Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army SAA .32-20 WCF Revolver, MFD 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1700
LSB#: 210416DC14
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 228757
Year of Manufacture: 1902 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 WCF)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT FA MFG Co HARTFORD ???”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The frame, trigger guard and back strap are marked “228757”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “807”. The hammer slot is marked “W”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “TLW”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. It has been filed down significantly. The rear sight is “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. Originally black, the grips have developed a slight brown coloring. The grips show light handling wear with some scattered nicks and scratches, most notable on the bottom of the right panel. The checkering is worn but visible, and there is pretty good detail left on the colts. The grips have a gap to the frame at the top-front and are alternately slightly shy or proud to the frame. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its current metal finish. The most notable finish wear is in the cylinder and grip frame. There is some finish wear at the muzzle and on the ejector rod housing. There is some scattered light surface oxidation, most notable in the grip areas. There is scattered minor erosion under the finish. The front edge of the trigger guard assembly is bent down away from the frame a little bit. The hammer has operational and handling wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to completely removed. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder was made with a removable bushing, but it is currently seized in place. The cylinder locks up with little play side-to-side and some end-shake. 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, but retains decent mechanics and matching serialized parts, except for its grips. This will make a nice addition to a Colt or American West collection. Please see our photos and good luck!