Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Blue 5 1/2″ .44 Special Revolver, 1980
SOLD FOR: $1,875.00
WOA#: WY240603KN110
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA30493
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL”. 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 “SA30493”. The front and back strap are both marked “SA30493” on the left side. The inside of each grip panel has “30493” hand-scribed. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “K”, there is a “Z” marked on the right of the trigger guard. The front of the cylinder is marked “0493”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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 and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the tops and American Eagle at the bottom. The grips have a few minor marks in the bolsters around the screw escutcheons. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in minor surface oxidation on the frame and backstrap, most notable on the right flat below the cylinder. There is a little wear on the top of the front sight. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with very minor play 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 other chamberings would soon follow, including .44 Special.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1980, this revolver is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen little, if any use. With a 5 1/2″ barrel and chambered for .44 Special, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a classic cartridge. The pistol’s configuration and chambering is quite suitable for addition to a collection, but is also something that could be carried as a hunting sidearm or used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
