This Colt Single Action Army in the Bisley configuration is chambered in .38-40 with a 5.5-inch barrel and carries serial 303360. The finish is original: around 85 percent of the barrel blue remains, the frame holds dark case colors and the screws show very good fire blue. The very fine carved steer-head ivory grips sit slightly oversize at the backstrap. The gun is all matching and the action works well.

In Pennsylvania this is a collector's revolver and an occasional range gun, not a carry piece. The .38-40 chambering, the Bisley grip frame and the ivory grips put it in the display-case category for anyone building a Colt single-action collection. The state has no permit to purchase, no registration and no waiting period, so the paperwork is federal Form 4473 and the state Record of Sale at your dealer, followed by a PICS check. If it ever leaves your collection in a private sale, Pennsylvania requires the transfer to go through a licensed dealer or the county sheriff.

Key features

• .38-40 Colt Bisley Model, 5.5-inch barrel
• About 85 percent original barrel blue
• Dark case colors on frame, fire-blue screws
• Carved steer-head ivory grips
• All matching, action works well

It ships to a Pennsylvania FFL dealer, where you complete Form 4473 and the Record of Sale; you must be 21 or older to finish the transfer.