Bisley, Colt original

[Daybreak Dave]

I just acquired my first original Colt SAA, a Bisley, 240,000 serial range, 38-40, which I have always wanted, because it fits so much better in my large hands than the regular SAA.  I intend to shoot it, for fun at least, and possibly Cowboy action shooting, although I have never shot a match once and may not for a while.  Two questions.
1.  Is it legal in NCOWS? (I misplaced my rules book)
2.  Is it safe with smokeless?(assuming checked out by a gunsmith, I know, although we often skip this part because we all fancy ourselves as at least amateur gunsmiths).  The reason I ask is because in Mike Venturino book on shooting the SAA, he says after 192,000, smokeless is OK.  However, I have info from others that states that Colt did not "warrant" their SAA for smokeless until after 1906.  Can you folks shed any light on this?
Thanks,
Daybreak Dave

[Trap]

 The original Colt Bisley is legal for NCOWS , and if kept to BP velcities will be fine with smokeless. (you might want to quit using that stuff now ,as it will never catch on)              jt

[Delmonico]

The 38-40 loads in any current manual should be fine, but often the powders in the slower burning range of what is listed will give the same velocities at a lower peak pressure level and with a less sharp curve.  (Read this as being gentle on old guns)  A call to the customer service dept of the powder companies will help if pressures arn't listed with the data.  I have a Low-Wall that was rebarreled to 22 Hornet  on a case hardened action that uses a load with a peak pressure of about 25,000.  These type loads do use more powder and it often leaves more residue than the the more popular loads, but it is much gentler on old firearms.

Check out loads with IMR 7625, PB or 4756 or AA's 5744.  These are the ones that come to mind for gentler loads in these size cartridges.  There are many more that should work but a little checking with the companies ballistiions will help.

[Lone Gunman]

Your Bisley would have been mfg in 1903. Venturino's 192,000 number coincides with every reference I have. SAAMI pressure specs for the 38-40 is only 14,000 CUP, any factory ammo or loading data would be at or below that pressure and should be safe to use.

[Daybreak Dave]

Thanks to all for your answers.  I knew I would get prompt replies that I could rely on.  Hope we will meet someday at a NCOWS function - when I get a little older, a little more retired,  and can make more time for the important things in life.

Daybreak Dave