Hudson Colt .45 SAA Bisley

Post by Garyforce

Hey hey
Welcome to the first of my reviews for the guns i own
ok..first up ....
THE HUDSON MODEL COLT BISLEY .45 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER
(pictured below)
Specs
Lenght: 23.5 cms / 9 1/4" (muzzle to butt)
Barrel: 10 cm / 4" (open)
Weight: 750g (approx)
Materials: Heavyweight abs, bakelite & zinc alloy
Grip: Plastic (wood grips are available)
Comments
First it has to be said that this revolver 'feels' right as soon as you pick it up the weight & the balance on this gun is perfect and the grip is comfortable.
Loading
Loading the bisley couldnt be simpler. The cartridges are .45 revolver carts taking a 7mm cap face up in the end. Having primed your six cartridges you flip open the loading gate on the right hand side of the cylinder and cock the hammer back till you hear a single 'click'. Holding the gun in your left hand only it is then a simple matter to rotate the cylinder and slide the cartridges in with the right. Next close the loading gate.
Firing
The hammer needs to be cocked all the way back (this would be two clicks). Once the hammer is in this position the cylinder will no longer rotate. now .... pull the trigger !
The bisley is loud and i was quite impressed. If you are using the MARUSHIN PFC CAPS then you will have a 'reasonable' amount of sparks leave the barrel, standard M.G. CAPS just give that equally loud bang !
Unlike other models of revolver the bisley will not allow you to 'keep pulling the trigger' if you want to fire a second shot and a third and so on ..... well......youve got to keep cocking that hammer ! :? this can be a bit frustrating .... or.. can be rewarding depending on how you feel. it does give you the opportunity to 'shoot from the hip' cowboy fashion 'smacking' the hammer back with your left hand and pulling the trigger as rapidly as you can (personally im not very quick hehehe )
Cleaning
The Bisley strips down just as simply. Removing the base pin allows you to remove the cylinder. A single screw releases the grip to wich you then unscrew and remove the back strap. From there your next task is the removal of the trigger gaurd, hammer and trigger mechanisms. As you remove the hammer & trigger its important (if not refering to instructions) to make note of how the parts of the hammer & trigger fit together ! and be warned ... putting them back together is a fiddley business ! :?
Next, clean and oil the gun using whatever cleaning solution / oil you prefer. (personally i would recommend marks cleaning technique of hot water, baking soda & vinegar)
Then once we are cleaned and oiled .... put it all back together ....and voila !
Over all
This is a cracking peice and a worth while addition to any collection Wood grips are available for this model and i would highly recommend investing in them (i havent got round to it yet but i will )
My only complaint about the Bisley is the fact that you have to keep cocking the hammer to fire the shot ! .i know this is the very point of this model but on occasion i do find it frustrating ..... though i will say it does depend on your mood it can be extremely satisfying hearing that really slow "click" of the barrel and cylinder before you pull the trigger.
I think marks out of ten are pretty vague ! .... but if i had to....i'd give this revolver an 8/10 .... a nice model gun and i'm glad i got it

Post by Mark

That's a neat revolver and a nice review Gary

So, you can't "fan" the hammer and hold down the trigger? That sounds weird, it must have a sear mechanism that is independent from the trigger kind of like a disconnector on a semi auto.

Well actually, i am not really suprised at the single fire only trigger as the Bisley was intended for trarget shooting not quick draw competition.

Again, nice review and keep them coming!
_________________
Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms