Colt Single Action Army SAA 3rd Gen Sheriff’s Model .44-40/.44 Special 1980
SOLD FOR: $2000
LSB#: 211116TC03
Make: Colt
Model: Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA41201
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 “SA41201”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “SA41201” under the grips. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “0”, the right front is marked “Z”. The front face of each cylinder is marked “1201”, the rear faces are marked “44-40” and “44S”, respectively. The outside of the cylinders are marked “44-40” and “44 SPL.”, respectively.
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 walnut panels. The right panel has a small nick at the grip screw escutcheon. Otherwise, the grips show only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
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 light marks on the outside of the loading gate (concealed when in the display case). Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very little 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, a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The interior of the display case is cut for the spare cylinder. The display case has only hints of handling and storage wear. The box has some scattered minor storage wear, mostly at edges and corners. A key for the display case is included as well as a photocopy of an Abercrombie & Fitch sales receipt from 1981 with the revolver’s serial number.
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 original nickel finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling and strong mechanics. It comes with 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!