Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model Frontier Six Shooter

Serial Number: 309348

Year of Manufacture: 1909

Caliber: .44-40 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 hard rubber panels with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The grips show even moderate-heavy wear with a little checkering visible at the top and little detail in the rampant colts. There are some light nicks and scratches with a few more notable dings. There are a few small losses at edges. Overall, the grips are in Fair-Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 2% of its metal finish. There is a little finish on the bottom of the ejector housing at the rear. Other surfaces have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. Areas of the frame have a darker patina than the barrel and grip frame. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. 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 firing pin protrudes from the frame when the hammer is at the safety notch. The hammer will fall from the safety notch and half-cock when the trigger is pressed. 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 Frontier Six Shooter, chambered for .44-40 Winchester with a 4 3/4" barrel. The bore is better than the exterior would suggest, but 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!