Colt 1st Gen Bisley Model Single Action Army .32-20 WCF 5 1/2″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,626.00
LSB#: LSB260602XX002
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 309485
Year of Manufacture: 1909 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 W.C.F.)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 32 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MGF. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT SEPT 19 1871” / “JULY 2.72JAN.19.75” and a Rampant Colt in a circle. The bottom of the frame and trigger guard are marked with “309485”. The left front trigger bow is marked “VP”, and the rear “W”. The loading gate is marked “3291”. There is no serial number on the backstrap interior.
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 smooth wood. The grips show light-moderate handling wear with some scattered nicks, scratches and scuffing. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are slightly shy to the metal. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition. These grips are not original to this revolver.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in protected areas such as the cylinder flutes, the top of the backstrap around the hammer, and corners. Most of the surfaces have worn and taken to a mottled patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and infrequent minor surface erosion. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very little play side-to-side and barely perceptible end-shake. The cylinder has a removable bushing. 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 Model was introduced in the 1890s as a target-oriented variation of the Single Action Army, distinguished by its lower-profile hammer, wider trigger, and reshaped grip frame intended to provide a more stable hold for deliberate shooting. Built on the same basic solid-frame, loading-gate action as the standard SAA, the Bisley was offered in several chamberings, with .32-20 Winchester becoming one of the more commonly encountered calibers. This 1909 example combines the desirable .32-20 chambering with a 5 1/2″ barrel, giving it a classic sporting configuration from the latter portion of First Generation production.
This Bisley retains approximately 15% of its original blue and case-colored finish, with most exposed surfaces worn to a mottled brown patina. There are scattered nicks, scratches, scuffs, minor surface erosion, and expected operational wear including cylinder turn wear. The replacement smooth wood grips remain in Good-plus condition, while the bright 7/10 bore retains sharp rifling with only faint erosion. The action functions correctly, with very little lateral cylinder play, barely perceptible endshake, a removable cylinder bushing, and a crisp trigger. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY