Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Bisley Model

Serial#: 196906

Year of Manufacture: 1900

Caliber: .38-40 WCF

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 have custom carvings. The grips show even moderate handling wear with some nicks and scratches. Originally black, they are going to a brown color. The checkering ranges from well defined to worn, but visible. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Chrome

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 75% of its current metal finish. Finish has scattered flaking, most notable on the cylinder. There is scattered light surface oxidation. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are two notches in the backstrap toward the bottom. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus 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: Included is a Colt Archives letter which indicates this revolver was produced as a .38-40 with 4 3/4" barrel, blue finish and shipped to J.F. Schmelzer and Sons Arms Company in Kansas City, MO on June 25, 1900 as one of 200 guns of the same type in the shipment. Also comes with leather holster and 36-41" belt.

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 1900 and chambered for .38-40 with a 4 3/4" barrel. The revolver has been refinished with chrome plate and has intriguing custom carvings on the interior of its grips. It 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 distinct appearance, so it will display well as it is. This is a classic Colt revolver chambered for a classic Winchester cartridge and will make a nice addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!