Engraved Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .357 Magnum Revolver, MFD 1982
SOLD FOR: $1825
LSB#: 220317MG004
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA61960
Year of Manufacture: 1982 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .357 MAGNUM”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN.19,75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “SA61960”. The front and back strap are both marked “SA61960” on the left side. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “P”, there is an “A” marked on the right of the trigger guard. The front of the cylinder is marked “1960”. The barrel, cylinder and grip frame have decorative engraving through the finish. Some markings, including most of the engraving, have been filled with a silver color.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Eagle Grips stag panels. The right panel has a light scratch above the screw hole. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
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 the bore.
Overall Condition: Discounting the engraving, which was cut through the finish, this handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The frame retains strong case color, perhaps slightly muted with evidence of faint oxidation on the right below the cylinder which has been scrubbed out. The barrel has finish wear on the left at the muzzle and there is wear on the front edge of the ejector housing. The grips areas have infrequent, very faint surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear including light turn-wear on the cylinder. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly and quite smoothly. At the least, the mainspring has been filed down, resulting in a light hammer pull. The cylinder locks up with minor rotational play and barely perceptible end-shake on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 ¾”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.
Some changes were incorporated in an effort by Colt to keep prices down. One new change was a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing instead of the removable ones used in 1st and 2nd Generation cylinders. Also, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which also necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. And for some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrel’s threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for these new ones. Toward the end of 2nd Generation production Colt had begun using some investment cast parts, but the frames continued to be forged. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, but .357 Magnum came along by the end of 1976.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1982, this revolver is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen responsible use. With a 4 3/4″ barrel and chambered for .357 Magnum, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a more modern magnum cartridge. The revolver has been engraved and a set of stag grips installed, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance. This revolver is suitable for addition to a collection, but is also something that would make for a fancy BBQ gun or could be used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck!