Colt 2nd Gen Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4″ Nickel .45 LC Revolver, 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3325
LSB#: 220119RH001
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 65428SA
Year of Manufacture: 1973, ATF C&R (https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/undefined/curios-and-relics-list-2018/download)
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 “65428SA”. The front and back strap are both marked “65428SA” on the left side. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “D”, at the rear with a “P”. The front of the cylinder is marked “428”, the rear is marked with a rampant colt. The rear face of the frame, under the grip, and the rear of the loading gate each have assembly number “971”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
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 and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels with gold colored Colt medallions. There are only a few scattered minor 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 in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The cylinder has minor turn-wear, mostly in the lead-in grooves. There is some minor cloudiness in the backstrap’s finish. There is some scattered dried grease from the factory plastic sleeve. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber. The bushing is removable. 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 faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam insert and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The box has scattered wear with fraying and short tears at the edges and corners.
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, and this example comes from that second generation.
This revolver comes from 1973, fairly late in the 2nd generation, and is also rather scarce as it has a factory nickel finish with accompanying smooth walnut grips. The revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition with a great bore, strong mechanics and the vast majority of its original finish remaining. The gun is chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge and its 4 3/4″ barrel has always been popular for its fast handling. The gun comes with its original box, making it a great addition for collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!