Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA Bisley .38-40 Revolver, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,826.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP009
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 316768
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester Center Fire (W.C.F.)
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 “929”. The hammer slot is marked “1”. The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “316768”, the butt is marked “316 / 768”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered walnut. The checkering is crisp. There are a few minor handling marks. There are no cracks. The grips rate in Very Good overall condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is erosion In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is infrequent finish in well protected areas. Some surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light-moderate patina. There is scattered minor surface erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play side-to-side and minor end-shake on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder is designed with a removable bushing. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory Letter confirming a shipment date of February 8,1911 to Simmons Hardware Company.
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. Bisleys 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 Generation Bisley, chambered for .38-40 Winchester with a 4 3/4″ barrel. The revolver shows its age, but retains surprisingly strong mechanics. This will be a neat addition to a collection missing a Bisley. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
