Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .32-20 Winchester WCF Revolver 1899 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2100

LSB#: 210402AD01

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 187720

Year of Manufacture: 1899 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (W.C.F.)

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 “32 W.C.F.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN 19. 75.” and with a circled rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “187720”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “187 / 720”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “491”. The hammer slot is marked “7”.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The blade has been slotted with a copper insert pinned in place. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips have some discoloration from age and handling, but little in the way of wear and no notable damage. The grips are notably shy to the frame at the bottom, less shy along the backstrap and well fit to the frontstrap. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light-moderate erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with most of the balance being edge-wear, minor surface oxidation and operational wear. There is erosion under the finish scattered throughout. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fair-Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The hammer does not engage half-cock properly. When the hammer is pulled back to full cock, it typically does not fully rotate the cylinder into lock, but the hammer has excessive over-travel and if pulled all the way to the rear will properly lock up the cylinder. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light-moderate play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing. 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: None.

Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army revolver is the iconic sidearm of the cowboy, lawman, and outlaw. This example is a 1st Generation SAA made in 1899. Chambered in .32-20, it would have made a great sidearm to go along with a Winchester rifle chambered for the same cartridge. This example shows its age and will need a little work before it functions properly. This would be a nice candidate for restoration and will yield a classic American revolver. Please see our photos and good luck!