1894 Cattleman Bisley

The Colt Bisley was officially introduced in 1894 as a specialized evolution of the Colt Single Action Army model, specifically designed to dominate the target shooting circuits of the late nineteenth century. Its name was a tribute to the prestigious National Rifle Association of Great Britain's shooting range at Bisley, England, where Colt revolvers had already established a formidable reputation. By the 1890s, marksmanship had become a refined sport, and shooters demanded a more ergonomic platform than the standard "plow-handle" of the Single Action Army. Production spanned from 1894 until 1912, with a total of approximately 44,350 units manufactured, representing a significant but distinct portion of Colt’s single-action output.

The Bisley is a six-shot, single-action revolver that maintains the rugged internal mechanics of the 1873 model but features a radically different exterior profile. It is defined by its high-swept, elongated grip frame, a remarkably wide and low-profile hammer spur, and a wider trigger. These modifications were intended to lower the shooter's center of gravity and allow the thumb to cock the hammer without significantly shifting the firing grip. It was produced in nearly every standard caliber of the day, most notably .45 Colt, .44-40, and .32-20, with barrel lengths ranging from 4.75 to 7.5 inches.

In civil contexts, while designed for the target range, the Bisley found surprising popularity among frontiersmen in the American Southwest and Northern Mexico. Many lawmen and "shootists" preferred its unique hang in the hand for defensive use. 

Despite its "love it or hate it" aesthetic, modern users appreciate the model for its "pointability," as the steep grip angle helps align the sights naturally for many marksmen, with a reduced felt muzzle flip.