Speaking of Colt revolvers
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Driftwood Johnson
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Howdy
Not quite sure what you are wishing for.
Standard barrel lengths for Colts have always been 7 1/2", 5 1/2", and 4 3/4".
The New Frontier was the adjustable sight version of the SAA. It was only manufactured from 1961 until 1983. This one left the factory in 1965. Notice the heavy frame, small adjustable rear sight, and ramp mounted front sight.
The Bisley Model was first offered in 1894, it has not been made since 1912.
This one is one of my favorites, chambered for 38-40, it left the factory in 1909. Note the 4 3/4" barrel.
This one is also chambered for 38-40, it left the factory in 1907. Note the 7 1/2" barrel.
Colt never offered the New Frontier in the Bisley configuration. They did offer a target version which was known as the Flat Top Target version. Very rare, there were only 976 of them made.
The configuration of the Bisley Flat Top model was nothing like a New Frontier. The rear sight was dovetailed into the frame, and it was only adjustable for windage by drifting it to one side or the other. The height of the front sight could be adjusted by loosening a screw and moving the blade up or down.
All that Colt seems to be offering today is the standard Single Action Army chambered for 45 Colt with a choice of 4 3/4", 5 1/2" or 7 1/2" barrel. I have no idea how available they are, I have heard they are not producing very many.
Here is a really good video about the Bisley Model by Ian McCollum:
Anyway, good luck getting your Bisley Colt, but I suspect you are going to have to look for an old one if you really want one.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Dont know that Ive eve seen those examples from your (mighty impressive) collection. Very cool, thanks for sharing!
BigBlue 94
Member
I know they brought back the cobra and python. Not sure about the anaconda. Im hoping the new releases dont take away from the value of the original snake guns.
I love colts. I have two S&W revolvers and about 15 Colts ranging from a 1884(?) 32-20 (first DA swing out cylinder model) to a Python and a couple diamondbacks. The 1917 Army is still my go to for everyday woods use.
If a Bisley is what you really want, the ruger SS Bisley is a sweet little gun. But not a colt obviously. There are a couple three Bisley Colts in the cabelas gun library network of used guns. And dont be set on their price. I have successfully haggled about a seventh off of the price of a Colt from them.
I love colts. I have two S&W revolvers and about 15 Colts ranging from a 1884(?) 32-20 (first DA swing out cylinder model) to a Python and a couple diamondbacks. The 1917 Army is still my go to for everyday woods use.
If a Bisley is what you really want, the ruger SS Bisley is a sweet little gun. But not a colt obviously. There are a couple three Bisley Colts in the cabelas gun library network of used guns. And dont be set on their price. I have successfully haggled about a seventh off of the price of a Colt from them.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Just a chop job away!
BigBlue 94
Member
This guy has had a well used life. 32-20 that i spoke of above
Driftwood Johnson
Member
The Ruger version of the Bisley is very different from the original Colt Bisley design.
This one is not mine, it is a photo off the web.
The Colt Bisley grip is narrower than the Ruger version and sweeps farther forward.
A lot of guys favor the Ruger Bisley because it is easier to squeeze their entire hand onto the grip than it is with a traditional plow handle grip. A lot of guys like that for powerful ammunition that generates a lot of recoil.
When I first considered loading 45 Colt with Black Powder a lot of guys cautioned me that because of the stout recoil I would probably want a Vaquero with the Bisley grip. I bought one and took it to exactly one CAS match. Did not like it at all and sold it right after. I found that I liked the traditional Colt plowhandle grip rotating in my hand with stout Black Powder recoil.
One thing I discovered about the Colt Bisley grip is the gun tends to point down slightly when held with a modern straight elbow grip. I suspect that Colt designed the Bisley grip with 19th Century target shooters in mind. A lot of them did not extend the arm out straight, but bent their elbow slightly. I find that with a slightly bent elbow the a Bisley Colt will point straight ahead.
By the way, Uberti offers a pretty good replica of the Bisley Colt. It comes in 45 Colt with 4 3/4", 5 1/2" or 7 1/2" barrels or 357 Magnum with a 5 1/2" barrel. It would probably be a good candidate for turning into a Flat Top Target model.
https://www.uberti-usa.com/bisley-revolver
Brutus51: You might want to consider a reproduction of Elmer Keith's #5. A special custom Colt he had made up with a Bisley style hammer and a modified grip kind of similar to the Bisley grip. I think Hamilton Bowen might be able to make you one of these.
It appears Kieth's original #5 sold for $80,500 in 2015.
You could probably get one for a bit less from Hamilton Bowen.
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/
CraigC: What's the story with your Bisley Flat Top? The frame looks a little bit more squared off at the front than a typical Bisley.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Just a Cimarron Bisley Flat-top .45Colt.
BobWright
Member
Note that the Bisley from Colt is a far different gun from the Ruger Bisley. The Colt Bisley had a different frame design at the rear where the backstrap joined the frame, and it was much deeper there. Ruger solved that problem by making that area the same for the Bisley and the Blackhawk. This after some few were made with different depths at that point.
