Colt 1st Gen Bisley Frontier Six Shooter SAA .44-40 WCF Revolver, 1906 C&R
Sold for $2600.00
LSB#: 220817BP011
Make: Colt
Model: Frontier Six Shooter, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 276566
Year of Manufacture: 1906 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44 WCF (.44-40 Winchester Center Fire)
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) / COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”. The left side of the frame is marked “??T. SEPT. 19. 1871. / ???Y 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and with an encircled Rampant Colt logo. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “3154”. The frame is marked “276566”, found again on the trigger guard. The back strap is marked “276 / 566”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “1”.
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 checkered hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. The grips have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a loss at the bottom edge of the left panel. The grips are alternately proud and shy to the frame. There are no cracks. The checkering is generally well defined. There is pretty good detail in the rampant colts. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with a few scattered minor marks. There are infrequent spots of erosion under the finish. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder has a tendency to over-rotate unless operated gently. The cylinder can be pushed out of lock with enough force. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The cylinder locks up with minor play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
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 that were installed on this model. Bisleys were serial-numbered in the range of 156300–331916, in the same sequence as the Single Action Army. This example is a Bisley Model Colt Frontier Six Shooter, chambered for the .44-40 Winchester cartridge with a 4 3/4″ barrel. The revolver has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. It needs a little work on its timing and cylinder stop notches, but it does still retain a nice bore. With a little work on the mechanism, it will work as good as it shoots. Please see our photos and good luck!