Colt 2nd Gen. Single Action Army 5 1/2″ .45 Colt SAA Revolver, MFD 1970 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,175.00

LSB#: LSB250902JM001

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation

Serial Number: 57652SA

Year of Manufacture: 1970 / C&R

Caliber: .45 Colt

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 “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt logo. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle at the front and “V” at the rear. The right of the trigger guard is marked “P”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “57652SA”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with a rampant colt logo. 

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

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 one-piece smooth ivory replacement grips. The ivory has age cracks but the grips are solid and pleasant looking aged ivory. Overall, the grips are in Very Good 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 9/10. 

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no handling or operation wear. There is no notable turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces barely perceptible play on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder’s bushing is separate from the cylinder. 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: The expiration of Smith & Wesson’s patent on the bored-through cylinder in 1869 led Colt to introduce the revolutionary M-1873 Single Action Army, which soon earned the moniker the “Peacemaker”, “Equalizer”, and “gun that won the West”. Carried by soldiers, cowboys, ranchers, rustlers, lawmen, and outlaws alike, the Colt SAA quickly became synonymous with the untamed wilds of the American West. Manufactured from 1873-1941, the Single Action Army was discontinued by Colt as they tooled up to provide guns for the war effort in WW2. Colt also believed that the design was obsolete, as swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century, and autoloaders were gaining in popularity. The SAA most likely would have never been made again if not for the “cowboy craze” of the 1950s. Demand for Colt SAAs skyrocketed, and led Colt to reintroduce this American classic in 1956, birthing the Second Generation Colt Single Action Army. Please see our photos and good luck with your bids.

-BF