Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA Bisley Model .38-40 Revolver, 1907 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,684.00

WOA#: WY240530TP030

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 300688

Year of Manufacture: 1907

Caliber: .38-40 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) 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 “2712”. The hammer slot is marked “6” or “9” (sideways). The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “300688”, the butt is marked “300 / 688”. The butt has been hand-engraved with “A” twice.

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 stag panels. The grips show discoloration from age and light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Chrome

Finish Originality: Refinished

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 90% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong. There is some scattered flaking, most notable at the muzzle and on the edges of the topstrap. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some light surface erosion, most notable on the front face of the cylinder. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The hammer does not have a safety notch. The hammer can be dropped from half-cock by pressing the trigger. Otherwise, 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: Factory Colt Letter

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 ¾”  barrel. The revolver has been refinished in chrome and equipped with stag grips, giving it a distinctive appearance. The hammer does not have a safety notch and can be dropped from half-cock by pulling the trigger, but the mechanics are otherwise strong. This will be a neat addition to a collection missing a Bisley. Please see our photos and good luck!

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