Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 308954

Year of Manufacture: 1909

Caliber: .32-20 WCF

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 a “V”-notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black hard rubber panels with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The inside of each panel has "8954" hand-scribed. There are some light nicks and scratches, the left panel has a few more notable dings toward the bottom. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, the bore has been re-lined.

Bore Condition: The re-lined bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore with a couple of patches of more notable erosion in the bottom of the bore about mid-way. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 7% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in protected areas and around raised features. Most exposed features have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are cracks in the front flange of the cylinder bushing. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and infrequent minor erosion. There are some nicks and scratches. There is a more notable ding on the face of the muzzle at the seam of the liner. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Fair-Good condition (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The hammer does not catch at the safety notch and will fall from half-cock when the trigger is pressed. We were not able to remove the bushing from the cylinder. Otherwise, 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 is an example of a 1st Generation Bisley, chambered for .32-20 Winchester with a 4 3/4" barrel. The bore has been re-lined and there are a couple of mechanical issues that should be easily addressed. This will be a neat addition to a collection missing a Bisley. Please see our photos and good luck!