Colt 3rd Generation Single Action Army 7 1/2″ SAA .45 Revolver & Box, 1979
SOLD FOR: $2725
LSB#: 230401WL002
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA14081
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
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 & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The right panel has a thin crack in the rear edge toward the bottom. Otherwise, the grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
The original black rubber American Eagle grips are included. The original grips show little in the way of handling wear, retaining sharp checkering and good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the original grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered tiny marks. The cylinder shows just a hint of turn-wear. The screw heads are generally sharp, the grip screw is tool marked with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with barely perceptible play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. 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 maroon cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, manual and “stop-sign” hang-tag.
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 .357 Magnum came along by the end of 1976 and various others would be introduced.
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 Excellent condition, appearing to have seen little handling and little if any firing. It has been equipped with a set of attractive stag grips, giving it a distinct appearance, but the original grips are also included should you prefer them. With a 7 1/2″ barrel and chambered for .45 Colt, this is the classic Single Action Army in the classic SAA cartridge. Please see our photos and good luck!
