Colt Single Action Army SAA 3rd Gen Sheriff’s Model .44-40/.44 Special 1980
SOLD FOR: $1676
LSB#: 211025HE03
Make: Colt
Model: Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA40491
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 “SA40491”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “SA40491” 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 “B”. The front face of each cylinder is marked “0491”, 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 left panel has a tiny loss at the bottom-front corner and a ding at the bottom-rear. There are a few other scattered minor marks. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine 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 in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The .44 Special cylinder has some thinning at the leading edges. The frame has some voids in the finish on the right flat at the bottom-rear and there are a few other scattered minor marks in the otherwise strong case color. The right of the trigger guard has a couple of nicks, the more notable one just below the frame. The backstrap has a few minor marks and there’s a spot of faint oxidation toward the bottom. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinders lock up with very little play on each of the chambers. 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 faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam inserts and manual. The box has scattered storage wear with fraying and short tears at edges and corners. The interior of the ears have been reinforced with tape.
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 Fine-Plus condition with 97% of its original metal finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling and strong mechanics. It comes with its original box and an additional serial-matching 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!