Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA Bisley Model .38-40 Revolver, 1911 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,725.00

WOA#: WY240718NO004

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 318995

Year of Manufacture: 1911

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 “907”, found again on the rear of the frame under the right grip. The hammer slot is marked “4″. The bottom-front of the frame and trigger guard are marked “318995”, the butt is marked “318 / 995”. 

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The front sight appears to have been filed down some. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. Originally black, the panels are going to a brown color, more notable on the right panel than the left. The grips show moderate-heavy handling wear with some areas of the checkering worn smooth. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

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 5 or 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 3% of its metal finish. There is infrequent finish in well protected areas. Most 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. The cylinder locks up with minor 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 .38-40 Winchester with a 5 1/2″  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!

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