While the Ruger Bisley grip has found favor with the large caliber high-power enthusiasts, the Colt grip is different and likely would not meet with such enthusiasm. Plus, Colt can't keep up production with the Single Action Army and New Frontier models now. Another gun would further confound production.
Bob Wright
While the Ruger Bisley grip has found favor with the large caliber high-power enthusiasts, the Colt grip is different and likely would not meet with such enthusiasm. Plus, Colt can't keep up production with the Single Action Army and New Frontier models now. Another gun would further confound production.
Bob Wright
BigBlue 94
Member
I was not trying to insinuate that the ruger was a copy of the Colt. But it is a much more readily available option for a Bisley style grip. I have a SS Bisley in 32 H&R. I agree as well that the plow handle grip is better for large calibers for the exact reason specified. My SS bisley has quite a downwards rake when held like a plowhandle.
And yes, from what i've gathered, the Bisley was almost exclusively for target shooters of that day. Ive read the story behind it, but cant remember the specifics. Trying to unsheathe and quickly point-shoot a bad guy with a Bisley would likely result in his toes getting shot off. The plowhandle grip is much more ergonomic for quickdraw, IMHO.
I find with all pistols that a bent elbow is more accurate for me. It also helps soak up a bit of recoil. I used to have tendon issues in my dominant arm from pitching too much and a bent elbow didnt hurt to shoot.
And yes, from what i've gathered, the Bisley was almost exclusively for target shooters of that day. Ive read the story behind it, but cant remember the specifics. Trying to unsheathe and quickly point-shoot a bad guy with a Bisley would likely result in his toes getting shot off. The plowhandle grip is much more ergonomic for quickdraw, IMHO.
I find with all pistols that a bent elbow is more accurate for me. It also helps soak up a bit of recoil. I used to have tendon issues in my dominant arm from pitching too much and a bent elbow didnt hurt to shoot.
il.bill
Member
Driftwood Johnson, CraigC, and BobWright - this little thread has scored a hat trick.
Riomouse911
Member
I held an original Colt .32-20 Bisley that was for sale at a local gun range a couple of years ago. I couldn’t stand the underhooked grip, it just wasn’t going to work for me at all.
I just won a .32 H&R Bisley on GB, I find the Ruger version of the Bisley grip is more my style. This’ll be my first Bisley, my other four Ruger SA’s all have the standard grip frames.
A large-frame Colt .44 Mag or .45 Colt would be cool, especially if they have the great trigger action of the new Cobra/King Cobra/Python models.
Stay safe.
I just won a .32 H&R Bisley on GB, I find the Ruger version of the Bisley grip is more my style. This’ll be my first Bisley, my other four Ruger SA’s all have the standard grip frames.
A large-frame Colt .44 Mag or .45 Colt would be cool, especially if they have the great trigger action of the new Cobra/King Cobra/Python models.
Stay safe.
I have a set of three USFA “SAA” configuration revolvers that have a Bisley hammer. An odd but rare duck I would think - I like the looks and the feel. I have no idea if the CC Bisley hammer adds or detracts from their value - I have not seen any others.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy Again
Just for fun, here are two photos of Pancho Villa with his favorite pistol, A Bisley Colt.
Just for fun, here are two photos of Pancho Villa with his favorite pistol, A Bisley Colt.
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Jim Watson
Member
The Ruger "Bisley" looks a lot like the Keith No 5 grip to me.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
I have always thought so too.
Jim Watson
Member
It is not exactly the same, so if you really want a No 5, Bowen will build you one on a Ruger for "a gun that captured the flavor of the original but didn’t bankrupt owners and builder alike."
Charlie Martinez
Member
I have a Ruger Bisley Vaquero 44 Magnum 5.5" barrel left over from my CASS days that I often wonder if it would be worth sending to someone to install adjustable sights. Any thoughts on what the cost would be or if it would be even practical?
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Having handled all of them, I would say the #5 is different enough to be in a class all its own. Keith was a short guy with small hands. For me, the Ruger Bisley is superior in every way. The #5 is cool for its historical significance but I would not spend the money to build one.
Jim Watson
Member
I'd like to handle one, my hands are not large.
I looked at the Freedom Arms 97 as a CAS prospect but its grip is somewhat like an 1860 which I like less than the 1851-1873 style. Plus its "crisp machining" makes it a bit rough to handle, feels all corners.
I looked at the Freedom Arms 97 as a CAS prospect but its grip is somewhat like an 1860 which I like less than the 1851-1873 style. Plus its "crisp machining" makes it a bit rough to handle, feels all corners.
Gordon
Member
The year the first Bisley Ruger .44 mag was released in mid 80s, it only had a 7 1/2" barrel available. Before I even shot it I sent it to a pistol smith in the mid 80s to be cut and blueprinted ect. It is a keeper. I also had a 5 shot .454 made up the same when that became a factory loading in early 90s . I sold that one recently as I got an offer I could not refuse. I was in it $2000 and was handed $3000 and had shot it and the .454 is too much for me in a gun under 3 pounds 
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