Colt Single Action Army SAA .38 SPL 5.5″ SA Revolver, 1956 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,025.00

LSB#: LSB250727DW009

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, Second Generation

Serial Number: 8581SA

Year of Manufacture: 1956

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75”. The left side of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “8581”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “389”. The bottom of the frame is marked “8581SA”.

Barrel Length: 5.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece synthetic white panels. There are little to no handling marks. The right panel has a couple light compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about 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 this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 75% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate handling and storage wear. There is scratching on the barrel and cylinder. There is thinning in the blued parts and the case color is muted. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screws are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver is in Fair condition. (See Mechanics)

Mechanics: The action functions incorrectly. The safety function does not work, and will engage in any hammer position. Please see a certified gunsmith to get this fixed. We did not fire this revolver, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. 

Our Assessment: A solid example of Colt’s iconic Single Action Army in .38 Special, this 1956 Second-Generation piece presents well at a glance with original blue and case-colored surfaces and bright, sharp rifling (bore rated 9/10). The synthetic white grip panels are excellent with only light compression marks and no chips, and the screws and pins are serviceable. The metal shows moderate handling and storage wear with roughly 75% finish remaining; expect scattered scratches on the barrel and cylinder, some thinning to blue, a muted case color and a visible turn line on the cylinder. Mechanically the revolver requires attention: during our check the safety function was engaging in any hammer position and the action is not operating correctly. Because of that condition we recommend a certified gunsmith inspect and service the lockwork prior to any use. Please look at our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P