Colt 2nd Generation Single Action Army SAA 7 1/2″ .45 Revolver, 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,280.00
WOA#: WY240323WM021
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 15804SA
Year of Manufacture: 1957 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the grip frame are each marked “15804SA”. The rear of the cylinder is marked with a rampant colt. The front of the cylinder, the rear of the loading gate and the rear of the frame under the right grip are each marked with assembly number “892”.
Barrel Length: 7 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 two-piece faux pearl panels with black wood backing. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is finish wear at the muzzle on the left. There is some scattered light wear on the outside of the cylinder. There is a little minor oxidation on the frame and in the grip straps. There is some oxidation on the grip frame under the grips. There is some wear on the front of the trigger guard. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces minor 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 Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the quintessential old west handgun, produced for more than a century, serving the U.S. Army as its sidearm from 1873 into the first world war and captivating audiences on the silver screen. The SAA was discontinued by Colt as it tooled up to provide for the WWII war effort, and it was thought by Colt that the design was obsolete, swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century and autoloaders were gaining in popularity.
Then, with the advent of television and western programs such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and The Gene Autry Show, American interest in the guns that won the west was reborn. In 1956, Colt reintroduced the Single Action Army, this new production run now referred to as the 2nd Generation SAA’s, and this example comes from the second year of production.
The revolver is in Very Good condition with a great bore, strong mechanics and much of its original finish remaining. The gun is chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge and its 7 1/2″ barrel makes for a potent and accurate revolver. As an early Second Generation gun, it will certainly be of interest to collectors, but it should also prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
