Colt Third 3rd Gen SAA Single Action Army 5.5″ .45 SA Revolver, 2014 w/ Box

Sold for $2380.99

LSB#: 220909AM002

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: S63368A

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 2014

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 “S63368A”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “S63368A” under the grip. The left rear of the trigger guard is marked with a “Y”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “368” and the rear “45”. The rear of the loading gate is marked “368”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed with “388”.

Barrel Length: 5 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 & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top and American Eagle at the bottom of each panel. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp and there is good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored

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 case coloring has slightly muted. There is a spot of minor wear on the left of the barrel at the muzzle. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The case color is vibrant. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. This revolver’s cylinder has a removable bushing. The lockup produces very little play on all six 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:

-Blue plastic Colt case with serial-matching label

-Assortment of factory paperwork including manual

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. And 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 others would soon follow.

Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured around 2014, this revolver is chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge with a 5 1/2″ barrel and the classic blue & case color finish. This revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition, appearing to have seen little and responsible use. It is also interesting to note that the cylinder has a removable bushing, a feature reintroduced on some more recent 3rd Gen SAA revolvers. This makes it more than suitable for addition to a collection, but it would also make an attractive “BBQ Gun” or could be used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck!