USFA U.S. Firearms USA Single Action Army SAA Blue .38 Special Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2230
LSB#: 210630BW54
Make: U.S. Firearms (USFA)
Model: Reproduction Single Action Army
Serial Number: 23442
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 2004
Caliber: .38 Colt & .38 Special
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT AND / S&W SPECIAL”, “38”, the top is marked “U.S.F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / ” JULY.2-72. / “ JAN.19-75.”, the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard and the bottom of the trigger guard are marked with the serial number “23442”, the butt is marked “23 / 442”. The rear of the frame, the rear face of the loading gate and the left of each portion of the grip frame have assembly number “973”. The assembly number is also hand-scribed on the inside of each grip panel. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “442”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber grips with “US” in oval at their tops. The grips show no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the original grips are in Excellent condition.
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 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor scuffs and scratches. There are a few small spots of very minor oxidation. The outside of the cylinder has some minor turn-wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Cylinder lockup produces no play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The firing pin is conical and there is no window in the loading gate at the hinge, indicative of US-made parts. 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 two-piece cardboard USFA box with black exterior, green interior, serial-matching label, and a blue cloth USFA pouch. The box has minor storage wear, 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 the absolute closest to a Colt you can get without a pony on the side. This USFA has a blue and case color finish with a 5 1/2″ barrel, chambered for the .38 Colt or Special cartridges. It is in Fine-Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in its serial-matching USFA box than out. This gorgeous revolver will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!