Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4″ .44-40 WCF Revolver, 1982
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
WOA#: WY240415EH122
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation, Factory Engraved.
Serial Number: SA56816
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .44-40 WCF
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 44-40”. 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, the left side of the upper and lower grip frame straps (under the left grip) are marked “SA56816”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “6816”, the rear face “44-40”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP”, the right rear “K”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-circle blade. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black synthetic with rampant colt at the top and American Eagle at the bottom. There is some light scuffing on the bottom face of each panel. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined, there is good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has barely perceptible play on each chamber. The trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. 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 3/4”, 5 1/2” and 7 1/2”, 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.
Produced in 1982, this is a beautiful Colt Single Action Army chambered for Winchester’s popular .44-40 cartridge. While typically designated the “Frontier Six-Shooter” in this chambering, this example is marked “SINGLE ACTION ARMY” on the barrel, instead. The revolver is in Excellent condition, showing signs of little, if any use. This is a great firearm to add to any collection in America. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
