Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Nickel 4 3/4″ .44 Special Revolver 1979

SOLD FOR: $3024

LSB#: 220930DS016

Make: Colt

MoDel: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial#: SA28243

Year of Manufacture: 1979

Caliber: .44 Special

Action Type: Single-Action Revolver with a Six-Round Side-Loaded Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT.19.1871 / JULY 2.72 JAN. 19.75” adjacent to the Rampant Colt Logo. The bottom of the frame is marked “SA28243”, found again on the left of each portion of the grip frame. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “8243”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “K” and “VP” in triangle, the right is marked “Z”.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4?

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the top-strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip is one-piece smooth bone. The grip has minor handling wear with some discoloration and some grain lines on the bottom faces. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor scuffs and scratches which do not go through the finish. There are some scattered cloudy spots, mostly on the right of the barrel and on the ejector housing. The cylinder has one small spot of erosion through the finish. The action shows light operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with barely perceptible play on each chamber. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

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 1979, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition, appearing to have seen limited and responsible use. With a 4 3/4″ barrel, nickel finish and chambered for .44 Special, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a classic cartridge, as well as being a fairly scarce configuration. It has also been equipped with an attractive bone grip which sets off the finish nicely. The pistol’s scarce configuration 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!

Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Nickel 4 3/4" .44 Special Revolver 1979
Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Nickel 4 3/4″ .44 Special Revolver 1979