Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Nickel 7 1/2″ .45 LC Revolver, MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $2380
LSB#: 220131HE004
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA03714
Year of Manufacture: 1978
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 “SA03714”. The front and back strap are both marked “SA03714” on the left side. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “K”, there is a “7” marked on the right of the trigger guard. The front of the cylinder is marked “S3714”. The inside of each grip panel has “03714” hand-written.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
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. The left panel has some light tool marks around the grip screw escutcheon and the right panel has a couple of light nicks around its escutcheon. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine 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 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has very faint turn-wear. There is infrequent and quite minor swirling. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with very little play on each chamber. 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: There is an orange “stop-sign” hang-tag on the trigger guard.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of 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.
Some 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. Additionally, 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 other chamberings would soon follow, including .44 Special.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1978, this revolver is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen little use. With a 7 1/2″ barrel, nickel finish and chambered for the original .45 Colt cartridge, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a classic cartridge. The pistol’s high condition and nickel finish will make it suitable for addition to a collection, but it should also make for a fun shooter that will draw some eyes at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!