Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA Bisley Model .32-20 Revolver, 1904 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,125.00

WOA#: WY240614GC011

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 250950

Year of Manufacture: 1904

Caliber: .32-20 WCF

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) 32 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 “4631”. The hammer slot is marked “3” (upside-down). The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “250950”, the butt is marked “250 / 950”. 

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 hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. The grips show moderate-heavy handling wear with most of the checkering and colts worn smooth. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: The hammer has been altered and/or replaced (see serrations). The ejector housing appears to have been polished and may be replaced. Most other parts don’t retain finish, but there is no evidence of a new finish being applied.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 3% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is almost entirely on the hammer. Most surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. The ejector housing is polished bright. There is evenly scattered minor surface erosion and discoloration from oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with tool marks at most screw heads. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to disfigured 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. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber. The cylinder was made with 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 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. 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 .32-20 Winchester with a 4 3/4? barrel. The revolver shows its age, but retains a fair bore and strong mechanics. This will be a great addition to a collection missing a Bisley. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud