Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .45 Colt. 4 3/4″ Revolver, Custom Shop

SOLD FOR: $3,713.99

LSB#: LSB251006JW011

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SA93776

Year of Manufacture: 1990 / 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 triangle at the front and “O” at the rear. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “SA93776”.  

Barrel Length: 4 3/4″

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 set of Rosewood grips from Eagle Grip Co.  The box label from the Custom Shop states “smooth Rosewood stock” but it is unclear if the grips were an aftermarket addition or if the Colt Custom Shop sourced them from Eagle.  Overall, the grips are in Excellent, like new condition.

Type of Finish: Mirror Brite Blue with Case Hardened frame.

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 appears to be unfired since factory testing and there appears to be little or no handling wear. 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, Like New condition.

Mechanics: Due to the high condition, we have elected not to operate the action, but will guarantee it functions properly.  This Colt revolver appears to be unfired outside of factory testing.  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 from the Colt Custom shop and paperwork.

Our Assessment: This Colt Single Action Army Third Generation Custom Shop revolver represents the upper tier of Colt’s modern production, where traditional design was paired with premium finishing and careful assembly intended for collectors rather than routine use. By 1990, the Colt Custom Shop was producing limited, highly refined Single Action Army revolvers that emphasized superior polish, vivid case colors, and historically faithful details. These Custom Shop SAAs stand apart from standard production examples for their finish quality and overall presentation, making them especially desirable within the Third Generation lineup.

This example is chambered in .45 Colt and fitted with the highly desirable 4 3/4 inch barrel, a configuration long favored for its balance and classic proportions. The revolver is finished in Colt’s Mirror Brite Blue with a case-hardened frame and presents in exceptional, like-new 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 handling marks. The bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a full 10 out of 10. All markings remain crisp and well defined, and the screw heads are sharp and undisturbed.

The revolver is fitted with smooth rosewood grips identified on the Custom Shop box label as “smooth Rosewood stock.” While it is unclear whether these grips were sourced directly by the Colt Custom Shop or added subsequently, they are high-quality, period-correct grips and remain in excellent, like-new condition. Due to the revolver’s outstanding preservation, the action was not cycled, though proper function is guaranteed. Accompanied by its Colt Custom Shop factory box and paperwork, this revolver stands as a near-mint Third Generation Custom Shop Single Action Army, combining a premium finish, classic barrel length, and exceptional condition. It represents an outstanding opportunity for collectors seeking a top-tier modern Colt with strong visual appeal and Custom Shop provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!

BF