Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA Bisley Model .32-20 Revolver, 1903 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,380.00
LSB#: 241207AA290
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 239562
Year of Manufacture: 1903 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 WCF)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade; the blade has been re-profiled or replaced. The rear sight is “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The inside of each panel has “5102” hand-scribed. The grips have moderate handling wear with some light nicks and scratches. The checkering and rampant colts show some smoothing. Originally black, the panels are going to a brown-ish color. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, worn areas of the barrel and ejector housing show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Most remaining finish is in the barrel which shows scattered wear treated with cold blue. The frame’s case color has mostly muted or gone to a nickel-like appearance. The grip frame has almost completely worn to white. There is scattered minor oxidation and surface erosion. The ejector tab is bent back slightly. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The hammer will fall from the safety notch and half-cock when the trigger is pressed. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play. 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 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 example shows its age, having had the grips replaced and the front sight blade re-profiled or replaced at some point in its past. It would be well worth restoring this classic Old-West revolver, but it would display well as-is with its “been there, done that” appearance. Either way, this would make a nice Colt to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
