SBH Bisley

[jimbo1096]

A friend just showed me his SBH Bisley, and it has gold highlighting in the rollmarked non-fluted cylinder, in the ser# and model nomenclature as well as the warning on the barrel. Ser# is 85-518xx that shows as 1986 manufacture. He says his wife bought it for his as a present NIB 15 years ago and he has not changed anything. It also has the most outstanding dark grained wood grips I've ever personally seen on a factory Ruger.
Did these SBHs come from Ruger like this or is it a special release? Any suggestions on value for insurance purposes? I tried to talk him into selling to me, like any good friend would, but he just keeps everything he finds!
Thanks for any info.

 

[flatgate]

The gun exhibits the common features on those models EXCEPT for the gold filled lettering.

Strictly aftermarket/local shop/local "engraving" shop, etc.

flatgate

 

[jimbo1096]

What I thought too. Any value estimates? Probably 98% with only a faint turn line. Gun has less that a box of cartridges fired.

 

[bisleyfan41]

Like flatgate said, someone outside Ruger did the Bonanza Gold treatment.

MSRP is $683.
Street ~ $550 new.
Blue Book $530 for 100%
$410 for 98%

Thousands made and still being produced.
You can go from there.

 

[jimbo1096]

Thanks!