Colt Single Action Army SAA 3rd Gen Sheriff’s Model .44-40/.44 Special 1980
SOLD FOR: $1450
LSB#: 210608HT06
Make: Colt
Model: Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA40248
Year of Manufacture: 1980, ATF C&R
Caliber: Cylinders are included for .44 Special and .44-40 Winchester (WCF)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL”, the top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, the right is marked “COLT S.A.A. 44 CAL.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN. 19,75” and with a rampant colt. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “SA40248”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “SA40248” under the grips. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “K”, the right front is marked “H”. The front face of each cylinder is marked “0248”, the rear faces are marked “44-40” and “44S”, respectively. The outside of the cylinders are marked “44-40” and “44 SPL.”, respectively. On the front face of the .44 Special cylinder, the “2” is stamped over a “1”.
Barrel Length: 3”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth, faux-ivory panels. The right panel has some stubborn residue at the bottom-front. Otherwise, the grips show only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The holes for the indexing stud are a little bit over-sized, and the grips have minor play to the frame. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks and the frame has a patch of minor oxidation on the left near the screws. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with almost no play on each of the chambers on each cylinder. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a glass-lid wood presentation case with cream-colored felt-lined french-fit interior. The interior of the display case is cut for the spare cylinder. The display case has some light wear on the exterior and minor wear and oil residue on the interior, in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Model 1873, the Single Action Army, is the “gun that won the west”, perhaps the most iconic handgun of all time. For nearly 150 years, the gun has been produced in a variety of configurations, finishes and calibers. This revolver is a beauty to behold and one of the finest single action revolvers ever produced. It is a Colt Sheriff’s model in Excellent condition with 98% of its blue and case color finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling and strong mechanics. It comes in a beautiful glass-lidded display case, fit for both the revolver and its additional cylinder. With a 3″ barrel, no ejector rod assembly, and cylinders chambered for the classic .44-40 Winchester and the more modern .44 Special cartridges, this is a classy revolver from muzzle to butt. A factory Colt with this gun’s features is going to take a prized place in a Colt collection, especially one in this high condition. Please see our photos and good luck!