Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial#: 225972

Year of Manufacture: 1902

Caliber: .41 Colt

Action Type: Single-Action Side Loading-Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 4 3/4"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The inside of the grips are scribed with non-matching numbers. The grips show even light handling wear with some nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 25% of its current metal finish. Finish remains mostly in the frame's new blue finish. There is infrequent other scattered finish. Other surfaces have gone to a light-moderate patina, lighter on the left of the barrel. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches with more notable tool marks on the rear of the ejector housing and the frame behind. The head of the cylinder pin is tooled. There is scattered surface oxidation and erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The hammer does not catch at the safety notch. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and 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. These distinctive revolvers 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 Gen. Bisley, made in 1902 and chambered for .41 Colt with a 4 3/4" barrel. The revolver has been refinished with a blued frame and has a minor mechanical issue with the hammer preventing it from catching at the safety notch, so it would be a good candidate for restoration. It also has a “been there, done that” appearance, so it will display well as it is. This is a classic Colt revolver chambered for a classic Colt cartridge and will make a nice addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!