Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 LC Revolver & Letter, MFD 2005
SOLD FOR: $5576
LSB#: 220927HE002
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: S38199A
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN 19. 75.” and a rampant colt. The bottom of the frame is marked “S38199A”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “618”. The front of the cylinder is marked “199”. The rear of the cylinder is marked “45”. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, receiver and grip frame have Class “B” standard level scroll decorative engraving. The grip panels have the rampant colt in an oval at their tops and American eagles at their bottoms.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black synthetic panels with rampant colt logos and eagle motif. There is no notable wear or damage, just light handling marks. The grips are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore is a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, just a few light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks in each position with no play. 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 with a serial matched Colt cardboard outer box, a two-piece blue Colt cardboard inner box, instruction manual with factory handouts, a locking device with keys, and a Colt Archives letter which indicates that this revolver originally shipped March, 23, 2005 to Lew Horton Distr. Company, Inc. in Westboro, Mass. as one of 4 guns of its type in the shipment.
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 nylon. Grips on nickeled guns were walnut, with Colt’s Rampant Colt medallions.
The 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 other calibers came along in time.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a nice one to add to any collection. Manufactured in 2005, this is an 3rd Generation, one of the first 1,000 to come off the new production line.
This is going to be popular with collectors and would make a fine revolver to pass down through the generations. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding! J. Ren
