Colt Bisley Model 44-40 4.75″ Single Action Revolver MFD 1906 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,301.00

LSB#: 241207AA289

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Bisley

Serial Number: 279437

Year of Manufacture: 1906 (C&R)

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with a Six-Round Fluted Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BISLEY MODEL COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER.” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT SEPT 19, 1871. JULY 2, 72. JAN 19, 75” along with the Colt Rampant logo. The top of the barrel is marked “COLTS PT F.A. MFG CO HARTFORD CT U.S.A.” The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a triangle inspection mark. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and butt of the grip frame are marked “279437.” The inside of the left grip is marked “9437.”

Barrel Length: 4.75”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notch in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber with Colt Rampant logos on both sides. The checkering remains defined with some light scratches present. The checkering id defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Hardened

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is some very light erosion present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10

Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling wear, with finish thinning on the barrel, ejector housing, and grip frame. TThere is some surface oxidation and patina. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are sharp and legible. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. 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 Model was introduced in 1894 as a variant of the Single Action Army, designed specifically for target shooting. It featured a distinctive grip shape, lower hammer, and wider trigger for improved handling in single-handed shooting. Chambered in .44-40 Winchester, this example is an excellent representation of a frontier-era revolver, maintaining classic Colt craftsmanship.

Manufactured in 1906, this revolver falls into the highly desirable pre-war Colt era. The markings remain clear, and despite some finish wear, this piece has aged gracefully, retaining much of its original charm. The checkered hard rubber grips, while showing minor fit issues on the right panel, still bear the Rampant Colt emblem, a hallmark of the period.

For collectors of early Colt revolvers, this Bisley Model in .44-40 is a great find. Whether as a display piece, part of a growing collection, or even a potential shooter with proper maintenance, this revolver offers both historical and investment appeal. Please see our high-quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.