a Colt or old-West revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!