Make: Colt

Model: Custom Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial Number: 297139

Year of Manufacture: 1907, we do not know when the revolver was customized.

Caliber: .45 Colt

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

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

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 stag panels. The grips have minor handling wear with a few small marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: The surfaces have been polished bright.

Finish Originality: Refinished. The cylinder is a 2nd Gen replacement part, some other parts may be replaced.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling and infrequent leading. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 7% of its metal finish. There is a little finish remaining, mostly inside the trigger guard and on the sides of the grip frame, covered by the grips. Other surfaces have been polished bright. There is some scattered minor surface erosion, mostly polished out. There are moderate tool marks on the cylinder pin head. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete, some were removed by polishing. The grip frame serial markings appear double-struck. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The hammer does not catch the safety notch. 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. 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 from 1907 that has seen extensive customization. Most surfaces have been polished bright with foliate scroll engraving on the major parts. It has been equipped with a 2nd Generation .45 Colt cylinder and an attractive set of stag grips, making for a distinctive appearance. This is an interesting revolver that will display well as-is, but would also be fairly easy to apply the finish of your choice or keep nice and bright. Please see our photos and good luck!