Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army SAA .38-40 WCF Revolver, MFD 1912 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1250
LSB#: 210608MW83
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 324294
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: .38-40
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 “328”. The hammer slot is marked “F”. The frame is marked “324294”, the trigger guard and back strap are marked “324294”. There is a “D” on the front face of the cylinder. The inside of the grips are marked and scratched out, “4194”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. 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-moderate handling wear. The fit is quite good, especially considering they are replaced. The checkering is well defined and generally prominent. There are no cracks and only one significant chip at the toe of the right panel. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is generally gray, with pronounced rifling. There is scattered heavy erosion/pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. Finish is retained in protected areas like the cylinder flutes, trigger guard bows, etc. Much of the pistol has been cleaned a little too heavily, the grips frames with a wire wheel and the barrel with an abrasive pad. There is general edge wear and a light drift to patina throughout. The cylinder has scattered dings and there are a handful of surface scabs of rust on the pistol. The screw heads are a bit worn but usable. The markings are all legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 original finish, good 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!
