Only 1,000 First Model Sporting Rifles were manufactured per the chart on page 182 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson. Of those, he lists 300 with 27 inch barrels like this rifle. This design was patented by Colt on March 3, 1857, but they were already in production in 1856. This rifle features a combination globe and blade front sight, the two-line patent and address marking on top of the octagonal breech section of the barrel, a notch and folding ladder rear sight, the distinctive patented oiler and cleaning rod on the left side, the deer and hunter roll-scene and "COLT PATENT/SPORTING RIFLE" marking on the cylinder, the double spur trigger guard, and a nicely figured rifle buttstock. Matching serial numbers were located on the barrel, oiler, cylinder, frame, trigger guard tang, and buttplate.

Fine with 50% plus original blue finish, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, mild pitting mainly on the cylinder, and general mild scratches and marks. The revarnished stock is also very fine and has nice figure and a few shallow dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive example of one of the rare Colt percussion firearms.