Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .45 Colt 7 1/2″ Revolver, 1988
SOLD FOR: $3,213.99
LSB#: LSB251003GL026
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA71506
Year of Manufacture: 1988 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Colt
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 .45”. 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 a triangle at the front. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “SA71506”. The ivory grips are marked with the serial number of “71506”. There is a partial matching serial number on the face of the cylinder of “506”. There is a caliber marking of “45” on the rear face of the 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 square notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This revolver is constructed on a black powder frame with a “bullseye” ejector head. The grips are a set of two-piece Ivory with rampant colt medallions. There is minimal handling wear on the grips but there are stains from rust that developed on the grip frame underneath the grips. There is good detail in the Colt medallions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent 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 revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. Unfortunately, there is some rust that has developed during storage on the inside of the grip frame and bled over to the ivory grips.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: This Colt revolver appears to be unfired outside of factory testing. 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 box and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army Third Generation continues the legacy of one of the most iconic revolver designs in American history, and examples produced around 1990 reflect a period when Colt emphasized traditional configurations paired with high-quality modern finishes. Among SAA barrel lengths, the 7 1/2 inch configuration holds particular historical significance, as it was the original barrel length offered when the Single Action Army was introduced in 1873. Often referred to as the “Cavalry length,” the long barrel provides a distinctive profile, extended sight radius, and excellent balance, closely evoking the revolver’s nineteenth-century military and frontier origins.
This 1988 Third Generation example is chambered in .45 Colt and fitted with the full 7 1/2 inch barrel, a configuration far less commonly encountered than the shorter 4 3/4 inch and 5 1/2 inch variants. Finished in factory nickel, the revolver presents in outstanding overall condition. The bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a full 10 out of 10. Approximately 97 percent of the original finish remains, with no cylinder turn line and no carbon rings present. There is some rust that developed during storage on the interior of the grip frame, which has lightly transferred staining to the ivory grips, but the exterior metal surfaces remain clean with no notable dings or handling marks. Markings are crisp and legible throughout, and screw heads remain sharp.
The revolver is fitted with two-piece ivory grips bearing Rampant Colt medallions, serial numbered to the gun. The grips show minimal handling wear, retain strong medallion detail, and are free of chips or cracks, rating in Excellent condition despite the noted staining. Mechanically, the revolver appears unfired beyond factory testing, with tight lockup, a strong hammer spring, and a crisp trigger pull. Accompanied by its Colt factory box and paperwork, this Single Action Army stands as a striking Third Generation example that highlights the classic 7 1/2 inch barrel configuration, combining historical authenticity, visual presence, and excellent overall condition in a highly desirable modern Colt revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!
BF
