Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4″ Blue .45 Revolver, 1905 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2125
LSB#: 210218WW28
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model
Serial Number: 265587
Year of Manufacture: 1905
Caliber: .45 Colt
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) 45 COLT”. 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 frame, trigger guard and back strap are marked “265587”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “9314”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “5”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “5587”.
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 black hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. The grips show light handling wear with some more notable scrapes on the bottom of the left panel. The checkering is well defined with good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 7% of its metal finish. There is some blued finish in protected areas such as the top and bottom of the ejector housing, the top of the trigger guard and in the cylinder flutes. There is case color visible on the frame to each side of the hammer and on each side under the cylinder pin retainer. Other surfaces have mostly gone to a light-moderate patina with scattered surface oxidation and some minor surface erosion. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The head of the ejector rod is bent. The head of the cylinder pin is tool marked. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The cylinder has a removable bushing, but it is seized in the cylinder, we were not able to remove it. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with little play side-to-side and barely perceptible 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 strong mechanics and matching serialized parts, including its grips. This will make a great addition to any Colt or American West collection. Please see our photos and good luck!