Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .44 Spl. 5 1/2″ Revolver, Mint 1980

SOLD FOR: $2,051.00

LSB#: LSB251006JW009

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SA27796

Year of Manufacture: 1980 / Modern

Caliber: .44 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 is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt logo. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle at the front and “K” at the rear. The right of the trigger guard is marked “Z”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “SA27796”. There is a partial matching serial number on the face of the cylinder of “7796”.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round 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 a set of two-piece rubber Eagle grips with a rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel and Eagle on the bottom. There is no perceivable handling wear on the grips. There is good detail in the Colt and Eagle motifs. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent, Like New condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

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 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This Colt revolver is in “Like New” condition and appears to be unfired outside of factory testing.  This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are no noticeable dings or marks on the finish, There are no carbon rings on the cylinder.  There is no turn line on the cylinder.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces no perceptible play.  The Hammer spring is tight and the trigger is crisp.  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: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory cardboard box.

Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army Third Generation reflects Colt’s successful continuation of its most iconic revolver into the modern era, preserving the classic lines and handling of the original design while benefiting from improved consistency in postwar production. Introduced in the late 1970s, Third Generation SAAs were produced in comparatively limited numbers and are increasingly appreciated for their quality of finish, strong materials, and faithful adherence to traditional Single Action Army features. Chamberings such as .44 Special hold particular appeal, long favored by knowledgeable shooters and collectors for their accuracy, controllability, and historical association with classic Colt revolvers.

This 1980 example is chambered in .44 Special and fitted with the desirable 5 1/2 inch barrel, a configuration prized for its balance and versatility. Finished in factory nickel, the revolver presents in outstanding, near-mint condition. It appears unfired beyond factory testing and retains approximately 99 percent of its original finish, with no cylinder turn line, no carbon rings, and no visible dings or surface marks. The bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a full 10 out of 10. All markings are crisp and clear, and the screw heads remain sharp and undisturbed.

The revolver is fitted with two-piece rubber Eagle grips featuring Rampant Colt ovals and Eagle branding, all of which remain in excellent, like-new condition with no chips, cracks, or handling wear. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with tight lockup, a strong hammer spring, and a crisp trigger pull. Accompanied by its Colt factory cardboard box, this Single Action Army stands as a superb Third Generation example, combining a highly desirable .44 Special chambering, classic 5 1/2 inch barrel length, and exceptional overall condition. It represents an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking a near-new modern Colt that faithfully carries forward the legacy of the Single Action Army. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!

BF