"New" Colt Bisley

Blackpowder Burn · January 09, 2016, 05:44:43 PM

Well, part 2 of my fall into the honey pot today (see part 1 in the Darksiders Den) was finding a Colt Bisley in 32 WCF for an amazing price. The gun is extremely clean, with a pristine bore, light freckling on the blueing and essentially 100% on the case hardening. It dates to 1902. I just ran some of my 32 WCF black powder ammo through it and it is a real tack driver. It was a limited amount, but at CAS distances it will chew one hole and I shot 50 yard gongs with no misses (about 12" diameter). And I got this beauty for $1,200!

The Pathfinder · January 10, 2016, 10:04:14 AM

What can I say, I am officially jealous.

Blackpowder Burn · January 10, 2016, 10:33:01 AM

I've been envious of this type of luck for quite a few years, and the last two years, have had several nice originals fall into my lap at very reasonable prices. I guess if we wait long enough, and have the right contacts, everyone gets a chance to find a few treasures.

Coffinmaker · January 10, 2016, 02:50:05 PM

Blackpowder Burn ........... Go sit in the corner and face the wall

Between that Bisley in 32-20 and the 1892 in 32-20, you've earned a
LOUD and direct WELL DONE BUB. If you intend to play the CAS game with em (I certainly would), hopefully your able to stumble on
another "original" 32-20 to make em a "set."
32-20 is sooooooo much fun. Recoil is almost nonexistent in an SA and someone will have to tell ya when the '92 goes off. Zero recoil there. I am officially JELOUS!! Doesn't happen very often over Colt guns. Unless they are 1st Gen, Original. Good Job

Coffinmaker

Blackpowder Burn · January 10, 2016, 10:25:53 PM

Actually, I know where another 32-20 Bisley is............the funds to purchase, however, are a far different matter!

I seem to have fallen into the deep end recently with 32-20's. While I will always shoot full BP loads with all my guns, the 32-20
is my version of being a "gamer"
- I have an original Lightning Rifle I've overhauled and the barrel is now being relined.
- I just got a Remington Rolling Block rechambered in 32-20
- I bought a pair of Cimarron Model P's in 32-20 about 6 months ago (but they darn sure don't feel like the old Colt).

So, yep, I plan to shoot 32-20 a lot for CAS. And it still makes a pretty good smoke cloud with BP, which is all I shoot.

I"ve just gotta figger out some way to pay for the other Bisley.................

Cholla Hill Tirador · January 13, 2016, 02:50:11 PM

Congrats on your find and at a great buy. Now you just an original '73 to go with it.

There's just something about the old ones that make them more interesting than the new reproductions, of which I own several. I was bitten by the Bisley bug a couple of years ago when my elderly uncle asked me to go through his 1901 Bisley and fix what ailed it. Now there are two in my safe.

CHT

Good Troy · January 13, 2016, 03:33:59 PM

Wow...nice! I look forward to seeing these in action!
I plan to be at WHC this Saturday, pending good (dry) weather.

Blackpowder Burn · January 13, 2016, 08:46:33 PM

Cholla Hill,

I've also been fortunate to pick up 2 original '73's the past couple of years, both in 38 WCF. One is in absolutely mint condition, you'd swear it was new.

Also have 2 Colt Calvalry's (one converted to Artillery model).

Life has been good the past couple of years

Blackpowder Burn · January 13, 2016, 08:48:18 PM

Troy,

If I get home from my trip in time, I'm going to try to come to Willow Hole. Keeping my fingers crossed. Just need to load a few more rounds of ammo to have enough 32 WCF to shoot the match - thus the need to get home early enough to do so.

Good Troy · January 14, 2016, 07:49:49 AM

Have a safe trip BPB, and hopefully you'll get some reloading done, too.
I will probably be reloading between stages....I may shoot my Remmie C&B's for the first time in a match.
My favorite wife bought me a pair of Pietta Colt 1860's, but I've sent them off to have some work done on them, so it will be another month or so before I can use them.

Blackpowder Burn · January 17, 2016, 09:18:01 PM

Troy,

Where were ya'? I was there!

The Winchester and Bisley shot great!

Good Troy · January 18, 2016, 01:38:39 PM

Ummm....being lazy.
I got in a good range session on Friday, and after cleaing the guns I decided to pass.
I was supposed to spend time with Miss Red, but I ended up reloading some BP plastic hulls for my 12 ga, and some 45-70.
I did eventually get out around 3 pm and go shopping with her...in the rain...
I'm glad you got a chance to shoot them, and had a good time.