1st Generation Colt Single Action Army SAA 7 1/2″ .45 Revolver 1886 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2526
LSB#: 230914LM052
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 117792
Year of Manufacture: 1886 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt, Black Powder
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber American Eagle panels. The interior of each grip is hand-scribed with a non-matching serial number. The grips have even handling wear. There is a ding at the bottom-front of the right panel. There are a few other scattered light marks. The checkering shows wear, but is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as Antique and not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well-defined rifling. There is scattered light-moderate erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its metal finish. The frame is mostly polished or worn to white. The barrel has finish wear at the muzzle and there is wear along the ejector housing. The grip areas show handling wear and discoloration from oxidation. There is some scattered minor surface erosion. There are scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks around some screw-heads. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with little play on each chamber. The cylinder bushing was removable, but is seized in place. We were not able to remove the bushing. We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television (and still does, today). This example retains fairly good mechanics (the hammer will drop from half-cock), a decent bore for a revolver that would have seen use with black powder 140 years ago, and has matching serialized parts including the grip.
This revolver is a commercial Single Action Army made in 1886. The revolver has been refinished, so it looks great for its age, showing honest wear. The bore is in decent shape and the mechanics are spot-on with the exception of the cylinder bushing, which is seized in place. Ever wonder why the original SAAs had removable cylinder bushings? That’s why. It still functions just fine. Any of the 1st Generation Single Action Army revolvers are collectible, and this example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
