Colt 3rd Generation Single Action Army SAA 7 1/2″ Blue .45 LC Revolver 1977
SOLD FOR: $1951
LSB#: 210920RF16
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: 87190SA
Year of Manufacture: 1977 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN. 19,75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “87190SA”. The front and back strap are both marked “87190SA” on their left side. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with an incomplete inspection mark. The front of the cylinder is marked “7190”. The inside of each grip panel has “87190” hand-scribed.
Barrel Length: 7 ½”
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 checkered black hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops and American eagles at their bottoms. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There is good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in light wear and minor oxidation on the fronstrap, including some under the grips. The cylinder has faint turn-wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a wood grain cardboard Colt box with two-piece styrofoam inserts and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The box has heavy wear, missing all of its flaps and ears, serving only as a sleeve for the styrofoam.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 ¾”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber. Grips on nickeled guns were walnut, with Colt’s Rampant Colt medallions.
The changes were incorporated in an effort by Colt to keep prices down. One new change was a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing instead of the removable ones used in 1st and 2nd Generation cylinders. Also, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which also necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. And for some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrel’s threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for these new ones. Toward the end of 2nd Generation production Colt had begun using some investment cast parts, but the frames continued to be forged. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, but .357 Magnum came along by the end of 1976. (MIKE “DUKE” VENTURINO)
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1977, this revolver was made early in the 3rd Generation’s production and is in Fine condition. It retains about 90% of its metal finish, a great bore and strong mechanics.
This is going to be popular with collectors and would make a fine revolver to pass down through the generations.
Please see our photos and good luck!