Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA .38-40 WCF Revolver, 1921 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2701
LSB#: 230914LM035
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 342560
Year of Manufacture: 1921 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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 checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips have fairly even handling wear with some light nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has finish wear on the left at the muzzle and there is wear along the ejector housing. The grip areas are mostly worn to white. The frame has mostly muted, but there is some good case color in protected areas. There are scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. Some worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces light play on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing. 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: 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). Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today!
This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1921. It is in about Very Good condition, showing honest wear for its age. While it’s more than 100 years old, it retains a pretty good bore and strong mechanics. It is chambered for the .38-40 WCF cartridge and is a fairly late example for this chambering, though Winchester was still making 1892s chambered for the cartridge at that time. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
