Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Bisley Single Action Army “1st Generation”!
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. Whether you’re looking to restore or display this revolver as-is, this would make a nice addition to any collection!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Bisley Model Single Action Army “1st Generation”
Serial: 288872
Date of Manufacture: 1907
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Grips with Checkering and Rampant Horses
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame is stamped "PAT.SEPT.19 1871 / JULY.2.72.JAN.19.75." with the Colt rampant horse logo. The top of the barrel is stamped "COLT'S.PT.F.A.MFG.CO / HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.". The left side of the barrel is stamped “Bisley Model .45 Colt”.
Model: Bisley Model Single Action Army “1st Generation”
Serial: 288872
Date of Manufacture: 1907
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Grips with Checkering and Rampant Horses
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame is stamped "PAT.SEPT.19 1871 / JULY.2.72.JAN.19.75." with the Colt rampant horse logo. The top of the barrel is stamped "COLT'S.PT.F.A.MFG.CO / HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.". The left side of the barrel is stamped “Bisley Model .45 Colt”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Bisley Model Single Action Army (SAA), introduced by Colt, is often regarded as a more specialized and refined variant of the iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver. The Bisley was designed with the target shooter in mind, catering to those who required a firearm optimized for accuracy, comfort, and precision. It featured several key design differences that set it apart from the standard SAA, making it particularly appealing to competitive shooters and enthusiasts seeking improved performance in target shooting. The Bisley Model was produced alongside the standard SAA and shared the same serial range, beginning at approximately 156,300 and extending to 331,916. Notably, the Bisley was offered in various barrel lengths, much like the standard SAA, including the 4.75-inch, 5.5-inch, and 7.5-inch options, providing versatility for various shooting disciplines.
The Bisley was chambered in a variety of popular calibers, including .45 Colt, .44-40, and .32-20 (the .32 WCF), with the latter being the most favored by target shooters due to its accuracy and manageable recoil. One of the defining characteristics of the Bisley Model was its curved, longer grip strap, which was designed to offer a more ergonomic and comfortable hold for the shooter. This adjustment allowed for improved control of the revolver, especially during extended shooting sessions, making it particularly well-suited for competitive and precision shooting. The forward-curved grip frame helped to reduce recoil, providing a smoother shooting experience and making the revolver more straightforward to manage during rapid fire. These ergonomic changes contributed to the Bisley Model’s popularity with target shooters who needed a more refined and controllable firearm.
The hammer of the Bisley was also a key innovation. It featured a smaller, raked-back hammer that was easier to cock, especially when shooting with greater precision. This design change was introduced in response to feedback from competitive shooters who desired a smoother, more refined action that would allow for faster and more precise cocking during competitions. The raked-back hammer not only improved function but also gave the Bisley a more distinctive visual appeal, setting it apart from the traditional hammer configuration found on the standard SAA. The Bisley Model was named after Bisley, England, a location renowned for its international shooting competitions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Colt capitalized on the association with the famous shooting venue by marketing the Bisley Model to serious shooters who valued the pistol’s performance in competitive settings.
From its introduction in 1894, the Bisley Model was manufactured until 1915. The highest serial number known to have been assembled is 331,916, which was produced in 1915, but it didn't ship until November 1919, signaling the end of production. In total, approximately 45,326 Bisley revolvers were produced, making it a relatively rare variant when compared to the hundreds of thousands of standard SAA revolvers manufactured during the same period. As such, the Bisley Model has become a prized collector's item today.
Condition/Contents:
Condition/Contents:
This example is in Excellent overall condition for its age, showing much less than the normal evidence of use or handling that we can see.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
