The Colt Bisley was introduced in 1894 as a target pistol. The name Bisley came from the famous firing range in Bisley, England.[18] The Colt Bisley can be distinguished by the longer grip, the wider hammer spur, and the wider trigger.[18] The distinguishing feature of the Bisley Target Model is the topstrap, which is flat and fitted with a sliding rear sight, adjustable for windage only.[18] The front sight is a removable blade, which fits into the slotted base attached to the barrel. The revolvers were supplied with different blades for elevation.[18]

The Bisley mainspring is longer than the SAA mainspring, and the two are not interchangeable; it is attached to the hammer with a stirrup via a forked upper end. The serial numbers are stamped on the frame, the backstrap and the trigger-guard at the end of production, with tiny dies.[19]

Bisleys were serial-numbered in the range of 156300–331916, in the same sequence as the Single Action Army.[18] All Bisleys after No. 161,376 had "BISLEY MODEL" with the caliber stamped on the left side of the barrel, which is rare for older Colt revolvers.[18] The most common calibers were .32-20, .38-40, .45 Colt, .44-40, .41 Colt, and the British calibers .450 Eley and .455 Eley.[18] A total number of 44,350 were manufactured. Production of the Bisley was terminated in 1912, but serial No. 331916 was shipped after the First World War.[18] Most Bisley Standard Model Revolvers shipped to a United States address were not used for target shooting, but for self-defense, because the grip and hammer were ideal for fast shooting.
This gun was made with a 4 3/4 inch barrel and chambered in 32-20 caliber. Gun is tight with four clicks and strong rifling. Original Blued finish at 70%. All numbers match on the revolver and will make an excellent shooting addition to your Colt collection.Colt Archives letter ordered, and goes with gun. Bisley # 284520 ,a .32/20 caliber, 4 ¾” barrel, blue finish, and stocks not listed. It was shipped on October 11, 1906 and was part of a shipment of 5 guns of the same type to our good friends Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri (im sure they need no introduction to you).