Original Colt Bisley

[bradw]

A friend has a .45 Colt Bisley dating from around 1902 that has been reblued but not buffed to death (barrel markings are a little light though) and it has good original grips and is very functional (locks up good), Would this still be a decent shooter or is this vintage not considered for using? I've never owned a Bisley anything and it seems to fit/feel pretty well, I'm not a shooter that shoots alot so it wouldn't get worked to death and I can pick it up for $750. I know I could buy something newer & cheaper but I like the vintage/history of older original guns. If a part broke are they as plentyful as any Colt SAA parts? same? Any thoughts?

[Deleted]

Buy it, buy it, buy it! Reblue or no reblue $750 is rock bottom on a clean Bisley shooter. And yes - parts are easy to get.

[bradw]

I thought the price was decent for a Colt even reblued but realize the collector value is pretty poor because of the refinish so it seems a little more shooter grade. I'm pretty unfamilar with these Bisley's but have played with different single actions for a while. Thanks for the input. Anyone shoot one of these much?

[Lil Dudey]

Buy it!

[turbo]

POST PICS!

[bradw]

Sorry I don't have the Bisley yet and haven't learned how to post yet, I know I really need to learn to post pics I just haven't taken the time. A post like this really needs pics, sorry. It is real nice but reblued so as I mentioned I'm sure the collector value is shot but it is still a vintage Colt. The barrel is 5.5 inches, hard rubber grips with some wear but not "real worn" the finish is the typical hot blue all over but fortunately does not show buffing. all the numbers I could see mathched. I've seen a couple locally over the years and they seemed to be smaller calibers like 32-20 but I ever paid much attention. This one being 45 got me to looking a little closer and I was surprised that it seemed to handle pretty well.

[Boge Quinn]

Let me know if you don't like it, I'd be glad to take it off your hands!

[aciera]

My first Colt was a Bisley, one I will never sell. Buy it and do likewise.

[Boge Quinn]

I ALMOST got an original Bisley once. Sad, sad story.

[bradw]

Care to share the sad story or is it to sad to tell? I'll bet most of us have a story about the one that got away or wish they'd never let go.
I'm supposed to get this one I'm looking at on Monday, I'm pretty sure it'll go through

[Lil Dudey]

bradw after you buy it, post some pictures.

[cubrock]

Nov 5, 2010 23:22:32 GMT -5 Boge Quinn said:

Let me know if you don't like it, I'd be glad to take it off your hands!

This.

[bradw]

Well, I picked it up today, looks pretty decent and even the bore is not to bad, I think the base pin might be a replacement but everything else looks original other than the re-blue. Those cylinder walls seem a bit on the thin side so I suppose it'll need fairly light loads. Anyone shoot one of these old Colts?

[cable]

Nov 6, 2010 12:53:22 GMT -5 Boge Quinn said:

I ALMOST got an original Bisley once. Sad, sad story.

ME too.....a fellow had a restored bisley 45 done by one of the top restoration shops ....wanted 1100 for it and a very mint TLA 44 magnum wanted 1100 for it, we emailed back and forth ......then i realized he is a local fellow, but the kicker is that his name is spelled Mo_ _ _ !!!!
The Brothers Quinn will know who this is and why i just dropped the whole matter without even meeting him, or revealing who i was. he still does not know me, though i have seen him at gunshows a few times.

[akray]

cable, I saw a TLA No. 5 that Mo--- owned, that showed holster wear and use, but even worse, he had engine turned the gripframe. He wanted $1300.00 for it almost 20 years ago too. I handled it but didn't comment on his improvements. That's the only TLA I've ever seen and handled before, and it was because he owned it and had it for sale at the gun show that I was able to.