Custom 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army SAA 5.5” .357 Revolver 1911

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00

LSB#: LSB251112TA008

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number:  319291

Year of Manufacture: 1911 / C&R

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded 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 .357 MAGNUM”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt logo. The trigger guard is unmarked.  The bottom of the frame is marked “319291”  

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”. The barrel is a later vintage Colt barrel.

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 replacement two-piece Eagle Grip stag with age wear. There are minor chips at the top of the right grip. There are scratches, scuffs and discoloration from age. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue barrel, cylinder & hammer, old nickeled frame, Chromed replacement trigger guard.

Finish Originality:  Refinished trigger guard and grip frame. The rest of the finish is original, however, all parts other than the frame have been replaced. 

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined.  There is slight erosion in the bore and stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This is a completely custom revolver built on a 1st generation Colt frame. This revolver retains about 30-50% of its metal finish on respective parts. The trigger guard and backstrap are a replacements that has been chromed. The backstrap appears to be cast. The barrel and cylinder are not original. The loading gate, ejector housing, and hammer are replacements. The cylinder has recessed chambers. The frame is worn to white with pitting. The cylinder has a heavy turn line and loss of finish on the leading edges and cylinder stops. The screw heads are sharp or lightly tool marked with serviceable. The action shows operational wear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fair condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with light play on each chamber.  We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army is one of the most iconic handguns in American history, and this example, manufactured in 1911, falls squarely within the late prewar production period of the original SAA run. By this time, the Single Action Army had already cemented its legacy as a defining sidearm of the American West, having served military, law enforcement, and civilian roles for decades. Production in the early 20th century reflects Colt’s continued commitment to the design even as double action revolvers and semi automatic pistols were beginning to reshape the handgun landscape.

This revolver shows the complex life history often encountered with working Colt SAAs. The finish is a mix of original and altered components, including a blued barrel, cylinder, and hammer, an older nickel plated frame that has since frosted and pitted, and a chromed replacement trigger guard. The cylinder displays a pronounced turn line and edge wear, consistent with long term use. The bore remains bright with well defined rifling, though light erosion and stubborn fouling are present, earning a 7 out of 10 rating. Overall metal finish retention varies by component, ranging roughly from 30 to 50 percent, with markings remaining clear and legible.

The revolver is fitted with non original two piece antler grips showing age wear, light chipping, and discoloration, adding visual character while underscoring the gun’s non factory configuration. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and light play at lockup on each chamber. As a Curio and Relic eligible 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army, this revolver stands as an authentic survivor from Colt’s original production era, carrying both historical weight and the unmistakable presence that has defined the SAA for more than a century. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF