Colt Bisley Model SAA 7 1/2″ .41 LC Single Action Army Revolver, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2802.77
LSB#: 230914LM063
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 320000
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .41 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips have fairly even handling wear. There is a crack in the front edge of the right panel and a few light nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent very minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout. There is some light handling wear in the grip areas. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish, most notable in the top of the trigger guard. There are some scattered tiny nicks and minor marks. The action shows operational wear, mostly under the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete, some appear to have been re-struck. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder occasionally over-rotates slightly. On one chamber, the hand appears to bind on the cylinder’s ratchet. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. 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 1911 and chambered for .41 Colt cartridges with a 7 1/2″ barrel. The revolver has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. The timing is a little off, but the bore is in quite good shape, especially for its age. This will make a nice addition to a Colt or old-West revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
