Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army SAA .32-20 WCF Revolver, MFD 1903 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1031

LSB#: 210608MW91

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army Bisley Model

Serial Number: 241773

Year of Manufacture: 1903

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 FA MFG Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. 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 “241773”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “278”. The frame recess above the firing pin is marked “1”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “4514”. The butts of each grip are hand scrips, partially illegible, please see the pictures.

Barrel Length: 5 ½”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. It has been filed down / tapered 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 moderate handling wear with some scattered nicks and scratches, most notable are the scratched/carved initials on the butts. The checkering is worn but pronounced, 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 (these are not the gun’s original grips). There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Chemical Case Colored

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is moderate erosion in the bore the entire length.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. This modern finish was applied over eroded metal, without much metal prep. The surfaces are generally rough, under the finish. The newer finish has wear and thinning in the usual places, with scabs of rust and freckling over it. The screw heads are attractive and usable. The markings are not bad, all legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fair condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions properly, though as you’d expect the lockup is not super tight. 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 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!