Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 277833

Year of Manufacture: 1906

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is “V”-notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. The grips show minor handling wear with a few scattered light marks. There are some lightly compressed checkers below the screw on the left panel. The checkering is otherwise well defined. There is good detail in the colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are scattered spots of minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish wear is along the left of the barrel and the ejector housing. The grip areas show handling wear. The frame's case color is generally strong with some areas showing muting. There is wear behind each cylinder flutes. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the bottom of the barrel in front of the cylinder pin. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very 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 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 model can be distinguished by the longer grip, the wider hammer spur, and the wider trigger when compared with the standard Single action Army. Bisleys were serial-numbered in the range of 156300–331916, in the same sequence as the SAA. This example is a Bisley Model chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge with a 4 3/4" barrel. The revolver shows surprisingly light wear given its age of nearly 120 years, retaining much of its original finish, a strong bore and great mechanics. The revolver will make a nice addition to a Colt or revolver collection as a fine example of Colt's Bisley model. Please see our photos and good luck!