Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army Bisley Model, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 326758

Year of Manufacture: 1913

Caliber: .32-20 WCF

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The interior of each panel has "6758" hand-carved. The location and appearance of the carvings are not consistent with factory marking. There are some small losses around the edges that have been filled. The grips otherwise show even light handling wear. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as repaired and likely not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has some minor surface erosion near the muzzle on the left side. The frame has generally good case color with a little muting and infrequent minor oxidation. The grip areas show handling wear, mostly gone to patina. There are some scattered light nicks and small scratches, mostly on the barrel and in the grip areas. There are light tool marks on the head of the cylinder pin. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. 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, wider hammer spur, and wider trigger. Bisleys were serial-numbered in the range of 156300–331916, in the same sequence as the Single Action Army. This example is in good shape for its age of more than 110 years. It has had the grips replaced, but retains the majority of its metal finish with a fair bore and strong mechanics. This is a nice example of an early 20th Century Bisley and would make a neat Colt to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!