Colt 2nd Generation Single Action Army SAA 5 1/2″ .45 LC Revolver, 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4023
LSB#: 210923SS70
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 32604SA
Year of Manufacture: 1960 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, the left is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt logo. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle at the front and “P” at the rear, the right of the trigger guard is marked “5”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “32604SA”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with a rampant colt logo. The front face of the cylinder is marked with “604”. The rear face of the frame (under the right grip panel) and the rear face of the loading gate are each marked with assembly number “473”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “604”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of a 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. The grips have a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs, but not notable damage. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp, and there is good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus 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 95% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges, but is generally strong throughout. There are some scattered light nicks and scuffs, most notable on the cylinder and edges of the front sight. The cylinder has scattered light turn-wear. The frame has scattered minor surface oxidation in otherwise strong case color. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces barely perceptible play side-to-side and no end-shake on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder’s bushing is separate from the cylinder. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the quintessential old west handgun, produced for more than a century, serving the U.S. Army as its sidearm from 1873 into the first world war and captivating audiences on the silver screen. The SAA was discontinued by Colt as it tooled up to provide for the WWII war effort, and it was thought by Colt that the design was obsolete, swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century and autoloaders were gaining in popularity. Then, with the advent of television and western programs such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and The Gene Autry Show, American interest in the guns that won the west was reborn. In 1956, Colt reintroduced the Single Action Army, this new production run now referred to as the 2nd Generation SAA’s. This example is from fairly early in the 2nd generation, 1960 and is chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge. Originally developed as a black powder cartridge, smokeless powder breathed new life into the cartridge, giving it comparable power to modern self-defense revolver cartridges as well as being suitable as a hunting sidearm. In Very Good-Fine condition, the revolver has light, honest wear, but retains a nice bore and strong mechanics. This would make a great addition to a Colt collection as one of the earlier second generations, but it will also make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!