Antoine1944 - You do have a very nice looking Bisley! But you are correct, it has been refinished at some point in it's life. The Caliber designation on the Barrel has been modified. There is no such cartridge as a .32-20 S&W CTG. The .32-20 designation would have been .32 WCF if it was orginally a .32-20 chambering. Also, the entire designation on the Model and Caliber have been re-stamped. One thing Colt did not do is stamp is S&W CTG on their revolvers; they were fiece competitors, LOL!

The Stag Stocks look great on the Bisley!

Have you looked up the serial number to detemine the year of manufactue?

 

Thanks for the prompt feedback, the serial number is 181XXX meaning it has been manufactured in 1898.
I do not understand why and when the caliber designation has been modified and why using such a fanciful designation ?

Any feedbacks are welcome !

 

Antoine1944 - I don't understand why the original markings were removed except there was pitting in the area and it was polished off. Appearently, whoever polished the revolver did not know Colt and thieir markings, he just put what he thought was correct. He just made a bad error with the .32-20 being a S&W caliber, LOL!

 

How about the stamping being crooked towards the end & going slightly uphill?

 

It does have a few problems and it's sure not a collectible in that condition, but it would make a great shooter if the price reflects it's shortcomings. Those stags look great.

 

For myself even buying it for a shooter, it would be something that I would have to explain to anyone who would look at it. No matter what I bought it for, I would soon be looking for another. 32-20 Bisleys are on the heavy side. I have a 4 3/4 38-40 which has excellent balance and its a grey gun with about 20% blueing in protected areas. I like it just as is.

 

Remember that 4 3/4 .32-20 Bisleys are the most common Bisleys out there. That stamping would bug the hell outta me. Unless it's real cheap, I'd look for another. Nice grips though.

 

Yep, agreed. I couldn't put up with that stamping. But, if it can be had for the right price, I'd change out the barrel and get it somewhat back to original.

 

To me, that plating appears to be chrome and Colt did not do chrome
plating.

 

I would pass on this one, if I were you. The problems with the marking on the barrel are already problematic enough, and it is refinished. It is in the less desirable configuration (Bisley) in the least desirable caliber (.32-20). And, the problem is, you need sunglasses to look at this revolver!

 

I think I'd just buy a Cimmaron or Ruger if you just want an affordable shooter.

 

Many thanks to all for your advices and feedbacks.
I knew this forum was the place to be !

Regards

 

Antoine1944
Welcome to the forum. I think I'd pass on that one too unless it was REALLY cheap.
Let us know.