Colt Bisley Model SAA 4 3/4″ .32-20 Single Action Army Revolver, 1906 C&R
Sold for $2000.00
LSB#: 220817BP006
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 279400
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 “3869”. The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “279400”, the butt is marked “279 / 400”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, the left rear “3”. The hammer slot is marked “N”.
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 Ajax faux-ivory panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with a nick at the bottom edge of the left panel near the front. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about 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 with some pitting toward the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. There is blue remaining in protected areas such as along the top and bottom of the ejector housing, the rear of the barrel, the rear face of the cylinder, the cylinder flutes and corners of the grip frame. There is a little case color visible inside the frame and on the sides of the hammer. Most other surfaces have gone to a light patina with some scattered surface oxidation and infrequent erosion. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The ejector tab is bent backward notably. 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 generally clear, there is some wear on the rampant colt. Overall, this revolver is in 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 4 3/4″ barrel. The revolver shows wear consistent with its age, but retains a fair 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!