Colt Bisley Model SAA 5 1/2″ .38-40 Single Action Army Revolver, 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1226
LSB#: 220204RT030
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 214757
Year of Manufacture: 1901
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 “588”. The hammer slot is marked with a sideways “1”. The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “214757”, the butt is marked “214 / 757”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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 faux-ivory panels. The grips have some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, shaping wear around the edges, and scattered 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: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is well defined, generally sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its current metal finish. The grip frame, ejector housing and hammer have generally strong blue finish with some scattered light handling and operational wear. The barrel has a little bit of remaining finish but mostly shows light-moderate finish wear. The barrel has some scattered light erosion, most notable on the left rear, with shallow dings along the top. The cylinder has surface erosion scattered throughout. The frame mostly has a milky-gray color consistent with old, worn cold-blue. There are some scattered minor nicks, scratches and spots of minor surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are generally clear, the trigger guard’s serial marking is worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Fair-Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder has a tendency to over-rotate, especially when operated briskly. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light rotational play and 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 1901 and chambered for .38-40 Winchester with a 5 1/2″ barrel. The revolver has been refinished and a new set of faux-ivory grips installed, showing wear consistent with use over the last 120 years. 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!